Sometimes a story comes along that reminds us exactly why we do this work.

And we want to share one of those stories - a young person’s journey with BHVA that we feel genuinely honoured to have been part of.

This isn’t a story about learning a song or completing an art project.

It’s a story about finding a voice, rebuilding trust, and discovering the confidence to step back into the world as yourself.

And yes… we are so, so proud.

Where Their Journey Began

When this young person first came to us, they were accessing BHVA through EOTAS or Alternative Provision - a space for those who, for many reasons, cannot be in mainstream school right now.

These sessions use the creative arts as a way to mentor, stabilise, build confidence, and slowly open up new possibilities.

And in the early days, “closed” doesn’t even begin to cover it.

They barely spoke.

They wouldn’t share work.

Collaboration was a firm “no.”

Trust was non-existent - not just in us, but in themselves.

Every suggestion was met with pushback.

Every boundary was tested.

Every attempt at connection was met with caution or shutdown.

We weren’t offended.

We weren’t surprised.

And we didn’t go anywhere.

Instead, we showed up. Gently, consistently, week after week.

We sang when they wouldn’t.

We spoke when they couldn’t.

We explored colour theory, writing, music, and movement - all as ways to build the tiniest bridge between “I won’t” and “Maybe I could.”

And slowly - beautifully slowly - that happened.

One day, they accepted a suggestion.

Another day, they shared a tiny piece of work.

And we remember both coming out of our sessions saying:

“Guess what they did today!”

Not because we had done anything special…

…but because they chose to let that wall come down, even just a little.

That moment was magic.

Where They Are Now

Fast forward - and the change is nothing short of extraordinary.

This young person now:

• collaborates with us on singing, songwriting, and video creation

• builds stories, characters, games, and full design concepts

• experiments with chord progressions and backing tracks

• asks for opinions on their work

• accepts different interpretations without feeling misunderstood

• shares skills and knowledge with others

• works confidently with different members of staff

• has stepped into group sessions again - something they didn’t think possible

They’re not just creating anymore.

They’re leading their creative process.

They’re proud of their ideas.

They’re owning their strengths.

They’re stepping into rooms with people they don’t know and showing up as themselves.

If the early days were about protection, these days are about possibility.

The Real Story Behind the Art

People sometimes think students come to BHVA just to learn an instrument or perfect a performance.

And yes, they might sing a song, play piano, draw, act, dance, or make a film.

But underneath all of that?

• They learn to express themselves.

• They learn to problem-solve.

• They learn to take up space.

• They learn to trust their voice again.

Creative work is the tool.

Confidence is the outcome.

Ownership is the transformation.

And this young person has done all of it.

Why We’re So Proud

We always say:

Your Journey. Your Story.

To watch someone reclaim that - and begin writing the next chapter on their own terms - is a privilege we never take lightly.

We are proud of their courage.

We are proud of their growth.

We are proud of every tiny moment that built towards this bigger one.

And yes… we’re using the “P” word knowing they’ll hate it.

Because it’s true.

At the end of this year, they’ll move on.

That will be strange, and bittersweet, and wonderful - because it means they’re ready.

Ready to step forward.

Ready to be seen.

Ready to keep writing their story beyond BHVA.

And we cannot wait to see where they go.

If you’d like help, support, or guidance for a young person who needs a different way to learn, grow, and reconnect - BHVA is here.

Breaking Barriers.

Building Confidence.