Has your child just started secondary school? Discover how attending a youth club can support their transition.

Full Circle Docklands youth club can support young people through this challenging stage.

Moving schools can be an exciting yet daunting time, when young people feel vulnerable and are in need of a little extra support. Discover how attending a youth club can support their emotional wellbeing, keep them active and learn new life skills through informal education.

“I feel pretty nervous about moving schools. In some ways it’s exciting, but I’m worried about making new friends as I’m quite quiet and don’t know many people.”

– Leanne, aged 11

Let’s explore the advantages of attending a youth club, particularly when embarking on the journey of a new school:

Social Integration

Youth clubs serve as excellent platforms for fostering social integration, especially when starting a new school. They bring together young people from diverse backgrounds and provide a welcoming atmosphere where friendships can flourish. Joining a club introduces newcomers to a network of like-minded peers who share common interests, making it easier to connect and find their place within the social structure of their new school.

“I’ve met so many friends here and I love spending time with them every week – we're so good at working together as a team, especially when we’re making cakes!”

– Maya, aged 11

Building Confidence

Confidence is a vital asset when navigating the challenges of a new school. Youth clubs offer a safe space for young people to express themselves, try new things, and develop their self-esteem. Engaging in club activities, such as cookery, team sports, or artistic tasks, can boost self-confidence and help students feel more at ease when interacting with their peers.

Life Skills Development

Youth clubs often provide opportunities for development of life skills in a fun and engaging manner. Whether it's learning to budget, improving leadership skills, or acquiring technical skills through hands-on projects, these clubs offer a platform for personal growth and skill enhancement. Some of these newfound skills learnt through informal education can also be applied within the academic setting, giving students a competitive edge in their studies.

“When I started youth club, I could even make a toastie myself! Now I can cook a whole meal including curry and rice – sometimes I even cook for my family and they actually enjoy it.”

– Benji, aged 13 (speaking after attending youth club for two years)

Emotional Support

The transition to a new school can be emotionally challenging, leading to feelings of loneliness or anxiety. Youth clubs offer a support system where young people can share their concerns and experiences. Having experienced youth workers on hand for guidance as well as a group of friends who understand and empathise with one another can be immensely comforting during times of change and uncertainty.

Explore a Variety of Interests

Youth clubs offer activities that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether a young person is passionate about sports, arts and crafts, or community service, there will be an activity that aligns with their interests. This diversity ensures that every young person has the opportunity to explore their passions and offers a fulfilling extracurricular experience.

Sense of Belonging

One of the most significant advantages of youth clubs is the sense of belonging they provide. In a new school, where everything can feel unfamiliar, being part of a club gives students a sense of identity and a place where they can truly belong. This sense of belonging can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and help young people adjust more comfortably to their new environment.

“I feel like I belong here – I just feel comfortable and like I can be myself.”

– Jamie, aged 12

What’s available in the local area?

Full Circle Docklands is your local youth club, based in St Pauls at the corner of City Road and Brigstocke Road. Established in 1980 and with a wealth of experience, we aim to enhance life opportunities by inspiring young people through our weekly youth clubs that offer activities and advice delivered in a holistic way.

We run an Olderz weekly youth club for those aged 12-16 years on a Wednesday evening from 6.30-8.30pm but if your child is 11 and has just started secondary school, they are welcome to come along, even if it’s a few months until their twelfth birthday. During these sessions, our experienced youth workers can support young people to feel comfortable and relaxed in a new setting and offer loads of fantastic activities to help build skills and self-esteem.

We also run a Girlz Nite on a Monday from 4.30-6pm, which is a club for girls up to aged 12 years. This club is designed to support girls who prefer a female-only space to transition confidently from primary to secondary school – so if your child has just started secondary education or is in their last year at primary school, this offers the perfect opportunity for them to forge new friendships and improve confidence in a calm and welcoming setting.

These sessions are just £1 each week and often include cooking activities and snacks, as well as a range of sports, arts and crafts, and more…

Please encourage your kids to come along and check out one of our sessions – we’re sure it will enrich their life!

Find out more at: fullcircleproject.org.uk/whats-on/

*all names have been changed to protect anonymity