Start of the New Year
Over the past few weeks, the Children and Young People team has been busy delivering a range of engaging and meaningful activities to the children and young people they support across the community. Each session has focused on creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people feel encouraged to learn, take part and build positive relationships with peers and trusted adults.
Teamwork and Leadership
We have successfully launched our Stage 5 Teamwork and Leadership sessions, giving participants the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of essential life skills. Through practical challenges, group discussions and collaborative activities, young people have been strengthening confidence, communication and problem solving skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. The sessions allow participants to explore leadership styles, understand the value of teamwork and reflect on how their actions impact others.
Alongside this, the CYP team continues to deliver high quality activities aligned with the wider work of CHEXS, supporting emotional wellbeing, resilience and personal development. Young people are encouraged to set personal goals, celebrate achievements and recognise their own strengths while learning new skills that benefit them both in school and in everyday life. Our experienced practitioners ensure every activity is accessible, engaging and focused on building confidence and independence.
We are proud to see young people growing in confidence, forming friendships and developing skills that will support their future success within their communities.
New Team Lead for the Children and Young People Team
We are also delighted to welcome Claire, who has recently joined the team as our new CYP Lead. Claire has already made a very positive impact, bringing enthusiasm, expertise and a strong sense of leadership.
She is currently visiting our different projects, meeting the children and young people we support and spending time getting to know the wider team. This has allowed her to build positive relationships, understand each programme and gain a real feel for the work we do every day.
Her photo will also be added to the website very soon, so everyone can put a face to the name. We are excited to continue working alongside her and look forward to the valuable contributions she will make moving forward.
Community Habitat sessions
Our Community Habitat sessions remain well underway and continue to be a real highlight.
We were especially proud to welcome visits from the High Sheriff and Lord Lieutenant, who took the time to see first-hand the incredible work being carried out by our young people at Lea Valley.
During these visits, both the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire and the Lord Lieutenant spent time talking with the young people, joining in activities and celebrating their achievements in environmental care and teamwork.
Their support has helped raise the profile of our programmes and shown how community leaders value the dedication and positive impact our young people are making across the local area.
Looking Ahead
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:
- Claire Bell: Details to follow soon!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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, we’re excited to:
- See how the young people on our Growth program start the Teamwork and Leadership project in January.
- February half term Holiday Club Programme, what fun projects will we be doing.
- Still working on our projects Aspirations and Role Model.
- Starting a NEW Boys My Life project.
- Spending time with our children and young people 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!
