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Blend Youth Project News

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Why We Celebrate Pride Month
22nd June 2026

Why We Celebrate Pride Month

For us at Blend, Pride Month is about celebrating every young person's right to feel safe, valued and accepted. It is an opportunity to celebrate…Read more

Celebrating Our Amazing Volunteers
15th June 2026

Celebrating Our Amazing Volunteers

During Volunteers’ Week, we took the opportunity to celebrate and recognise the incredible contribution our volunteers make across Blend Youth Project. From our Youth Work…Read more

Wrapped in Care and Compassion
12th June 2026

Wrapped in Care and Compassion

Young people supported by Blend Youth Project have received a heartwarming gift thanks to the generosity of the volunteers at Project Linus North Derbyshire, who…Read more

Help Us Protect The Polygon Centre for Local Young People
5th June 2026

Help Us Protect The Polygon Centre for Local Young People

We have launched a Crowdfunder campaign to raise £40,000 for urgent roof repairs at The Polygon Centre in Alfreton. The Polygon Centre has been at…Read more

2nd Swanwick Scouts Support Turner Farm with Generous Donation
26th May 2026

2nd Swanwick Scouts Support Turner Farm with Generous Donation

The alpacas at Turner Farm are set to receive a new home thanks to a generous donation from 2nd Swanwick Scouts, raised through their annual…Read more

Supporting Young People’s Mental Health
19th May 2026

Supporting Young People’s Mental Health

During Mental Health Awareness Week (11 to 17 May 2026), Blend Youth Project proudly joined our wider charity, Valley CiDS, in highlighting the importance of…Read more

Blend Youth Project Stories

annabelles-story

Annabelle’s Story

To celebrate Valley CiDS 25th anniversary, we caught up with people who came to Blend Youth Project when they were younger and invited them to share their memories and reflect

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bradleys-story

Bradley’s Story

Bradley first came to Blend’s youth hub in Heanor, eager to make a difference. From the start, he played a vital role in the youth management team, helping shape sessions,

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oscars-story

Oscar’s Story

Oscar* was referred to us during Year 11 after being out of formal education for 18 months. Nowhere was willing to offer him a place, as he had been permanently

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megans-story

Megan’s Story

Megan* (15) has been a regular attendee of Blend sessions. Over the last years, Megan has built a strong relationship with the youth workers, and eventually opened up to them

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maxs-story

Max’s Story

“I have been in contact with Blend for about 3 years.  I enjoy the endless chats, the help whenever you need it, the cooking and the stuff they plan week

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robs-story

Rob’s Story

Rob* was referred to our Alternative Education programme at the start of Y10, at which time he was experiencing social problems with local gangs, experimenting quite heavily with drugs and

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Jacksdale is a good environment to be around and the teachers don't stress you out or nag so that's amazing. - Yr 9 Woodcraft student

Blend at Turner Farm has been life-changing for our son. The staff have been amazing with him and given him the skills and confidence to move forward in his career. They have always gone above and beyond. They will always hold a place in our hearts! - Yvonne, Parent

Previously unmotivated students with a history of persistent absenteeism and a high number of fixed-term exclusions or risk of permanent exclusion have shown improved motivation, increased self-esteem, and self-confidence. They have increased their attendance levels, and this has had an impact on their academic studies, their well-being, and also that of their families. - SENDCo, Anthony Gell School

I don't know where I would be without Blend Youth Project, it's more than a charity, it's a family. - Post 16 student

My son has really come out of his shell through attending education with Blend and it has given him purpose, security, stability and allowed him to form positive relationships. - Year 11 Parent

We chose to work with Blend because they have a proven track record of providing high quality youth provision in the local area. - Tom Wyke, Blue Box Belper

The past 2 years have been so amazing, and I couldn't be more grateful. The farm has shown me that I can achieve my dreams, and I don't need to be scared. I wouldn't be where I am without all of you. You are all amazing people doing an amazing job. - Marcie, Student

My son comes home a different boy after his days with you. He has more confidence and is positive about himself. He talks to me about what he's been doing. It's given me hope for the future. - Parent, Alternative Education

Blend is a place where you go and it is a good place, they always give you support no matter what. - Year 11 Student

From that first visit my feelings of hopelessness were changed for hope and a lifeline given to begin Tommy's journey. - Parent, Alternative Education

We ask for Youth Workers but we get people who can treat physical and mental first aid, offering endless support and Encouragement, - Emma Monkman, Belper Youth Sports Festival Founder