How we support social wellbeing 

1. Children play together all year round
2. Peer-to-peer support
3. Children work together to represent their school or community in competition

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A cricketing community

In 2019, the ONS found that 27% of children aged 10-15 receiving free school meals reported often being lonely. 

Public Health England have stated that “Children who experience social isolation in childhood tend to have lower educational outcomes and lower adult social class (based on occupation), and higher likelihoods of smoking, obesity and psychological distress in adulthood.” Our programmes aim to bring young people closer to their community and their peers.

In schools, our ‘Lead Your Ship’ crime prevention programme supports young people at risk of exclusion or criminal activity by bringing them together in two-hour sessions over the course of twelve weeks. It develops friendships, positive attitudes towards their future and leadership skills.

Our Street coaches are often members of the local community, ensuring an understanding of the local landscape and acting as an inspiring role model to our participants.

95% of young people agreed ‘I feel like I belong’ when at their Street project

90% of children in schools agreed ‘I feel included’

89% of young people say they communicate better following the Lead Your Ship programme

Sources: The Children’s Society (2018), The Good Childhood Report; Public Health England (2015), ‘Reducing social isolation across the life course’ Report; Chance to Shine survey of 3935 children at the end of a Chance to Shine Schools programme. Survey of 59 children at the end of a Chance to Shine Lead Your Ship programme. Chance to Shine survey of 826 Street participants

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Case Study: A Remarkable Journey

On February 24 2022, Marharyta and her family had their lives changed forever. Early morning silence in the city of Brovary, in the suburbs of Kyiv, was shattered as missiles rained down from the sky, jolting her five children from their beds. 

“We heard a loud noise, I never heard a noise like this before,” Marharyta says. “I feel scared. I’ll never forget this day because I feel shock and I don’t know what I need to do. My windows was shaking (sic). I said to all the children, please put your clothes in a bag, only important clothes and documents and go. 

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