Making positive choices with the Elevate programme

Elevate is all about helping young people get back on track with learning before things reach a crisis point. It’s an early support programme for those who might be struggling at school or at risk of being out of education altogether, and maybe getting involved in anti-social of offending behaviour.

In Barrow, our current Elevate cohort have already had some brilliant opportunities to challenge themselves, work as a team, and start building confidence in who they are and what they can do. They’ve been taking part in activity days as a group, where they’ve had the chance to try things like:

• raft building on Windermere
• taking on the high challenge course at Brathay Hall
• horse riding at Bigland Hall, as well as learning how to care for the horses.

They also are having weekly one-to-one sessions with Petra and Hannah — two of our brilliant youth workers. Already, the change is showing. Young people are setting their own goals, making more positive choices, and starting to believe they can do things they didn’t think were possible just a few weeks ago.

Click to read Brooke's Story, Chloe's Story and Ollie's Story to see the impact our Elevate programme.

Young people from County Durham take on new challenges

Earlier this year, Brathay welcomed young people from Shotton and Seaham in County Durham for a residential delivered in partnership with Groundwork. The visit brought together two youth groups who, over the course of several days, got stuck into a programme of outdoor challenges and team-building activities designed to build confidence, resilience, and new friendships.

The residential gave many of the young people a first taste of the Lake District and the opportunity to try things they wouldn’t normally get the chance to do—whether that was scaling the high ropes, paddling across open water, or simply spending time away from home in a completely new environment.

Alongside the activities, a big focus was on encouraging the groups to work together and step outside their comfort zones. By the end of the week, it was clear just how far they’d come—supporting each other through challenges, having honest conversations, and forming connections that will last beyond the trip.

The programme was part-funded by UK Youth and our Brathay Bursary. This support made the residential possible and accessible for everyone involved.

It was a pleasure to host such an engaged and energetic group, and we look forward to seeing what they do next.

Furness For You

Our youth programme in partnership with Furness For You is going from strength to strength. This group is all about bringing young people together — to try new things, meet new people, and feel part of something in their local community. There’s always something good going on!

We help young people navigate their challenges and set personal goals to build brighter, more connected futures. Through the 1:1 mentoring we've been helping young people who are struggling with a range of challenges from exam worries to friendship problems.

We've also met young people at the Project John Hub in Barrow who are not in education and at a serious risk of social isolation. This is where the social group is most important. Through social groups young people have been enjoying different activities from cooking to crafts, trips to the beach and nature walks. This all helps them to build friendships and build confidence in themselves.

Visualisation empowered me to fulfil my dream. I’ve started dance classes again and I’ve made friends there. I feel so much better in myself. I didn’t realise how much support was out there for people like me until I started sessions at Brathay.

Remmy, Furness For You Participant

You can get involved too! With your support, we can improve the life chances of thousands of young people who live across the UK.