If you’re a young person in the Scarborough area who has struggled in mainstream education, signing up for a basic Maths and English course at Futureworks NY might seem like a small step. But in reality, it’s so much more.
Futureworks NY integrates the Young Person’s version of SIGNAL, an innovative, fun-to-use self-assessment tool co-designed by students, into their approach. This transforms what might initially appear as a traditional classroom environment into an experience centred on the unique needs and priorities of each young person.
Lucas’ Story
When Lucas Hollingsworth first came to Futureworks NY, he was battling severe anxiety. The post-Covid world made returning to school overwhelming, and then he faced the devastating loss of his mother. He found himself “in a very dark place.”
Five months later, We had the privilege of interviewing both Lucas and his tutor, Lee Sutton, to understand their experiences with SIGNAL and Futureworks NY. The socially isolated young man who had taken a brave step to join Futureworks NY was nowhere to be seen. Instead, I met a personable, confident young man who could speak openly about his journey, his growth, and his ambitions for the future.
Lucas’s transformation was remarkable—moving from profound tragedy, extreme isolation, and struggles with basic writing skills to becoming socially engaged and making significant academic progress. But how did he get there?
SIGNAL as a Turning Point
Crossing the threshold at Futureworks NY set Lucas on the right path. He found himself in a welcoming, non-compulsory learning environment where he could progress at his own pace. A key moment in his journey was being introduced to SIGNAL. The tool gave him a structured way to reflect on his life and identify his personal priorities.
Despite finding it difficult, Lucas committed to improving his social interactions. He recorded this as a priority on his SIGNAL Lifemap, alongside improving his literacy skills and learning how to budget.
Tracking Progress and Building Agency
Five months later, his second Lifemap showed remarkable progress. He had overcome his feelings of isolation and had successfully developed ‘good friendship groups.’
Beyond his social growth, Lucas had made tangible academic strides—his Lifemap recorded a shift from red to green in ‘I can read and write in English’ and ‘I have a budget.’ In short, Lucas wasn’t just learning Maths and English—he was developing confidence, resilience, and agency over his own future.
Today, he is flourishing in Futureworks NY’s supportive environment and dreams of pursuing his passion for nature and countryside living.
The Role of Supportive Mentors
Lucas has been guided by Lee Sutton, a dedicated tutor with a background in football coaching and teaching Maths and English in both a football academy and a special needs college.
Lee, who is relatively new to Futureworks NY, also shared his perspective on how SIGNAL has supported both his students and his own approach to teaching: “As a new member of the team, discovering that Futureworks NY was using SIGNAL helped me break the ice. It’s a great tool for opening up conversations.”
Lee embraces the flexibility to design activities based on the priorities young people highlight in their SIGNAL Lifemaps—whether it’s organising gym visits to improve fitness, arranging day trips to nurture friendships, or setting up an art class to support self-expression.
Why SIGNAL Works
“As a tutor, it’s relatively easy to help students gain their Maths & English certificates,” Lee explains. “But qualifications alone aren’t enough. Without confidence, they won’t take the next step in life or get a job. It’s important to help them believe: ‘I can do this.’ SIGNAL reinforces this by allowing them to visualise their progress.”
Transformation Through Agency
Lucas’ story exemplifies what SIGNAL is all about—transformation through agency. By empowering young people to identify and act on their priorities, SIGNAL helps them make meaningful progress in ways that extend far beyond traditional education.
Share Your Experience
We’d love to hear more stories like Lucas’s. If you’re using SIGNAL, share your experiences and case studies with us. Your insights can help shape the future of self-directed learning and support for young people facing challenges.
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