The Shine Project was born in 2013 when we saw a need to work in a more in depth, long term way with girls and young women in our community, particularly those who were experiencing CSE. Since 2013 we have supported well over 1000 young women in the community all facing different challenges and become a safe space for girls and young women in inner South Leeds through a wide range of projects and initiatives. We work closely in partnership with social services, schools and other third sector organisations. We’re a team of experienced and qualified youth workers who work in a trauma informed and child centred way.
We offer a range of support out in the community and in schools, read about what different things we do below.
Schools
Supporting secondary schools in South Leeds is very important to the Shine Project. We have developed various educational courses and programmes to support the students at Cockburn, Cockburn Lawrence Calvert, Cockburn John Charles and Ruth Gorse Academy.
We also work in some of the specialist educational settings in the community including Stephen Longfellow, Springwell, Footsteps and Southway to ensure we are working in the environments that need our support for their students.
Current Courses
The current course we offer are;
Courses and Group Work
Friendships Course (4 weeks) looks at what makes a good friend, building positive communication skills and improving self-esteem.
“Who do I want to be?” (6 weeks) sessions include, understanding self-identity, improving self-esteem, and positive relationships, CSE/CCE, grooming, online safety and raising aspirations
Sex & Relationship Education (SRE) 4 sessions (boys & girls, years 9-11) sessions cover sexuality, healthy relationships, CSE, grooming and staying safe.
Current Courses continued…
Violence Reduction Course (6 weeks, boys & girls, years 8 -11) This course covers Identity, Healthy Relationships, CSE, CCE, Gang Culture, County Lines, grooming and raising aspirations.
Mentoring – a trauma-informed approach to one-to-one support sessions. Either weekly or bi-weekly, starting with a 12 week session plan and continuing until the needs of the young person have been met. These sessions are co-produced with the young person ensuring they have an input into the way the session is planned and delivered. Providing additional support for girls who need a safe space and a listening ear.
Community
We provide safe, creative and fun girls groups in the community open to all girls who live in South Leeds. The sessions are designed to help young people grow in confidence, build resilience and improve future aspirations. Sessions include arts & crafts, games, sports and a healthy meal.
Shine Project groups provide girls with a safe space in the community to discuss issues that affect young people growing up in modern society and a chance to meet lifelong friends.
*Younger Girls Group – Beeston Hill United Free Church
*Older Girls Group – St Luke’s CARES Charity Shop
*Young Leaders Programme (16-19 years) – sessions provided include employability & life skills, social action and a volunteering support programme.
I love coming to Shine, it’s like family, I meet so many new people and get to try so many new things!
Mentoring & one to one support
A trauma-informed approach to one-to-one support sessions. Which are either weekly or bi-weekly, starting with a 12 week session plan and continuing until the needs of the young person have been met.
These sessions are co-produced with the young person ensuring they have an input into the way the session is planned and delivered. Providing additional support for girls who need a safe space and a listening ear.
Employability
A course designed to support 16-19 into employment. The course includes a Level 1 qualification in Retail & Warehouse, employability skills workshops and a supported volunteer programme at the St Luke’s CARES Charity Shop.
The course is ideal for anyone wanting to gain retail or warehouse experience, however the skills are transferable to any career pathway.
The programme tutors are very nurturing and each young person receives the care and support at the level they need to successfully complete the course.
Watch our video of our youth projects at St Luke’s
Learn more about the RISE and SHINE project at St Luke’s Cares
To make a referral for a young person to receive support from Shine please email shine@stlukescares.org.uk to ask for a referral form.
To find out more about The SHINE Project and what we can offer please email shine@stlukescares.org.uk
