Free2b Time started in January 2021 as a natural extension of the Free2b Girls Group in St Helens.
Free2b Time provides extra 1:1 or small group support for girls, aside from their regular Free2b Girls group. It’s for girls in the community who may require some extra assistance engaging with their peers, navigating challenges in their lives, accessing meaningful activities and who might benefit from spending time with someone they have developed trusted rapport through the Free2b Girls group. Free2b Time facilitates experiences and opportunities based on what the young women need or want at a particular time in their lives.
What do participants do during Free2b Time?
Go to a cafe for a chat
Go for a walk or a drive together
Support in obtaining learners licence
Support in applying for jobs
Help with school work
Support in going to the bank and managing finances
Food shopping
Facilitating social connections and engagement
Facilitating access to other support services e.g. warm referrals to mental health support.
Free2b Time also provides support to parents and Free2b Time workers often help facilitate and support parent engagement.
Free2b Time is run by women who are familiar with the Free2b Approach To Youth And Community Engagementand who have had the opportunity to build rapport with the girls as volunteers at the Free2b Girls Group. This familiarity provides a natural progression of support, warm transfers to services and activities and ongoing connection and relationship building. Referrals to Free2b Time can be provided by community members, families, service providers and self-referrals are accepted as well, with parental consent.
