This summer has been one of our busiest and most impactful yet! From our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes to outreach mentoring, Supported Accommodation (16+), and incredible individual achievements, we are so proud of the progress and memories created across Storyy.
Alternative Provision
Across Reading and Wokingham, our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes provided young people with opportunities to build confidence, make friends, learn valuable skills, and enjoy a healthy meal every day.
In Wokingham, young people took part in a range of community volunteering projects. At Abbeyfield Care Home, they gave back through meaningful conversations and support, while our bike restoration workshops helped them pick up hands-on mechanical skills. They also worked together outdoors at Storyybrook, painting fences and maintaining gardens as a team. To celebrate their hard work, the group enjoyed fun days out, rounded off with an unforgettable end-of-summer trip to Go Ape!
In Reading, the focus was on confidence-building and wellbeing. Young people (and staff too!) pushed themselves at the Climbing Hangar, enjoyed mindfulness activities like daily wellness walks, gym sessions, and arts and crafts, and even took part in cooking workshops to spark creativity in the kitchen. Every participant enjoyed a nutritious meal, often cooked with their own hands, a brilliant way to learn independence and life skills.
In total, our HAF programmes reached around 100 young people, making this our busiest summer yet.
Thanks to funding from Wokingham Council, we also delivered our Diversion and Disruption Project. Over six weeks, a group of young people took part in activities ranging from fishing to go-karting. The project gave them a safe, positive focus, while helping to build confidence and steer away from anti-social behaviour. Early feedback from professionals has been extremely positive, showing how impactful the project has been.
Our mentors have also been hard at work, delivering intensive outreach to some of the most vulnerable young people in our community. By building trust and providing positive role models, mentors supported not only the young people but also their families, offering much-needed respite and encouragement.
From climbing walls to volunteering, from bike workshops to go-kart tracks, the growth in confidence, resilience, and friendships this summer has been truly inspiring.
A big thank you goes to all the staff, volunteers, partners, and councils who made this possible. As we prepare to welcome learners back on 4th September, our provisions are refreshed and ready for a new term of inspiring, supportive sessions.
Supported Accommodation
It has also been an exciting and successful summer for the young people in our Supported Accommodation (16+).
Two of our young people received their GCSE results, a fantastic milestone worth celebrating. At the same time, others have been working on independence skills, with two young people starting a half-budget programme and doing incredibly well in managing their responsibilities.
We were especially proud to see one young person nominated for not one, but two awards at the RBWM ‘Celebrating YOU’ ceremony, the Virtual School Progress Award and the Inspirational Role Model Award. Another young person achieved a huge step forward by securing and starting a new job.
Alongside these achievements, there was also plenty of fun. A brilliant House Holiday at the end of the month gave everyone the chance to bond and relax together, while trips to Mercedes-Benz World and go-karting brought lots of excitement and smiles.
These experiences, big and small, highlight just how far our young people have come in developing independence, resilience, and ambition for the future.
Apprenticeships & Training
Alongside the amazing progress across our programmes, we’re delighted to celebrate the success of individuals who have recently achieved professional qualifications. A huge congratulations goes to:
- Luke Hall – All Kids Can – Level 4 Sports Coach – Pass
- Westley Gillam – All Kids Can – Level 4 Sports Coach – Pass
- Frankie Major – PSD Childcare – Level 4 Sports Coach – Pass
- Maysel Awere – Lavender Grove Cares – Level 4 Children, Young People & Families Practitioner – Pass
- Christopher Jordan – Fledglings – Level 4 Children, Young People & Families Practitioner – Pass
These achievements are a testament to their dedication, skill, and commitment to supporting young people. Well done to all!
Looking Ahead
This summer has been one of hard work, laughter, and growth and we are so proud of every young person who has taken part. As September begins, we look forward to continuing this momentum, providing safe, supportive, and inspiring spaces for young people to thrive.
