Skills Building Opportunities Benefit Young People in Holywell

A group of young people from Holywell has benefitted from a skills session called The Decider, an evidence-based cognitive behavioural strategy that helps individuals to manage emotions, reduce distress, and make positive choices. Skills +, who delivered the drop-in session, helped the young adults to explore opportunities which support emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, mindfulness and crisis survival.

Young residents at Llys Emlyn Williams, a supported living scheme in Holywell, have benefitted from an intervention session, which has helped them to understand how to manage their emotions in challenging circumstances. The Decider skills session was led by Action for Children’s Skills Plus + (North Wales) team.

The session explored practical techniques around sleep strategies, breathing exercises, grounding methods and stress management. By engaging in a variety of activities to support wellbeing, the participants were able to understand the benefits of making positive choices.

“It was fantastic to see the young people having fun, connecting with each other and learning practical tools they can use in everyday life.”

Lisa Hibberd

Action for Children

“The Decider drop in session was incredibly valuable to the young residents who attended. They were shown some excellent techniques to help with resilience and handling situations which arise in daily life. They also have the opportunity to work with a mentor to assist them with accessing educational courses and employment opportunities.”

Sean McManus

Manager at Llys Emlyn Williams

Six residents attended the session, which is rooted in evidence-based cognitive behavioural strategies, designed to help care experienced individuals. The practical and life skills enable the transition to happy, healthy adults. It is anticipated that The Decider sessions will be rolled out to other ClwydAlyn supported living schemes across North Wales.

Resident Amy said: “I really enjoyed the session and got a lot from it. The emotion biscuits were something that I would like to do again with the Llys Emlyn Williams staff.”

Resident Sean said: “The session was amazing.”

Resident Alex said: “We were shown a really helpful anger management technique. It involves looking for five things you can touch, five things you can see and five things you can hear; it’s to help with stabilising mood and I really liked it.”

To enquire about a Decider Skills session, contact the Action for Children Skills Plus + (North Wales Team), visit; Skills Plus + | North and Mid Wales | Action For Children

Referrals to Llys Emlyn Williams in Holywell can be made through Housing Support Services at Flintshire County Council.

To find details of ClwydAlyn’s supported living schemes across North Wales, visit: Supported Living – Clwydalyn

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