Creative Project
Our creative projects are now underway, and the primary children have been working incredibly hard within their school communities on projects set by their schools. It has been fantastic to see the role model students from our partnering secondary schools supporting the younger children throughout these sessions. Their encouragement, leadership, and positivity have made a huge difference and created a brilliant team atmosphere. These creative learning projects help build confidence, teamwork, resilience, communication skills, and community pride while supporting children’s mental health, wellbeing, and personal development through hands-on activities and positive mentoring experiences across our local schools and communities.
Activity Week
Our team had an amazing series of trips to Lambourne End Activity Centre during Activity Week, where a different group of young people from our partnering secondary schools attended each day across the five day programme. Every group experienced a full day of exciting outdoor activities designed to encourage personal growth, teamwork, and confidence building in a fun and supportive environment.
From climbing walls to high ropes and team challenges, the students were encouraged to step outside of their comfort zones, communicate with one another, and work together to overcome challenges. The activities helped develop important life skills including resilience, leadership, trust, problem solving, and positive communication, while also giving the young people the opportunity to build friendships, support their peers, and celebrate their achievements together.
Some of the feedback we have received from parents and carers following the trips has been absolutely amazing, with many sharing how much the experience boosted their child’s confidence, independence, and willingness to try new things.
This half term also marked the launch of the CHEXS Xtra scheme!
On Mondays, we have teamed up with Herts Young Mariners Base to provide exciting after-school opportunities where children can try new activities including bell boating, canoeing, kayaking, and much more. These sessions have been a fantastic way for young people to develop new skills, build confidence, and enjoy new experiences outdoors.
On Wednesdays, we have partnered with Sporting Aid to deliver basketball sessions within our local Waltham Cross community. These sessions aim to bring young people together through sport, helping them connect with others, stay active, and enjoy playing a game they love in a positive and supportive environment.
Alongside this, we have continued running many more after-school sessions, giving even more children the opportunity to take part in extracurricular activities, build friendships, grow in confidence, and feel connected within their community.
If you would like to book onto any of our Free activities Book Here!
My Life Project
A huge thank you also goes to Jackie and Karen from the Hertfordshire Constabulary Knives Not Lives team, who visited our secondary “My Life” sessions to deliver an engaging and thought provoking experience for our young people.
The sessions included an informative presentation alongside an interactive virtual reality experience, giving students the opportunity to make choices and explore the different pathways and outcomes those decisions can lead to. Through realistic scenarios and open discussion, young people were encouraged to reflect on the impact and consequences of negative choices while gaining a greater understanding of personal responsibility, safety, and positive decision making.
The sessions were delivered in a safe, educational, and supportive environment, helping students build awareness, confidence, and valuable life skills that will support them both now and in the future.
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: Read More – Specialising in trauma-informed, person-centred support, advocating for young people, and collaborating with families and professionals to build confidence, resilience, and positive outcomes.
- 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:
- One of our favourite programs Intergenerational is starting soon.
- May half-term Club Programme, what fun projects will we be doing.
- See how the schools are doing with the Grow Club project.
- Working on the CHEXS Xtra sessions and meeting lots of new children and young people.
- 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!
