Real Momentum: Ed’s Story
*The name in this story has been changed due to privacy. Ed is not the young persons real name. Photos used below are not of the young person in the story.
At the beginning of the term, Ed arrived as someone who preferred to stay on the edges of the room, quietly observing what was going on around him rather than stepping into it, more comfortable listening than speaking and relying on familiar strategies like headphones and word puzzles to manage the noise and movement of a new environment. He was thoughtful and highly capable, with strong problem solving skills, but like many young people, he didn’t yet see that in himself in a way that allowed him to confidently connect with others.
At TRACTION, that’s where the work begins. Not by asking young people to change, but by creating a space where they feel safe enough to show up as they are, try something new and begin to build trust in the people around them. Before the bikes even come into it, the focus is on connection, on shared activities, and on creating an environment where belonging comes first.
It didn’t take long for something to shift. Once Ed stepped into the workshop and began working with his hands, his confidence started to show in a different way. With tools in hand and a clear task in front of him, he was focused, capable and completely engaged, demonstrating a natural ability for mechanical work and a strong attention to detail. Through scraping, sanding and rebuilding parts, he began to build not just technical skills but a growing sense of competence, taking pride in what he was creating and becoming more comfortable accepting support from those around him.
As the weeks went on, the changes became more visible, not all at once, but in the small moments that build momentum over time. He began using his headphones less, joining conversations more often and sharing pieces of himself through discussions about music, games and things he enjoyed. What started as brief interactions grew into genuine connections, forming strong relationships with both a peer and a mentor, and gradually extending that comfort across the group.
One of the most significant turning points came during a team building activity where he stepped into the role of Team Leader. Ed quickly identified a solution to the challenge but, rather than rushing in, he waited until the group was ready to listen, showing patience and awareness of those around him. When he did speak, he communicated clearly and guided the group to success, experiencing firsthand what it felt like to be heard and followed. That moment mattered, not just because of the outcome, but because it shifted how he saw himself.
From there, his confidence continued to grow. He began taking more initiative in the workshop, supporting others with tasks, assisting mentors during group activities and even bringing his own creativity into the space by researching a painting technique and applying it to his bike design, before sharing it with others and leaving the materials behind for future groups to use. It was a simple act, but one that reflected something bigger, a growing sense of ownership, generosity and belief in his ability to contribute.
By the end of the term, the difference was clear. The young person who once stood quietly on the edges was now actively engaged, laughing with peers, participating in group discussions and confidently working alongside others. Ed had developed stronger relationships, increased his verbal participation and built both technical and leadership skills, but more importantly, he had begun to see himself differently, as someone capable, valued and able to take the lead.
The impact extended beyond the workshop, with feedback from his school noting an enormous change from before to after the program, reinforcing what we see time and time again, that when young people are given the right environment, the right support and the opportunity to experience success, the outcomes are real and lasting.
In recognition of this growth, Ed has been invited to return not just as a participant, but as a student mentor, stepping into a role where he can support others at the beginning of their journey, just as he was supported at the start of his. It is a powerful reflection of how far he has come and a reminder that confidence, connection and momentum are not fixed traits, but things that can be built, one experience at a time, when young people are backed to realise what is possible.