Leaders Like Us Principle 4: Support young people as whole people who have lives and needs beyond the programme

Holistic support for young people recognises that life outside a programme affects participation and leadership development. Principle 4 of Leaders Like Us explores how caring roles, education, work, travel, health and other pressures can make taking part difficult, even when young people are interested.

This resource offers practical ways to notice barriers early, agree preferred contact routes and build a simple support network around each young person. It includes lower-pressure participation options, caring follow-up after missed sessions and adjustments that feel like a normal part of delivery. It also highlights the importance of visible, up-to-date local signposting and protecting privacy by asking only for personal information needed to offer support.

Use the examples, suggested actions and signs of progress to review how support works across your programme. Delivery staff are not clinicians: their role is to notice, listen, support and signpost, with clear routes for help that do not depend on one staff member.