WHAT WE OFFER
Smash Life is creative in its approach to reaching the children and young people that we work with. By bringing activities such as sport, music, games, walks and trips to our services, we have found that they are a very powerful way to engage and help us to achieve overall positive results for the young people. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive in this area with the young people enjoying and looking forward to their sessions. As a further and practical addition, we now also offer an NOCN accreditation which can be completed alongside our mentoring service!
We offer a wide selection services, from various support services and training to keynote speeches and inspirational talks. More details about each service can be found below as well as a dedicated page that provides comprehensive details about our inspirational talks and training.
Feedback
Below are reactions to our service and keynote speaking from some of our recent clients and young people!
“…really looks forward to her sessions which is such a transformation – when ….has something to think about ….opens up with us here which is such a relief and …also feels reassured about things on her mind knowing ….can talk it over with Matt”
“Andy has a fresh delivery style to bring home the stark reality of young people in crisis and dwelling on his past experiences he provides many ideas on helping young people to get on the right path to make the best life choices they can. He is an inspiration to young people everywhere who are daunted by the challenges life brings them.”
“Our young people really value time with Matt. It’s their space. Their time. Time to express how they feel. Time not to be judged or made to conform. Time to be themselves”
“I just want to say a massive thank you to Andy for the support I have been given. I can always know that no matter what mood I am in I will always come out of the session smiling. More people should be like this looking out for others.”
“Thank you for coming along and sharing your story with us all. Such a heartfelt speech that moved everyone in the room, and lots of really important information to take away.”
“These remarkable brothers suffered long term abuse, humiliation, degradation and shame at the hands of those entrusted with their care. Their life story is one of courage, resilience and determination.. Their promise to use yesterday and their commitment to each other today, is to be the change for children that they should have experienced. If you are looking for conference speakers, mentors for your children these chaps are going to be booked up very quickly after being invited for by the consortium for therapeutic communities to their first conference debut yesterday.”
“Andy has provided our most vulnerable students with support that they would not be able to access within school. His unique perspective on the issue experienced by LAC has enabled our students to feel secure, in particular during the stressful exam season. This is an excellent example of use of pupil premium funding.”
“Having heard Andy and Matt speak I was able to relate many of the things they said to me and to the young people I work with and could only hope the young people that I work with develop a tiny bit of insight that Andy and Matt have. Their talk and shared experiences show that young people do not need to be a victim of their past and hearing this first hand can only strengthen this belief with the young people they work with. The motivation, humour, honesty and frankness of the talk is moving and exhilarating. I felt a roller coaster of emotions listening but felt even more motivated to support the young people I work with. Since meeting Andy and Matt I have spoken to young people about them – shared their messages and views. Their words have stayed with me and I can relate their experiences to many different situations I come across in my role. I thought I knew a lot “looked after children” , care leavers, the system – but learnt more from this talk than any other course, training or from books.”
“It was really good, he was really cool and I enjoyed the talk because Matt was funny, down to earth and really relatable, not like some teachers who just talk down to you”.
“Just had the most inspirational speech from these lads. Absolutely amazing and they should be very proud of themselves and their achievements”
“Andy and Matt give so much to those they work with, they really are an inspiration to so many. Being able to relate to the young people they mentor through their shared life experiences gives the young people someone they can connect with openly. I would highly recommend Smash Life.”
“ Since I have seen you I am not arguing with the teachers, its good to know someone has been there and understands.”
“I was lucky to hear Andy and Matt present earlier this year and their story must be one that has resonated with me the most. Ever. It has informed our practice at Sandcastle Care and we now weave our therapeutic web into colleges and schools offering trauma informed care training even further. Thank you Andy. Thank you Matt.”
“What a breakthrough……he has told you more than he would’ve shared with carers or me on the first meeting”
“Incredible. Thank you for sharing your story and advice”
“A big thank you for helping so far on this absolute monumental journey I’ve been on: Anger, Emotions, and Positive vibes so again thank you so much”
OUR PARTNERS
We are proud to work alongside the Council’s, Schools, Businesses and Groups listed below.
WATCH THE ‘SMASH LIFE’ VIDEOS
View a selection of our video resources below. Many featuring songs written by ‘Smash Life’ Director: Matt Smith.
These resources are born out of personal experiences and have been made to specifically to help engagement with young people and children going through difficulties and trauma. The videos can be used for free, as conversation starting points or inspirational motivation.
You can visit our Youtube channel by clicking the icon below – please like and subscribe whilst you’re there!