Co-Design Workshop: Local Support – Co-Designing the Future
Exploring Collaboration That Matters: Thank You for Joining Our Co-Design Workshop
Location: CHEXS HQ, Waltham Cross
On Friday 11th July, CHEXS hosted an inspiring Co-Design Workshop at Theobalds Enterprise Centre, bringing together a passionate group of professionals from across education, health, housing, business, and the voluntary sector. Our shared goal? To strengthen the local support network for children, young people, and families in Broxbourne and beyond.
This wasn’t just a meeting – it was a space for action. Together, we challenged traditional structures, shared real experiences, and co-created practical solutions to make services more connected, responsive, and meaningful.
A Moment That Mattered: Richard’s Story
One of the most moving moments of the session came from Richard, a former CHEXS participant who joined our GROWTH Programme over 10 years ago. In a powerful speech, he shared his personal journey from living in a hostel to becoming a senior engineer on London’s Elizabeth Line.
His story reminded us why this work matters, and the difference community-led support can make in someone’s life.
What We Explored Together
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We explored new ways to connect services and build trust across sectors.
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We discussed wraparound support models, intergenerational projects, and better access to mentoring and work experience.
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We recognised the importance of early intervention, life skills, and local voices in shaping meaningful support.
Who Took Part
Thank you to all our attendees for your insight, experience, and passion:
Kristy Thakur – Adult Care Services, Joanne Aves – Health Improvement Lead, Public Health (Children & Young People), Sharon Barbour – Peabody, Jack Smits – Ashbourne Insurance, Michael Blake – Google, Dr Roger Green – Goldsmiths, Mark Hanna – Age UK, Mrs Alison Atkinson – Brookland Infants, Michael McKay – Holdbrook, Kirsty Maxwell – Burleigh, Karen Lawrence – Goffs Academy, Jacqui White – Goffs Churchgate, Michelle Matthews – Goffs Oak, Sarah Baker – Flamstead End, Alison Sawkins – Flamstead End, Tina Powell – Strategic Partnerships & Specialist Services, Tony Gorton – Chair of Trustees, CHEXS, Simone KC, Liz Allum, Pete Maiden – CHEXS
Your contribution helped shape a more joined-up, community-led vision for support in our area.
Next Steps: What’s Coming Next
The momentum is just beginning. We’re now developing pilot projects based on your ideas and feedback, including:
1. Work Experience Networking Event
Connecting local businesses with students to open up meaningful placement opportunities.
2. “Get Life Ready” Programme
A new life skills course helping young people and families prepare for adulthood – from budgeting to CV writing.
3. Intergenerational Projects Toolkit
A digital resource in development to help communities replicate successful cross-generational initiatives.
4. Sponsored Mentoring Programme
Matching local mentors with young people needing guidance, confidence, and direction.
5. “School Food Matters” – Nourish Hertfordshire Trial
School-based programmes to improve healthy eating and tackle food poverty.
6. Broxbourne Community Week
A week-long community celebration linking schools, services, and families across Broxbourne.
7. Local Directory & Content Hub
Creating an accessible platform to showcase local services, inspiring stories, and practical support.
What’s Next:
Following these exciting ideas, the next steps are to begin piloting key projects, starting with the Work Experience and Get Life Ready programmes. Leads and working groups will be assigned to each initiative, and planning is already underway for a local Networking Business Event to support both the work experience and mentoring strands. We’re also exploring collaboration with the ‘Food Action’ charity as part of efforts to tackle food poverty through school-based initiatives.
Save the Date: Our Next Co-Design Session
📅 Monday 6th October 2025
📍 Theobalds Enterprise Centre, Waltham Cross
⏰ 10:00am
We’ll be building on the ideas you shared, assigning project leads, and moving into action. We hope to see you there!
Once again, thank you to everyone who contributed. Your passion and commitment inspire us all.
Let’s Keep Building Together
At CHEXS, we believe in collaboration that creates real, lasting change. Thank you again to everyone who joined us – your voice is shaping the future of local support.
If you have questions, ideas, or would like to be involved in one of the pilot projects, get in touch with us here.
Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community.
