We understand that the world can be a difficult place to navigate for a young person. From dealing with feelings of anxiety to trying to find your own voice.
The Shine Project offers support to 8- to 16-year-olds living in Lowestoft, helping them to realise their full potential and raise their aspirations.
We offer a range of different activities for young people to get involved in:
- Allotment project
- Youth Club
- One-to-one support
- Advocacy
- Self-esteem workshops
- Informal learning
- Social action project
- Trips, events and residentials
To help us keep providing these wonderful amenities for our young people, please consider supporting us and making a donation by using the button below:
Allotment Project
Learning to grow your own food is a valuable life skill, but it isn’t usually taught to young people.
Our allotment project was set up to counteract this, providing a safe space for children and young people to learn and grow fruit and vegetables. The produce from the allotment is then used in our youth cooking sessions – showing young people the full transition from seed to eating a healthy, homegrown meal.
The allotment is also the backdrop for many of our other activities, like therapeutic arts and crafts, as well as simply providing a space where young people can enjoy some peace and quiet.
We run two sessions a week at our allotment site on Waterlane North during Spring / Summer and then sessions run at Imperial House, Bevan Street East during Autumn / Winter
- Tuesday: 4 – 6pm
- Thursday: 4 – 6pm
Youth Club
We believe that young people should have a say in what they do, and that is why we let them choose the activities they want to take part in at youth club.
We also understand that every young person is unique, so we ensure we offer a wide range of activities that cater to everyone’s interests. From arts and crafts to cooking, board games and consoles or a spot a pool, sports to movie nights, we’ve got it all!
Our youth club is a place where young people can come together, have fun, and learn new things.
We also love celebrating national charity days, like Children in Need and Comic Relief, and run themed sessions and related activities on these days.
We run two sessions a week at Imperial House, Bevan Street East, Lowestoft, NR32 2AA
- Tuesday: 4-6pm
- Thursday: 4-6pm
One to One Support
We know it can be difficult for a young person to communicate their feelings or feel like they’re being listened to.
Our one-to-one support sessions allow young people to have a dedicated, safe space to talk to an appropriate adult about any issues they are having. They will work on creating a personal development programme to set themselves goals – which will enable them to become more self-aware.
The one-to-one support will also highlight if any extra support is needed, which may lead to a referral to another organisation or service.
Self Esteem Workshops
The transition from primary to secondary school can be difficult for young children, especially young women.
Our self-esteem workshops provide a safe environment for young people to learn and prepare themselves for situations that may occur when they enter secondary school.
They will explore a variety of topics through fun and engaging activities, both in groups and individually. The topics explored include self-image, navigating friendships, managing feelings, and building confidence.
Social Action
Our open-access, youth-led volunteering project, YCA, engages young people in practical social action to make a difference in their community.
Through a range of activities, from gardening in woodlands and park clean-ups, to fundraising and advocacy, YCA empowers young people to create positive change that benefits everyone.
YCA provides opportunities for young people to develop their skills, build their character, and make lasting connections with others who share their passion for making a difference.
Trips, Events and Residentials
Creating lasting memories and experiencing new things is important for a young person’s development.
To ensure those that may not have access to, we offer free trips, events, and residential breaks during the school holidays for young people aged 8-16.
Young people can choose the activities they want to do, to ensure that they get the most out of the experience.
Whether it’s a day out at Pleasurewood Hills, Africa Alive, Carlton Marshes, or a game of bowling or swimming, these activities give young people the chance to explore new things, create new friendships and enjoy the same opportunities as their peers.
Our residential breaks, where young people will be away from home for a few nights, are also a great way for young people to develop their independence whilst being supported by staff.
Advocacy
Navigating challenges and finding the right support for your family can be difficult. But our advocacy support means that you will have someone by your side every step of the way.
Our goal is to ensure that children and families get the help they need. Whether this is by attending meetings with professionals, either with them or on their behalf, we will always stand up for parents and families in need.
Informal Learning
We understand that not all young people thrive in formal learning environments. That’s why we offer informal learning projects, where young people can gain qualifications like Arts Award and Youth Achievement Awards.
These projects provide a unique opportunity for young people to learn new skills, build on their existing talents, and earn qualifications that can help share their futures.
Our approach is flexible, fun, and tailored to each young person’s needs, so they can learn to grow in a way that best suits them.
Get Involved
If you are a young person, parent or carer, please complete the Self Referral Form and email it to the address below.
If you are a professional with the young person’s consent please complete this Professional’s Referral Form and email it to the address below.
Awards and Funding
We’re incredibly proud of the recognition and funding that The Shine Project has received over the years.
In 2013, we won the Suffolk High Sheriff’s Crime Beat Award, and were commended at national level. Our dedicated staff also made it to the finals of the National Youth Matters Awards in December 2014, with our Project Coordinator Kay Westgate as a finalist for the ‘Young Worker of the Year’ award and Josie Trowsdale as a finalise for the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award.
We know we couldn’t have achieved all of this without the support of our community. We’re always looking for new funding and donations to help us grow and continue our important work. If you’re interested in supporting The Shine Project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’d love to hear from you!
Currently, The Shine Project is funded through a Big Lottery Reaching Communities grant. We have also been fortunate enough to receive a grant from Suffolk Community Foundation for Youth Social Action. Additionally, we are proud to be working with Marine Conservation Research International to offer residential activities that focus on local marine life.
