Leon's story

‘I’d like to be in the Air Force, as a pilot or an engineer’

‘If I met someone like me who was getting angry, I’d tell them to keep calm, count to ten, and ask for some time out,’ says Leon (13) who knows what it’s like to find his anger bubbling over.

When Leon was about seven, his behaviour started going downhill. According to his mum ’…he started acting up in class, refusing to work and being disruptive. He has learning difficulties, and I think he was frustrated that he couldn’t do what was expected of him. By the time he was nine we’d reached breaking point.’

Social services were unable to help, but Leon’s school referred him to Action for Children Hillingdon Youth Inclusion and Support Project (YISP). Through YISP, Leon attended anger management and self-esteem building sessions, including a ‘cook-off’ and a trip to the Isle of Wight. Support from the project helped Leon regain his control and composure at school, and his behaviour rapidly improved.

Leon moved to secondary school when he was 11. After a few months, his behaviour began deteriorating again – he was truanting and being aggressive. His mum got back in touch with YISP and they agreed to do some more work with Leon.

Now, Leon’s behaviour is no longer a problem. He and his parents are still in touch with the project and he has signed up as an Air Cadet: ‘I’ve been flying in a training plane, and have been learning to shoot. I’d like to be in the Air Force – either as a pilot or an engineer.’

Action for Children’s Hillingdon YISP is aimed at young people at risk of offending. It helps reduce and prevent their involvement in street crime.