This summer has been one of the busiest and most rewarding we’ve had at Electric Storm Youth. As CEO, I’ve had the privilege of watching our team, volunteers, and young people come together through an incredible mix of activities, workshops, and community events.  What Stood Out When I look back over the past six weeks, what stands out isn’t just the numbers, the sessions delivered, or the young people attending, but the atmosphere. Young people building new friendships and trying new things, parents telling how amazed at the range of activities and how they felt supported, and our team working flat out to make sure every activity ran smoothly. Running a holiday programme isn’t easy, it takes planning, coordination, and a lot of energy. But what I’ve seen this summer is the real difference it makes: fewer young people isolated at home, more of them engaged in positive activities, and families knowing their children are safe, supported, and learning. Why It Matters This reflects something bigger than just a “summer schedule.” It shows why youth services matter. At a time when many families are stretched and statutory services have been cut back, spaces like ours are not a luxury, they’re essential. We’re not just filling time; we’re giving young people a sense of belonging, resilience, and skills that carry forward into school and life. This summer, we delivered a range of activities from; Beach days (yes, I even braved shorts and a football match – no Premier League scouts came calling!) The Hunt with maps, clues, and plenty of teamwork Days out on the train to explore somewhere new Our own take on Bake Off And our annual Skate Jam, which brought over 100 people together But here’s the thing: it was never just about the activities. Youth work is about what happens in between the friendships made, the confidence built, the young people who told us we’d helped get them out of their bedrooms, off their phones, and into something new. That’s the real impact. And this is happening against a backdrop where local youth services have been cut by over 70% nationally . That makes what we do not just valuable, but essential. And it’s not only programmes that make this possible. This summer, our charity shop recorded a record-breaking sale day – every pound raised going straight back into our youth work delivery. It’s an important reminder that every donation, every purchase, and every bit of support supports the work we do with young people. Moving Forward None of this happens without support. Funding and partnerships are what allow us to keep showing up, week after week, summer after summer. I’m so thankful for the backing we’ve had – because it means we can keep delivering the kind of youth work that genuinely changes lives. As we head into the new term, I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved, but I’m also reminded how vital ongoing support is. Whether it comes through donations, fundraising, partnerships, or even shopping with us, it all makes a difference. To every parent, partner organisation, supporter, and young person who has been part of this summer – thank you! Karen Jefford, CEO Electric Storm Youth