Holt Youth Project celebrates 20th anniversary

Holt Youth Project – winner of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2014 – has been recognised as one of the country’s most imaginative and award-winning schemes working with young people of all ages from six to 30.

Its 20th anniversary is November 5.

Now, Holt Youth Project faces several major challenges – first, it needs to expand and re-design its current home in the town’s Old Station Way, and second, attract longer term financial support from across the wider community.

"We’re planning big celebrations to mark our 20 years at Old Station Way and to thank all our supporters,” said North Norfolk veterinary surgeon Tom Hume, who became chair of trustees this summer.

"We recognise that for the Holt Youth Project to deliver for the future, we need to secure financial support from businesses and individuals."

While a major source of funding has been provided by the National Lottery ‘s Community Fund of about £150,000 a year, it ends in 2026.

"We have a major challenge, so the role of the business community and individuals across north Norfolk will be crucial," he said.

Incidentally, Mr Hume raised £50,000 for the project with a friend by swimming the Channel and became only the 1,903rd person to complete the solo crossing since 1875.

It was in 2004 that the current home, including sports hall and office was officially opened by 100 youngsters.

It had taken 18 months to raise £30,000 to buy the site from Norfolk County Council and then several years of fund-raising to build it on a “shoestring,” said the project’s founder, Julie Alford, who was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

The pioneering project has led to invitations by Whitehall officials to shape youth policy although more recently practical delivery at county and local levels has often proved extremely challenging because changed funding priorities.

In recent years, the demands on the project have grown remorselessly, said Mrs Alford, who leads eight initiatives with her small team.

One - North Norfolk Young Carers - tries to support 147 youngsters aged from six to 17 caring for siblings, parents and even grandparents.

"They are spending an average 50 hours a week caring for other family members – 50 hours," she added.

When she spoke to Holt Farmers’ Club earlier this year, members were shocked by the number of child carers.

"From West Raynham across to Mundesley, we’re trying to support them by offering ‘me time’, respite care, a healthy nutritious meal or activities with other young people," she added.

Mr Hume said that there was a perception that the Holt district was affluent but there are very real challenges for many sections of the community.

For example, north Norfolk has one of the highest number of absences from schools in the country because of anxiety and mental health issues. 

There are other challenges, which Holt Youth Project is tackling.

With her small team, including 14 other full and part time helpers, the ACT programme has been a conspicuous success.

"We designed it purely for young people with high anxiety/ mental health challenges," said Mrs Alford.

As a pilot working with Sheringham High School, now Academy, her team was able to transform the lives of two young boys from dysfunctional families by providing critical support.

They had been with the Children and Mental Health Services for 18 and 16 months respectively but within four months with ACT, they had recovered.

"It was purely nurture, praise, continuity in a very safe family style environment," she added.

"That opened the floodgates. We serve the county now, but we don’t deal for young people who have been excluded or have behavioural issues."

The HYP remains determined to deliver through a new programme, “Resilience Together” which brings together five key elements – prevention, support, building resilience, providing life-changing opportunities and helping youngsters. 

Mrs Alford highlighted a handful of success stories - One former HYP member is now a mechanic with a Formula 1 team, travelling the world, and reporting back his progress, and two other young men became tree surgeons after a hands-on HYP experience coppicing at Pensthorpe, near Fakenham.

Running life skills cookery also encouraged several young people to become chefs.

"The heart of the HYP is meeting the needs of children, young people and families across north Norfolk," said Mrs Alford.

"It is also about having fun too," she added.

When on just one midweek evening three groups of about 150 young people gather at the project’s home, it shows how much the project is valued.

And crucially, HYP needs on-going support from volunteers and funds to deliver opportunities for young people across the community.

Visit the Holt Youth Project – www.holtyouthproject.org.uk - for further details.

Holt Youth Project 2024 file anniversary 

Eight caring “hubs” for young people provide vital support for young people from six to 30.

The project offers a range of opportunities from:

The Pavilion provides support, signposting and free recycled clothing for families within the local community.

SPace supports young people, up to 18 years, experiencing anxiety and emotional challenges. It can offer mentoring, often one to one, walk and talk sessions and advice.

North Norfolk Young Carers offer weekly backing to youngsters from the age of six to 17 from West Raynham to Mundesley.

ACT (Achieving Confidence Training) is a bespoke nurturing programme to support young people struggling with emotional issues. It helps young people gain life skills, confidence and self esteem to move on to independent living, employment or higher education, college or apprenticeships.

REBOOT aims to support young men aged between 18 and 30 who may be experiencing feelings of isolation and emotional difficulties. Mentoring, one to one support, fun activities and social activities can all help.

Senior Hive provides a safe space for young people from 12 to 19 to meet, socialise and gain confidence and leadership skills include trips, cycle challenges. For primary school children, aged from 6 to 11, Mini or Junior Hive offers activities from sport, cookery, games, arts and crafts in a fun, safe environment. 

Allotment – An opportunity to work with nature and even grow produce for the project.

Detached Youth Work – Engaging with young people to find out positive activities and life choices.

Holt Youth project also has a 24/7 Helpline. Call 01263 710918.