Dayne’s journey to youth empowerment with Longleigh
Posted on 1st October 2024
My name is Dayne Donegan, and I’ve spent the last fifteen years working with young people in various settings, from mainstream and residential schools to alternative provisions. My passion is helping young minds find their path, overcome challenges, and live the best life they can. When I read about Longleigh in a Stonewater newsletter, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to make a difference. I contacted Stonewater staff, who supported me throughout the application process for the Education, Training & Employment (ETE) Grant.
I started my career as a teaching assistant, working with children who had additional needs, including autism, ADHD, and special educational needs (SEN). But I always felt there was more I could do. I wanted to use my skills to make a real impact and Longleigh’s ETE Grant gave me that chance. With their support, I started my journey as a self-employed youth mentor, ready to make a difference.
Having the right equipment boosted my confidence, which in turn helped the young people I worked with feel more at ease. The grant wasn’t just financial support—it was a lifeline that allowed me to buy essential items like a laptop and sports equipment, which were fundamental in setting up my mentoring service. One morning, I smiled to myself and thought “I’m no longer building scratch, I’m building on a solid foundation”. The confidence I gained throughout this experience spread to the young people I mentored, and they knew they had someone who believed in them.
Starting out was tough though; it was more of a marathon than a sprint. Progress was slow at first, and I must admit, I did worry. Luckily, as word spread about my services, clients started coming in faster than I could manage alone. That’s when I knew I needed a team. So, I took the plunge and expanded cautiously. Today, I lead a team of five, operate from rented premises, and promote our services widely on social media.
Our focus is on kids who are struggling, those slipping through the cracks, and those at risk of entering the justice system. Over the past six months, we’ve helped countless children. One young person even returned to school full-time—a victory for them and for us. We always put the child’s best interests first, ensuring they find their way with a little help.
As we grow, so does our impact! I plan to expand our staff and secure more premises to meet the increasing demand for our services. Longleigh’s grant played an important role in this journey. Without the help from Longleigh, I wouldn’t be where I am now. It’s about biting the bullet and pushing forward. The equipment Longleigh provided was a game-changer for me and all that I have achieved so far.
Longleigh’s support wasn’t just a boost; it set the wheels in motion. I’m excited about the future and look forward to reaching even more young people.
You can find out more about Dayne’s Youth Mentoring services, please visit his website.
Would you like to share your story? If you have received a grant or service from us, sharing your story can help us raise more funds and help even more families.
