During February half-term, we delivered a 3-day Face It programme and residential to a small group of our Young Influencers.
Uniquely, for Khulisa this programme took place outside of the traditional school setting, providing a fresh environment to engage with Sixth Form-aged young people. The connection the participants formed with the content was striking, and they engaged in self-reflection in a way that felt particularly significant at this stage of their development. The maturity and openness of the group created a space for deeper exploration of personal growth. – Porsha Robinson, Head of Programmes at Khulisa
One of the most powerful elements of the programme was the use of systemic techniques woven throughout the experience. Our programme managers skilfully applied relational risks, co-regulation, and reflective questioning, which made a significant impact on our young people. This thoughtful approach helped guide the group through both structured activities and more fluid, reflective moments. Creating a safe, trauma-informed space allowed participants to explore their emotions in a supportive environment, which led to real personal growth and deeper connections with themselves and each other.
Additionally, the programme integrated the neuro-sequential model, pacing the sessions to meet the young people where they were emotionally and cognitively. Techniques like body-based regulation activities and mindfulness were employed to keep the group engaged and provide space for reflection. This approach was particularly effective with an older group that was open to exploring their thoughts and feelings in a way that supported their emotional and cognitive development.
The feedback from the young people was overwhelmingly positive.
Many shared that they wouldn’t typically be referred to the programme due to their academic focus or because they show up to class with a positive attitude. However, they all expressed how necessary and beneficial the experience was.
“The fact that they were willing to dedicate three out of five days of their half-term to the programme speaks volumes about the trust they are beginning to place in us.” - Porsha Robinson, Head of Programmes at Khulisa
Looking ahead, Khulisa remains committed to offering impactful programmes that meet the unique needs of young people at critical stages in their development. The success of this residential marks another important milestone in that journey and we can’t wait to see where the rest of our Youth Voice programme takes us.