The Power of the Haven

The Power of Haven

Back in February a group of Year 11 students joined us at Loreto for a Haven Course, and it was clear that they were feeling very anxious. A quick poll of what was making them anxious saw exams, the future, school, and friendship as some of the main things. Step volunteers Jane and Manjit and I quickly bonded with them and each week we were determined to help teach them different ways to manage their anxiety.

Initially we were one large group of 13 students, but after three weeks we realized things weren’t working as well as they could, so we found a way to split the group and we relocated from a classroom to the cosy atmosphere of The Snug and ran two sessions back-to-back. It was a move that really helped things move forward. Suddenly we were able to connect with the students and the conversations deepened quickly.

Haven is a remarkable course that aims to help young people with life limiting anxiety by offering a range of tools to help them find better ways to manage their thoughts and actions.  I have run it in Loreto several times now, and each time I do, I marvel at how effective it is. It is such a special time with the young people, as they start to open to you and share what is going on in their minds with you. It is a privilege to hear what their thinking traps are, what they are struggling to overcome and then see them put into practice the tools they learn and realise that they are effective.

The Year 11 students at Loreto engaged so well with everything we offered them (including the delicious homemade cakes and little gifts at the end of each session!) and feedback from them has been extremely positive. One student commented that she had been on other mental health courses, and that Haven was the only one that offered her practical tools and showed her how to use them.

Manjit and Jane were amazing to work with too, generous, and wise in their words and actions towards all the students and Haven become one of my highlights each week. We were sad to see the girls leave, but we are looking forward to our reunion with them soon, where we will explore the importance of sleep with them!

If you know of any young people with problematic anxiety, that is hindering them from living the full life God has for them, we now offer Haven drop ins, once a month, in Harpenden and St Albans. More details here: https://www.thehaven.uk/events

Amy :)