Meet Leshay Lewis, a 9-year-old boy with autism and ADHD, making remarkable strides in his social interactions, confidence, and overall wellbeing, thanks to our BreakOut Holiday Camps.

Leshay Lewis, a lively 9-year-old boy, has been a participant in Bath Rugby Foundation's BreakOut programme at Castle Primary School in Keynsham since Christmas 2023. Leshay has autism and ADHD, and like many children with similar conditions, he faces unique challenges both at school and home. However, through his involvement with our BreakOut sessions, Leshay has made remarkable strides in his social interactions, confidence, and overall wellbeing.

Leshay's daily life comes with its own set of challenges. At home, he lives with his single mother, who is his primary caregiver. His mother receives a disability allowance and struggles to manage his needs on her own, making the BreakOut sessions a much-needed respite for her. Leshay finds school difficult, requiring 1:1 support, and he often resists tasks at home. However, at BreakOut, he has shown a willingness to participate, something that is a source of great pride for both him and his mother.

Leshay’s journey with us began at the Christmas BreakOut session, where he initially kept to himself, preferring to engage in solitary activities like colouring and playing with playdough. Over time, though, his confidence began to grow. He started engaging more with other participants and responding positively to the guidance provided by our team.

Ellie, one of our Community Coaches, has observed significant improvements in Leshay's behaviour and social skills. "His ability to listen to instruction and complete tasks has come on significantly since first attending BreakOut," Ellie shared. "We have noticed a big improvement in his ability to socialise with other participants and staff. This summer, he has started branching out and involving himself in other activities with other students, which is huge as he never used to interact when he first came to us."

One of the key factors in Leshay's progress is the sense of security and freedom he feels at BreakOut. Unlike the more structured environment of school, where he has constant 1:1 support, BreakOut offers him the opportunity to make choices about how he spends his time. This autonomy has allowed him to express himself in ways he hasn't been able to before.

The growth Leshay has shown is not only significant but also promising. This summer, Leshay expressed interest in joining our Hi5! Sports and Social Club. This is a huge step for him, reflecting his increasing confidence and readiness to explore new experiences. Both Leshay and his mother are eager for him to take this next step, and we at Bath Rugby Foundation are excited to continue supporting him on his journey.

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Leshay’s story is a testament to the impact that tailored support and a nurturing environment can have on a child’s development.

At Bath Rugby Foundation, we are committed to helping children like Leshay build confidence, learn new life skills, and create pathways to independence. 

We look forward to seeing him thrive as he joins our Hi5! Clubs.