Children and Young People Round-Up, Summer Term Highlights
As we close out the summer term, we’re reflecting on a season filled with creativity, connection, and confidence-building for the children and young people we support across our partner schools.
A Vibrant Half-Term at the CHEXS Holiday Club
During the May half-term, our team delivered another dynamic and inclusive CHEXS Holiday Club, offering children a chance to learn, grow, and have fun in a safe and welcoming space.
Running every school break, our Holiday Clubs provide a valuable opportunity for children to:
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Build friendships and social skills
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Boost self-confidence and self-esteem
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Stay active through sports and outdoor play
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Express themselves creatively
Whether it’s flying kites in the sunshine or crafting origami indoors, every session is designed to encourage positive experiences and lifelong memories. From football and rounders to dream catchers and willow hearts, our activities help children thrive.
A huge thank you to our passionate team who make these sessions so impactful.
Empowering Through Anti-Bullying and Kindness
Throughout the term, our team has continued to deliver essential Anti-Bullying workshops in schools, focusing on the emotional impact of bullying and the importance of kindness.
Through open discussion, roleplay, and real-life examples, students are encouraged to take on our “One Act of Kindness a Day” challenge, reminding us all that small, thoughtful actions can help build a stronger, more caring school community.
Celebrating Success with Our Growth Programme
This term’s Family Fun Day was the perfect way to celebrate the incredible journey of our young people enrolled in the CHEXS Growth Programme. Each participant received a certificate recognising their personal development, with many of them also proudly wearing their achievement pin badges.
These certificates aren’t just paper, they represent months of hard work, personal growth, and commitment to building resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills.
One of the day’s most memorable highlights was the group tackling an above-water ropes course. Supporting each other every step of the way, it was a powerful moment of teamwork, courage, and shared success.
We’re incredibly proud of the progress these young people have made, and the positive feedback speaks volumes.
Intergenerational Connections: Old & Young Together
We were thrilled to launch our new intergenerational project that brings children from the Growth Programme together with older adults in our community.
Visiting local centres such as Cuffley Community Centre, Cedar Lodge, Emmanuel Lodge, and Blackwood Court, the young people shared stories, played games, and got stuck into gardening and crafts with older residents.
These sessions sparked meaningful conversations and built genuine connections. The joy and mutual respect shared was heart-warming:
“They were a breath of fresh air!” – Age UK representative
“Best day ever… they were proud of us and kind to us.” – Young Person
“We never had opportunities like this when we were at school.” – Senior
One particularly touching moment came when a young participant wrote a heartfelt letter to her new friend Pam, a beautiful reminder of the lasting bonds formed.
Our thanks go to the Worshipful Company of Gardeners, Shanley Foundation, and Ladbrokes Coral for supporting this work, and to our partners at Age UK, B3Living, and HILS for helping bring generations together.
Inspiring Future Innovators with Google and The Royal Institution
We also kicked off our exciting collaboration with Google and The Royal Institution, introducing Computer Science to primary-aged students in a fun and accessible way.
Our first taster session was a huge hit. Feedback from the children included:
“I’d give it a million out of ten!”
“Best workshop ever!”
With local sixth formers mentoring younger pupils, the sessions were a fantastic example of peer support in action. Full workshops will launch this autumn—and we can’t wait to see the impact this will have on digital skills and aspirations.
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up the school year and begin planning for September, we’re also looking forward to our Summer Holiday Club, delivered in partnership with the HAPpy Programme.
These sessions will provide a safe, fun, and supportive environment for children to stay active, get creative, make friends, and build confidence over the summer break, whether they’re returning to CHEXS or joining us for the first time.
Looking ahead to the new school year, our Children and Young People team are excited to continue delivering several important projects with new groups of children, including Aspirations, Transition, and Role Model programmes. Additionally, we will be launching a new Computer Science Training project in collaboration with Google and The Royal Institute, an exciting opportunity to inspire and develop digital skills among young people.
From building cross-generational friendships to boosting confidence through adventure and innovation, this term has been packed with proud moments. A heartfelt thank you to all the schools, partners, families, and funders who continue to support our mission.
Together, we’re building brighter futures, one child, one connection, one act of kindness at a time.
Meet the Team Behind the Magic!
Our dedicated Children and Young People Team brings expertise, passion, and commitment to every session. With vast experience in mentoring, education, and youth development, they ensure that every activity supports the young people’s growth and aspirations. Learn more about their incredible work and qualifications:
- Kerry Davies: Read More – With extensive experience in youth work and family support, Kerry is passionate about empowering young people to achieve their potential.
- Karen MH: Read More – A highly skilled practitioner, Karen brings a wealth of knowledge in emotional resilience and mentoring, helping young people develop confidence and leadership skills.
- Nicola Roberts: Read More – With a strong background in education and safeguarding, Nicola plays a pivotal role in delivering impactful and meaningful programmes that support young people’s well-being and personal growth.
- Jack Ferris: Read More – Is a qualified football coach who volunteers in youth football. Jack’s back ground is in education and he is trained following the Hertfordshire’s therapeutic thinking approach formally known as “Steps”.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the next half of the Growth Programme, we’re excited to:
- Starting our New Computer Science Program working closely with Google and The Royal Institute.
- Starting our Transition Program for Young People leaving primary school and starting secondary school.
- Summer Holiday Clubs delivered in partnership with the HAPpy Programme.
- Starting our projects scheduled to begin in September including Aspirations and Role Model.
- Meeting all of our new children enrolled on our Growth Program.
- Continue empowering young people through outdoor learning and leadership challenges.
- Provide tailored mentoring and emotional resilience coaching.
- Strengthen community connections through meaningful projects.
- Help young people develop life skills that will serve them beyond school.
- and most importantly – HAVE FUN!
Thank you to everyone who supports CHEXS…together, we’re making a real difference!
