February Half Term: Building Strength, Skills and Self Belief
This February half term, we delivered four days of sport, STEM, art and music, engaging 10 young people each day in structured, purposeful activity designed to build confidence, resilience and creativity
Day 1: Creating and Preparing to Compete
We began with a clay craft workshop where participants designed and moulded their own fridge magnets, learning about the clay making process from shaping and detailing to finishing techniques.
For Zam, Valentina and Sienna, this was the highlight of the week. They shared that they particularly enjoyed Tida’s arts and crafts session and learning how clay transforms through each stage. Valentina reflected that it was “nice to be able to use my imagination in clay making,” highlighting the importance of giving young people space to think freely and create without pressure.
The afternoon shifted into strength and conditioning with Tida Sullivan, a former Brixton Wings member now giving back as a coach and role model. The session focused on preparing for the London Youth Games indoor competition, incorporating a demanding 3 x 3 minute rowing circuit alongside additional conditioning and stretching.
Osaze shared that the session “taught me not to give up when it’s a challenge.” This reflection captures the wider impact of the day. Beyond physical training, young people were developing mental resilience, discipline and perseverance.
Day 2: STEM, Teamwork and Engineering in Action
Day two was led by Alex, who delivered a dynamic STEM workshop where young people built RC car kits in pairs. Building on previous collaborations around the wooden bike project, the session challenged participants to problem solve, interpret instructions and work collaboratively under time pressure.
Teams chose names, divided responsibilities and supported each other through technical challenges. The session concluded with races around the centre, turning careful construction into celebration and healthy competition.
Young people strengthened communication skills, resilience and confidence in their technical ability. They were not simply assembling cars, they were learning how to test ideas, adapt and persevere together.
Day 3: Creative Expression and Public Recognition
We returned to partnership working with an art workshop at the upCYCLE LDN hub. Using reclaimed bike parts and materials, young people explored paint, texture and design in a space that encouraged bold expression without fear of making a mess.
The outcomes were powerful. Artwork from the session is now displayed on the upCYCLE shop front, giving participants the experience of publicly exhibiting their work.
One participant shared that she had never visited an art gallery. As a result, we are now planning a gallery trip to ensure creative exposure continues beyond the programme.
Back at the centre, Volunteer Asia supported further activities, helping sustain a positive and engaging environment throughout the day.
Day 4: Music, Songwriting and Finding Your Voice
We closed the week with a drawing and guitar workshop led by Jacob Samuels. The session created space for young people to experiment with rhythm, lyrics and visual storytelling.
Jacob led the guitar session, supporting participants to build confidence with chords, timing and musical structure. Alongside this, Asia guided the songwriting element, helping young people develop their own ideas, shape meaningful lyrics and explore themes connected to their experiences.
Together, the session created a supportive and creative environment where everyone could participate at their own level, from first time writers and players to more confident musicians. The focus was not on perfection, but on collaboration, self expression and building the confidence to share their voice.
Overall Impact
With 10 young people attending each day, this half term programme created a consistent, safe and engaging space for growth.
Across four days, participants:
Developed resilience through physical challenge
Strengthened teamwork and communication in STEM activities
Built creative confidence through clay, art and music
Experienced public recognition through exhibiting their work
Most importantly, they left with a stronger sense of belief in their own abilities.
Thank You to Our Partners
We would like to thank Tida Sullivan for creative, strength-based sessions and being a strong role model; Alex for a hands-on STEM workshop; upCYCLE LDN for an inspiring creative space; Jacob Samuels for music teaching; Volunteer Asia for ongoing support; and all partners who invest in meaningful opportunities for our young people.
Programmes like this do more than fill the school holidays. They build confidence, capability and community one session at a time.
