Youth Presence, based in Kendal, is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of local children and young people. The organisation employs a relational approach in all its work and offers long-term accompaniment. Since its inception in 2020, Youth Presence has aspired to develop a Year 6 Transition Project to support children during the often challenging move from primary to secondary school.
The aim of the project was to assist local children as they navigated this significant change. The initiative focused on personal development and building connections through activities, games, and discussion.
The project was designed to support children in their friendships and self-confidence. Youth Presence aimed to help children learn more about themselves and others. Youth Presence understands the importance of providing safe and supportive environments, where children can gather to have fun, relax, and make new friends, building their circle of support. A key goal was to connect children with peers undergoing similar transitions.
Youth Presence was welcomed into five local primary schools for the first phase of the project, working with small groups of children through hour-long weekly sessions. Feedback was gathered from the children to evaluate the in-school programme:
- 84% enjoyed the programme
- 70% felt more confident about moving to secondary school
- 84% felt supported through the school programme
Children commented:
- “I enjoyed sharing my emotions and feeling comfortable.”
- “I really enjoyed the quiet times.”
- “It was a lot of fun.”
- “I loved how we could express ourselves.”
- “I liked how everyone feels they belong.”
- “I enjoyed how safe and friendly it was.”
They shared how the programme helped them:
- “It helped me realise I wasn’t the only one nervous to go to secondary school.”
- “It made me feel like I could make a difference.”
What the children learned:
- “To get to know each other.”
- “To help understand how to make friends.”
- “That I am appreciated.”
- “It helped me to relax.”
- “I’ve learnt good strategies to get ready for change.”
- “That people have the same interests as me. I feel more connected.”
- “To be yourself and don’t hide it.”
The second phase of the project centred on community, connection, and fun. Youth Presence hosted three Monday night youth groups, called Get Togethers, specifically for the children involved in the project. Activities included pool, table tennis, arts and crafts, and a shared meal. These gatherings provided opportunities for the children to form new friendships and enjoy themselves in a relaxed environment.
The third phase supported the children with an extra transition day at their chosen secondary school. With the help of the schools, current pupils led tours and Q&A sessions. Children reported enjoying the opportunity to visit their new schools, make new friends, and learn to work with different people.
A local teacher observed:
“As a result of the project the children are much more confident about their move to secondary school. Their weekly sessions enabled them to explore a range of feelings and worries in a fun and supportive manner. This is a vital project which benefited our children so much.”
Youth Presence expressed gratitude to the local schools and funders who made this initiative possible. The organisation hopes to run the project again this year.