MEDIA RELEASE

New book shares the voices of resilient children who found hope when no one else was listening

‘Are You Listening Now?' provides a voice and insight into the lives of some traumatised Dorset and Somerset young people who have turned their lives around thanks to the pioneering approach of farming based social enterprise Future Roots

The book funded by the community Lottery Fund and called Are You Listening Now? shares the voices of resilient children who found hope through Future Roots at Rylands Farm in Dorset.  In their own words, these young individuals reveal the challenges they faced and the power of being truly listened to. The book highlights their struggles and successes, showing how a caring, natural environment supported them in turning their lives around. Through their stories we begin to understand the importance of understanding and nurturing our most vulnerable youth. Future Roots is hoping the book will become a training tool that ambassadors can use when they talk to trainee children's workers and school teaching assistants in the future.

In a foreword written by Angus Campbell, Dorset's retiring Lord Lieutenant, he remarks, ‘These accounts of the thoughts of young people enable us to see more clearly what the message is behind the words and actions of those who are the victims of extreme circumstances. They should enable us to decipher the needs below the surface of these difficult lives and, hopefully, be able to recognise what they really mean and how to meet those needs and improve the life chances of these victims of circumstance and misunderstanding.

He continues, ‘It is all too easy to write off those that appear to be causing trouble, to exclude them from the normal run of education and development as ‘disruptive.' They can be extremely disruptive, but this book illustrates that, in so many cases, these lives can be turned around. Through understanding and a caring environment, they can become useful and fulfilled citizens. It does require us to ‘listen' to the real message behind their behaviour. Such young people can appear frightening and out of control. If not ‘rescued,' they are vulnerable to the malign influences of criminal adults and can easily be used as participants in crime through such influences.'

The book features eight stories, told in the children's own words, talking about the challenging times in their lives where they felt being listened to would have made the difference. We hear a mix of stories from young girls and boys whose environment has trapped them, both mentally and physically, into a dead-end of rejection and violence, many of them victims of fear and circumstance.

We hear how the work of Rylands Farm, working with animals and nature and an atmosphere of mutual trust, has been proven to be an extremely positive influence. As Angus Campbell says, Future Roots enables many young people who are severely challenged by the circumstances of their lives to positively re-set their lives and improve their future. Future roots mentors have found Listening with Curiosity leads to compassion and hearing the true meaning behind words

At the book launch Edward Morello, MP for West Dorset, commented: ‘I hope this book will help others realise how vital groups like Future Roots are when it comes to helping young people facing obstacles in life to find purpose and peace.'  

Future Roots is now in the process of capturing new experiences in a second book which will be titled ‘Now that I have been heard' and is looking for sponsorship to enable publication.

‘Are You Listening Now?' is available for £6.99 and currently the book is available through the website www.futureroots.net. The enterprise is also hoping it will be stocked by local shops and social care/education and training outlets.

Picture captions: L-R: Ambassador co-ordinator and Mentor, Sonja Mogg together with Director and Founder of Future Roots, Julie Plumley with the new book Are You Listening Now?

Three Ambassadors for Future Roots whose stories appear in the book L-R Ollie, Jack and Jordan

Further information on Future Roots from: www.futureroots.net  or Tel: 01963 210703 or Email: info@futureroots.net .

Further press information, a review copy and high res images from Jane Adkins, A Head for PR Ltd, Tel: 01935 813114; Mob: 07960698089 or Email: jane@aheadforpr.co.uk