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WHAT IS THE CHEXS GROWTH PROGRAMME?
For ages 6–15: Creating opportunities, building confidence, and supporting growth through real-world learning.
The award winning CHEXS GROWTH Programme is a 30-week journey that gives children and young people the space, support and opportunity to develop essential life skills beyond the classroom. Through carefully structured projects and coaching, the programme helps young people build confidence, improve emotional wellbeing, and discover their own sense of purpose.
Not every child thrives in a traditional setting, some simply need a different environment to grow. That’s why GROWTH focuses on practical, creative, and community-based activities that engage the whole person: their strengths, their aspirations, and their unique potential.
“The true power of support lies not in solving problems for people, but in offering them the opportunity to grow, find their voice, and shape their future.”
Pete Maiden, CHEXS CEO & Founder
The GROWTH Framework: Four Pillars
At the heart of every stage of the programme are four key principles that guide our approach.
- Meaning & Purpose – Helping young people see value in themselves and what they contribute.
- Resilience – Equipping them to manage setbacks and build emotional strength.
- Expectations – Setting clear, achievable goals with encouragement and structure.
- Aspirations – Inspiring young people to look ahead and believe in what they can achieve.
AGE 6-11 – GROWTH PROGRAMME
- Aspiration & Introduction
A friendly launch session where children meet the CHEXS team, explore their goals, and hear about the exciting opportunities ahead. Parents are invited too, helping build a shared sense of purpose from the start. - Creative Projects
Hands-on school-based activities such as painting fences, planting, or building willow deer. These projects give children pride in their environment, boost self-esteem, and encourage teamwork. - Coaching Sessions
One-to-one or small group sessions tailored to the child. Focus is placed on their strengths, setting goals, and learning to manage emotions with positive reflection. - Community Habitat Management
Children help improve and maintain local green spaces. They develop a sense of responsibility while learning about nature, safety, and teamwork. - Teamwork & Leadership Development
Group activities that encourage cooperation, communication, and problem-solving. Each child learns to work as part of a team while discovering their own leadership potential. - Family Craft Session Support
Children help set up and support fun after-school family craft sessions — learning responsibility while strengthening connections between home and school. - Intergenerational Projects
Children engage in shared activities with local elderly residents. These sessions build empathy, communication, and connection to the wider community. - Activity Day
A full day of outdoor challenges that test resilience and teamwork while celebrating how far each child has come. - CHEXS Awards
Held at our annual summer event, children are recognised for their growth, effort, and achievements with their families and school staff present.
AGE 12-15 – GROWTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
- Aspiration & Introduction
A values-driven introduction where young people reflect on their personal goals and commit to the journey ahead. The session builds ownership and motivation. - Role Model Creative Projects
Older young people work with primary-aged pupils to build creative installations (e.g. willow sculptures, garden builds). It’s mentoring in action — building confidence through leadership and service. - Coaching Sessions
Personalised support focusing on emotional regulation, aspirations, and goal-setting. Sessions are shaped around each young person’s journey and future hopes. - Community Habitat Management
Young people lead community clean-up and conservation tasks. These experiences promote environmental awareness, confidence, and teamwork in real-world settings. - Activity Day
A dynamic outdoor experience designed to consolidate learning, build trust, and encourage self-reflection in a team-based setting. - “My Life” Project
A 3-day intensive programme covering life skills, healthy relationships, online safety, budgeting, and choices. It helps young people understand consequences and stay safe. - CHEXS Awards
Our celebration event where young people are recognised for their growth, leadership, and contributions to their school and community.
OUR APPROACH
Coaching, Creativity and Community
- Coaching: One-to-one and small group support helps each child set their own goals. Sessions focus on what matters to the young person, not on past problems, and promote self-awareness, confidence, and forward movement.
- Hands-On Projects: Whether it’s building a willow sculpture, maintaining a park habitat, or supporting a community event, our projects give children real achievements to be proud of.
- Role Modelling: Older children are given opportunities to mentor and support younger peers, growing leadership skills and positive identity.
- Family Connection: We work with the whole family to support lasting change, strengthening communication and helping parents understand how to support their child’s development.
Who Is It For?
We support children and young people:
- Facing difficulties with confidence, friendship, emotions, or school engagement
- Managing life changes such as family separation, bereavement, or transitions
- Who would benefit from having space to grow and explore their potential through creative, active, real-world learning
The GROWTH Programme is designed for all children who need an opportunity to be seen, heard, and supported in a different way.
Holistic support
We are easy to integrate
CHEXS primary vision is working together in partnership with all other key local organisations and the charity aims to ensure that all families in our community get the support and help that they need.
By supporting young people and their families, we aim to develop a sense of togetherness in our community. We’ll provide opportunities for families to build relationships, grow and support our local area.
OUR IMPACT
What We Achieve
The GROWTH Programme is designed not just to support young people in the moment, but to create lasting positive change, in their confidence, relationships, emotional wellbeing and outlook on life. We work closely with schools, local support services and families to track progress and celebrate success at every stage of the journey.
Young people taking part in the programme show increased confidence and self-esteem, gaining the belief that they can achieve and belong. As they develop their emotional awareness, many also build stronger relationships with peers, teachers and family members through improved communication and trust.
Parents and schools frequently observe practical progress in behaviour, attitude and school engagement, as children begin to take more ownership of their learning and choices. CHEXS provides schools with clear, Ofsted-aligned reporting and tailored feedback for every young person we support, helping demonstrate the wider value of early intervention and whole-family support.