The Shine Project
The Shine Project is a youth led project aimed at 8-16 years olds living in Lowestoft. Supporting them to realise their full potential and raise aspirations.
- Are you feeling anxious or worried about things? Are you confused about your future? Would you like to talk to somebody?
- Would you like to make new friends, come on residential breaks and fun days out?
- Do you need somewhere quiet to complete your homework?
- Would you like to learn new skills, gain qualifications and get back into learning?
- Do you want to make a difference in your community? Do you want to have a voice?
Please consider making a donation to The Shine Project by using the button below
Youth Matters Awards
Staff and volunteers who participate in our Allotment Project celebrated becoming finalists for the Family Work Project of the Year at the YMCA England and Wales Youth Matters Awards.
Youth Matters Awards is an annual event run by YMCA England and Wales, which recognises the achievements of young people, staff and volunteers across the charity.
The Allotment Project was set up to counteract the lack of safe outdoor spaces for children and young people to learn and grow and the declining heritage of growing your own fruit and vegetables.
The produce from the allotment is used in youth cooking sessions so that young people see the full transition from planting a seed to eating a healthy homegrown meal. The space also provides somewhere young people can just be in the peace and quiet or take part in art and craft activities that are therapeutic and support positive wellbeing.
Photo credit: Denise Bradley/Archant2021 www.lowestoftjournal.co.uk
Our sessions
Please come along and join us at our sessions, they are held:
- Tuesday – Youth Session – 4pm-6pm
- Wednesday – Youth Session 12+ – 4pm-6pm
- Thursday – Youth Session – 4pm-6pm
And are located at:
Shine Project
Imperial House
Bevan Street East
Lowestoft
NR32 2AA
Youth Club
Activities provided by the project are chosen by the young people and staff. They are varied to suit all and include things such as arts and crafts, cooking, sports, tournament evenings and movie nights. The activities give the young people a chance to be creative, work in a team, feel a sense of achievement and have fun.
We celebrate National Charity days such as Children in Need & Comic Relief and have themed sessions on these evenings with related activities.
One to One Support
One to one support within the Shine Project enables young people to have time on their own with an appropriate adult to have their thoughts and feelings taken into consideration. Young people are able to work with staff to produce a personal development plan to enable them to become more self-aware and set themselves targets and goals.
Through one to one sessions, extra support is highlighted and therefore referrals to other professional organisations can take place. Young people who are unable to be part of a larger group are able to work with staff members to build their confidence and help to signpost to appropriate services.
Advocacy
We advocate on behalf of parents, attending meetings with professionals both alongside parents and also attending on their behalf. This ensures that young people and their families are able to access the support they require. We have provided support for families in meetings with school heads, inclusion officers, social workers and the police.
Self Esteem Work Shops
Our self-esteem workshops help young woman through the transition from Primary to High school covering topics such as self-image, handling friendship groups, managing feelings and building confidence. These topics are explored through a variety of fun and engaging activities that include group work as well as individual work.
Informal Learning
The young people can take part in informal learning projects within Shine and gain qualifications such as Arts Award and Youth Achievement Awards. For young people that struggle to engage in a formal environment this gives them the opportunity to learn new things, build on their skills and gain qualifications to help with their futures.
Social Action
Fusion is an open-access youth led volunteering project engaging young people in practical social action which makes a difference to others, creating positive change for themselves and their community. Activities range from local volunteering opportunities such as gardening in woodlands and park clean ups to intergenerational activities and instigating change for the community through fundraising, non-political campaigning and advocacy. This has a double benefit, giving young people life opportunities to develop their skills and transform their character whilst at the same time creating positive change within their community.
Homework Club
This is a calm, quiet environment in which young people can gain support and use the resources within Shine to complete homework tasks.
Trips, Events and Residentials
During the school holidays we provide free trips and activities out in the community for young people aged 8 – 16 years old.
These are chosen by the young people and often include, Pleasurewood Hills, Suffolk Wildlife Park, Carlton Marshes, Swimming and Bowling. These give young people the chance to explore new things and enjoy and experience the same opportunities as their peers.
Residential breaks also take place during school holidays, enabling the young people to go on a trip for a few nights away supported by staff.
Get involved
If you are a young person, parent or carer, please complete the Self Referral Form (238KB, PDF) and email Shine.
If you are a professional with the young person’s consent please complete this Professional’s Referral Form (225KB, PDF) and email Shine.
Or you can call:
- Office Number 01502 565978
- Eleanor Rooke 07474582509
Find Shine on Facebook and Twitter.
Awards
The Shine Project won the Suffolk High Sherriff’s Crime Beat Award in 2013 and received commendation at national level.
Staff at the project also reached the finals of the national Youth Matters Awards in December 2014 with Project Co-ordinator Kay Westgate in the ‘Young Worker of the Year’ final and Josie Trowsdale in the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ final.
Funding
We are always looking for more funding and donations to keep The Shine Project growing. If you would like to support our work, then please get in touch. We would love to hear from you.
This project is currently funded through a Big Lottery Reaching Communities grant. The project has also successfully received a grant from Suffolk Community Foundation for Youth Social Action and is working in partnership with Marine Conservation Research International to deliver residential activities on local marine life.