#2 Blog – Breaking Barriers
Peer-to-peer support, where children, parents, or carers provide encouragement and understanding in an open, non-judgmental way, creates a foundation for confidence and resilience. We all need different, inspiring journeys to grow and learn. When a team is built on kindness, passion, commitment, and genuine care, trust blossoms. With that trust, young people’s self-esteem and sense of belonging can truly start to flourish.
A Personal Story of Growth and Empathy
This summer, my son, who had achieved greater depth in his SATs and is a talented sportsman, attended a week-long PGL residential during his final term of Year 6. At home and in school, he had always been able to develop a strong sense of self-esteem, especially with primary learning often happening within the same familiar classroom. However, when he returned from PGL, he seemed a little down, not quite himself. After some gentle navigation around his feelings, it emerged that many of the PGL activities involved challenges he hadn’t encountered before, such as heights, confined spaces, or practical tasks he wasn’t prepared for. Seeing classmates excel in these areas left him feeling isolated and self-conscious, making this his first real experience of what some children face daily when the curriculum doesn’t align with their strengths.
Through our conversations, he began to see that these experiences were also a first for many classmates who had never had their unique strengths truly celebrated in the classroom. By recognising how his peers’ abilities shone in this new environment, he gained an appreciation for what each person brings to the table. It was a lesson in empathy and perspective, highlighting how peer support—acknowledging one another’s strengths—can create a powerful sense of belonging, purpose, and resilience. This experience reinforced for both of us why peer-to-peer support is so crucial. It reminds us all that every child’s strengths deserve space to be valued, creating a more inclusive, supportive environment for everyone to grow.
CHEXS’ Approach to Breaking Barriers
At CHEXS, our approach centres on creating meaningful opportunities for young people and their families to build confidence, resilience, and connections. Our CYP Team delivers the GROWTH programme, a 30-week structured programme of outdoor learning and coaching for young people aged 8-14 (Years 5-9). The young people referred to this programme are identified by their schools as having great potential but have not yet been able to showcase or develop their strengths, often due to limited opportunities at home or in the classroom.
The GROWTH programme is built around four pillars:
Meaning & Purpose, Resilience, Expectation, and Aspirations. It motivates young people, helps them achieve success, and re-engages them with school by boosting their self-esteem and confidence. Alongside this, we provide 1-2-1 support to parents to tackle the underlying causes of a child’s challenges, training for teachers, and peer-to-peer support groups for parents. Our family support team offers a listening ear and creates a safe space for parents to strengthen their relationships with their children and manage emotions and behaviours both at home and at school.
The Role of Outdoor Learning in Cognitive and Emotional Development
CHEXS’ outdoor learning approach aligns with growing evidence about the transformative power of green spaces for young people. Research has consistently shown that exposure to nature reduces behavioural problems, enhances cognitive development, and improves mental health. The Marmot Review (2010) highlighted how creating environments for healthier lives significantly reduces inequalities. You can explore the full report here.
Recent studies reinforce this:
- Barcelona (2015) found that schools with greater access to green spaces reported improved working memory and attentiveness in students.
- Belgium concluded that greener living areas could raise IQ scores, particularly for children starting at lower baselines, while boosting overall mental well-being.
- Norway showed that outdoor environments helped children enhance self-regulation, cognitive development, and reduced the need for medication for attention disorders.
At CHEXS, we see these principles in action through our GROWTH programme, which allows young people to connect with nature, build relationships with their peers, and overcome challenges in a supportive environment. By providing opportunities for them to manage emotions, solve problems, and work collaboratively, the programme supports their cognitive and emotional development while preparing them for life’s challenges.
Peer-to-Peer Support for Families
For parents and carers, peer-to-peer support is vital in breaking down barriers of isolation and fear of inadequacy. Shared experiences help families drop protective walls and engage in meaningful support networks. CHEXS’ family support creates spaces for parents to strengthen their own resilience while building their children’s self-esteem and confidence.
Building Bridges in the Face of Growing Inequalities
The Cost-of-Living Crisis and cuts to school budgets disproportionately affect low-income families. Children from financially insecure households lag behind peers by an average of 10 months in primary school and 19 months in secondary school.
CHEXS is committed to inclusive programmes that provide opportunities for children regardless of their financial circumstances. By partnering with local businesses, schools, and community organisations, we’re creating networks that help children and families thrive. Together, we’re creating a future where no child’s potential is limited by their circumstances.
A Simple Invitation
At the heart of CHEXS is a belief in the power of connection:
“Making a home is in our DNA.”
Life can feel overwhelming, but connection and support can help us regain balance.
Whether you are a young person or a parent and you ever feel lost, come over for a friendly chat and you’ll find a listening ear, a welcoming space, and a community that believes in you.
