What is Abundant Life?

Part of Reality Youth Project, Abundant Life is a therapeutic schools project, training, equipping and resourcing you to deliver a range of 6 week courses in your local secondary schools. Our courses provide support to young people who are struggling with their mental and emotional health, especially those with low esteem esteem, poor anger management, resilience, loss and anxiety.

The courses are designed to be run in a group work setting, as students find others who are struggling like them and realise that they are not alone in their situation. The courses are very discussion based, where pupils have a voice and leave the sessions feeling like their opinion in valid and they are cared for.

“The training delivered for the Strong programme was clear, concise and easy to understand as a facilitator of the programme going forward for the children within our school. The training was engaging with lots of opportunities to discuss elements of the programme with ourselves in detail. The tasks were set up nicely as these were some of the same tasks we will be asking of the children so it was a nice touch to explore these beforehand. The plans and resources are easily accessible and already available to use, rather than having to make up a lot of them ourselves. We are excited to implement the programme next academic year and we want to thank Matt for all of his help and support with the introduction of the programme. Thank you very much.”
Deputy Head TeacherPrimary School

“I would highly recommend the Abundant Life training. The content takes staff through a grounding of the key knowledge and concepts of each subject area, helping them to reflect personally, before moving on to really clear guidance and practical examples of how to lead the courses. Matt’s training style is fun, informal and interactive, making it really accessible and enjoyable for all learners. The courses are perfect whether you’re just starting out or have been supporting young people for years.”
Secondary School Worker

“Abundant Life is a fantastic set of courses that journey alongside young people dealing with various different challenges in life. It uses a range of different activities, videos and discussions to explore different aspects, challenges or learning points in a fun a way. As someone who has lead groups on these topics for a number of years, Abundant Life is the best material I have come across to allow young people to both explore and grow in confidence and skills to help them with their challenges. For a course leader, the leaders manuals are well written, full of knowledge and make running a course smooth and simple. I would recommend Abundant Life courses to anyone looking to support young people and see them grow through their challenges.”
Secondary School Worker

“Our church has run the Tranquility Course in our local secondary school for three years now. We have used various grants to pay for staff and resources. It has been such an incredible experience for the students and has made a very real difference in how they feel. In a world which currently has a youth mental health crisis, the Tranquility Course has equipped the young people with tools to deal with anxiety for the years ahead. We are so grateful to have this resource and the school really appreciates our input!”
Church Leader

“The Abundant Life courses are brilliant! Easy to follow, accessible and relevant, packed with information, ideas and tools which will help young people to take ownership of their mental health and choices.”
Youth Worker

“A young man was referred onto an Abundant Life, Worth It Course, presenting as someone with high levels of anxiety and poor social skills. He had to be escorted to the course by a teacher, as he was too anxious to come on his own and we did not hear him speak at all for the first few sessions. However, during the course his confidence seemed to grow and he started to be willing to share, all be it quietly. By the end of the course he was having small conversations with staff and some of his peers on the course. He shared that the course had helped him grow in confidence and in his identity.”
Student

“Before taking part in the Mad Course, the student often got into fights, walked out of lessons and was known for being argumentative. Mad has helped her to understand her emotions behind these behaviours, and since completing the course she has been able to develop some more positive coping strategies. Her behaviour in school has improved dramatically.”
Student

“You have made me feel worthy. Thank you!”
Student

“The most important thing I’ve learned is progress looks different for everyone, personal boundaries are okay and I think more about what brings me peace and how positive affirmations are important for self-confidence. I will continue to practice positive affirmations and reflect on how situations make me feel. This course has been incredibly helpful and allowed me to express myself.”
Student

“This is the first time in a long time I haven’t been excluded and it’s been while I’ve been going this MAD course.”
Student

“This course has been the first time I have spoken about my loss and has helped me to express my feelings.”
Student