Alongside our weekly youth provision, we develop and deliver targeted projects that respond to the identified needs and interests of young people across Derbyshire. Our projects are designed to be engaging, educational and empowering, with a strong focus on personal development and community connection.
Healthy Lifestyles
We support young people to develop positive habits and a stronger understanding of physical and emotional wellbeing. Healthy lifestyle projects may include:
- Physical activity and sports-based sessions
- Gym and fitness introductions
- Mental health and wellbeing awareness
- Body confidence and self-esteem work
- Discussions around sleep, nutrition and stress management
These projects aim to increase resilience, improve confidence and equip young people with the knowledge and skills to make informed choices about their health.
Cooking & Life Skills
Cooking projects are a practical and engaging way to build independence and confidence. Young people learn how to prepare affordable, healthy meals while developing essential life skills such as budgeting, meal planning and food hygiene.
Through hands-on sessions, young people:
- Learn basic to advanced cooking techniques
- Explore healthy eating and nutrition
- Develop teamwork and communication skills
- Build confidence in using kitchen equipment safely
These sessions often lead to wider conversations around cost of living, healthy choices and preparing for independent living.
Gardening & Environmental Projects
Our gardening and environmental projects provide young people with hands-on opportunities to connect with nature, learn practical skills and contribute positively to their local environment.
Activities may include:
- Growing fruit, vegetables and herbs
- Designing and maintaining garden spaces
- Learning about sustainability and biodiversity
- Building planters and raised beds
- Composting and environmentally responsible practices
Gardening encourages patience, responsibility and teamwork. Time spent outdoors supports emotional wellbeing, reduces stress and improves focus. For young people who may struggle in traditional classroom environments, practical outdoor activity offers a therapeutic and confidence-building alternative way to learn.
These projects also create opportunities to explore wider themes such as environmental awareness, healthy eating and community pride. Produce grown during sessions may be used in cooking projects, shared with families or donated locally — enabling young people to see tangible outcomes from their efforts.
Community & Social Action
We actively encourage young people to play a positive role within their communities. Our community-focused projects aim to build civic awareness, empathy and leadership.
These may include:
- Community clean-up initiatives
- Intergenerational projects
- Fundraising and awareness campaigns
- Volunteering opportunities
- Youth voice and participation forums
By engaging in social action, young people develop a stronger sense of belonging and responsibility, recognising that their voice and contribution matter.
Our project-based work enables us to respond flexibly to emerging needs while providing structured, purposeful opportunities that build skills, confidence and resilience. Through these focused programmes, we support young people not only to engage positively in the present, but to develop the capabilities and mindset needed for their future.