WHAT THEY SAY

What Our Members & Former Members Say About HDA

 “I started going to HDA’s sessions because my friend wouldn’t stop asking. The first few times I barely spoke, I just sat back and watched. One of the youth workers would check in quietly and not make it a big deal. After a few weeks I joined in with sport, then a creative session, and it got easier. I started turning up more because I knew it would be calm and no one would embarrass me. Over time I got confident enough to help set up and welcome new people. I’m not confident all the time, but HDA’s sessions gave me a place where I feel safe, and that’s helped everything else feel a bit easier.”

Young Person, Age 15

“I’ve met people here I wouldn’t have spoke to at school. It’s like everyone mixes.”
– Young person, 13

“Youth club is just good vibes. You can play pool or PS, or you can sit in the chill room and talk.”
– Young person, 11

“The staff are really friendly. If you’re having a tough day, they notice and check in with you.”
– Young person, 16

“Cooking club is my favourite because I get to help and then we all eat together.”

– Young Person, 10

“Music club is my favourite. I was nervous the first time in the studio, but now I can make my own track.”
– Young person, 15

“The gym sessions helped me a lot. I used to feel awkward in gyms, but here you can ask questions and people help.”
– Young person, 14

What Parents Say

“My child joined HDA’s sessions at a time when they were spending too much time indoors and not mixing much. What I noticed first was that they started looking forward to going out. They’d talk about small things like playing pool, helping with cooking, or just sitting with friends. The staff were friendly and made us feel welcome from the start. Over time I’ve seen more confidence and better routine. It’s been a positive space for them, and it gives me peace of mind.”

Parent of Child Aged 12

” child comes home happier after HDA sessions. They feel like they belong somewhere.”
– Parent/Carer

“The staff are approachable and respectful. If I ever have a question, they take time to talk things through.”
– Parent/Carer

“The gym sessions have been great for confidence. My child feels proud of their progress and it’s become a good routine.”
– Parent/Carer

“Music club has really brought my child out of their shell. They come home excited to show us what they’ve made.”

– Parent/Carer

“The trips and residentials have given my child experiences I couldn’t afford. They come back more independent.”
– Parent/Carer

“HDA activities being free makes a huge difference. It means my child can take part without us worrying about cost.”
– Parent/Carer

What Others Say

“I started volunteering with HDA because I wanted to give something back and build my confidence. I was nervous at first, but the staff explained everything clearly and eased me in. I helped with youth club sessions, activities, and sometimes trips. What I like is that young people have options. They can do sport, music, games, or just sit and talk if that’s what they need that day. I’ve learned a lot about communicating well, being consistent, and working as part of a team. Volunteering has made me feel part of the community and I’ve seen how much the sessions mean to young people.”

Volunteer

“HDA’s projects are well run and welcoming. Young people are treated with respect and it shows in how they engage.”

– Community partner

“The team build strong relationships with young people. That trust makes it easier to support them in other areas too.”

– School partner

“Volunteers are supported properly. You get guidance, you learn as you go, and you feel part of the team.”

– Volunteer

“Communication is clear and reliable, which makes working together easy.”

– Community partner