Case Study: COVEY

6th November 2024

COVEY have been supporting young people in Lanarkshire experiencing difficulties in their lives since 1992. They provide 1-1 and group-based befriending, mentoring and family support, with consistent relationship-based support that centres the individual’s needs, interests and hopes.

Their case study tells the story of young carer, Ruaridh, who got involved with their COVEY Connect group.

Life outside my responsibilities

Ruaridh is 10 and a young carer for his little sister who has an undiagnosed neurological disorder. Having recently moved, Ruaridh was experiencing social isolation and in need of an opportunity to engage with his community and explore new friendships. COVEY Connect was a great match for him.

“I like how we get to go on outings. It’s really fun and it helps me meet new friends. It’s better now because I can socialise and I can get out more.”

Being part of COVEY Connect gives Ruaridh breaks from the responsibilities of his home life and allows him the freedom to explore who he is outside of these pressures.

“It’s definitely better to be at the group. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to get any breaks from my little sister and it would be a lot harder. I wouldn’t have any of the friends that I have. I feel a lot happier about myself and I’m a lot better.”

Looking to the future

Engaging with the group has helped Ruaridh understand his passions and develop personal goals for his future. A recent outing to the Science Centre in Glasgow reignited his love of archaeology and biology and he spoke enthusiastically of his aspirations to work with animals, particularly tarantulas and scorpions!

Whilst Ruaridh enjoys some much needed respite from his caring responsibilities at home, he still enjoys the opportunity to apply these skills within the group. Some members have additional needs and Ruaridh regularly shows his caring nature when engaging with them.

“At home I was used to helping my little sister, so when I came to COVEY Connect, I was able to put those skills to good use. I would say that it’s a really nice place. The staff members are great, they’re lovely, they’re kind. They make things so much better for me and they make you feel good about yourself.”