What Our Children and Young People Support Team Have Been Up To This Half Term!

This half term, the CHEXS Children and Young People Support Team have been hard at work, creating engaging and meaningful experiences that empower the young people in our community. Our new young members kicked off the term with a series of aspiration talks that gave them the chance to share their goals, dreams, and unique stories. Families joined in, too, through informative parent presentations, opening up discussions on how we can best support each child’s journey and growth.

CHEXS Transition Programme

Our Transition programme made a strong start in local secondary schools, helping students reflect on the big step into secondary education. Through goal-setting, team-building exercises, and peer support activities, students took their first strides with confidence and connection. This blend of reflection and collaboration set the stage for their success, making them feel equipped to handle the challenges of a new school environment.

CHEXS Role Model Project

The Role Model Project saw secondary students taking on leadership roles by visiting primary schools to work on collaborative, hands-on projects. Together, they created beautiful willow hearts and butterflies, developed a water play area, painted fences, and even cleared and prepared an allotment space. The teamwork displayed was remarkable, and both primary and secondary students came away with strengthened bonds, mutual respect, and a sense of accomplishment. One secondary student shared,

“I was actually really impressed how much work we got done. I got on so much better with the younger children than I originally thought; it made me more confident.”

Another added,

“It’s helping me with my confidence…I feel like I’m supporting them, and it’s making me a stronger person.”

CHEXS After School Leadership sessions

After school, we led leadership sessions that focused on building confidence and self-esteem through creative activities like LEGO-building challenges and team exercises. Children got the chance to experiment with leadership styles, explore their strengths, and build friendships. The coaching sessions also encouraged collaboration, as the young people learned more about each other through team games and fun “get to know you” activities.

Preparing for the year ahead, we outfitted all our students with fresh PPE and essential supplies, ready to take on new adventures safely, many thanks to TSL Projects for donating PPE and supplies for our GROWTH projects. Meetings with school leaders and head teachers allowed us to align our programs with the schools’ needs, ensuring that CHEXS continues to be an invaluable support.

Our Feedback

The impact of these experiences shines through in feedback from the families and young people involved. One parent shared,

“He was absolutely buzzing when he came out of school today, and I’m sure spending time with you contributed to this – he had such a great day, thank you!”

Another said,

“xxxx had such an amazing day. She’s going to love CHEXS; thank you for giving her this opportunity.”

A child summed it up beautifully:

“This morning, I told my mum I was so excited about today. I loved it, especially when we were planting and digging out the weeds!”

It’s clear that our initiatives this term have not only helping growth and confidence but have also helped our young people connect with others in ways that will last. We’re so grateful for the chance to watch them thrive, and we’re excited for the year ahead for our 2024-25 cohort.