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Do young people really have it easier than we did?

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:30:47 GMT

A blog from our CEO. Karen Jefford

Do young people really have it easier than we did?

I recently asked this question to a room full of adults, expecting a quick show of hands and a few knowing smiles. What followed instead was at times, an uncomfortable conversation.

Some felt today’s young people have it easier more opportunities, more awareness, more choice. Others spoke openly about the realities they see playing out at home: anxiety, withdrawal, sleep disruption, emotional dysregulation. Different answers, same concern.

What we do know, with far more certainty than we did even a decade ago, is that childhood itself has changed.

Social media isn’t just a tool; it’s increasingly understood as a behavioural addiction, deliberately designed to capture attention, shape habits, and keep users coming back, and this isn’t just about teenagers. Through conversation with National Youth Agency and Bex Pink who are doing great work, they shared a recent announcement from Ofcom showing that 19% of 3–5-year-olds already have access to a smartphone. Let that land for a moment.

Young people today are exposed, often unfiltered to global conflict, political division, unrealistic body standards, performative lifestyles, and constant comparison. Many are emotionally processing things they don’t yet have the cognitive or relational tools to make sense of.

That’s not to say social media is all bad. Far from it.

The upsides

Connection for young people who feel isolated
Access to communities, learning, creativity, and self-expression
A platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard

The downsides

Sleep deprivation and constant stimulation
Heightened anxiety, low self-esteem, and comparison culture
Reduced face-to-face social skills and resilience
Exposure to adult content, adult problems, and adult pressure far too soon

Which brings us to the bigger question.

Should we follow the lead of Australia , where serious policy discussions are underway about restricting children’s access to social media and if we do, what are the knock-on effects?

Does restriction protect wellbeing or drive behaviour underground?

Do bans empower parents, or remove opportunities for digital literacy?

What responsibility sits with tech companies versus families, schools, and policymakers?

I notice this generational shift even in my own family. My adult children often say, “Mum, you never answer your phone.” and sometimes, that’s true. I’ve made a conscious choice not to be permanently switched on. For me, the phone is a tool, there when I need it not something that dictates my attention every minute of the day. For my children, constant availability feels normal; for me, it’s a boundary I've chosen to set. That difference alone says a great deal about how expectations have changed, from being reachable occasionally to being expected to be available at all times.

I don’t believe this is about nostalgia for “how it used to be.” It’s about acknowledging that we are raising children in a different landscape and asking whether our systems, boundaries, and safeguards have kept pace.

As someone working in the youth space, I’m genuinely open to hearing different perspectives. We already know that many young people are questioning what is real, what can be trusted, and where they belong, and I believe we all have a role in shaping the environments around them. This isn’t about having all the answers, but about being willing to listen, reflect, and adapt together.

So I’ll leave you with the same question I asked in that room: Are we comfortable with the childhood we’re designing and if not, what are we prepared to do differently?

Thank you to our supporters!

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:44:20 GMT

None of what we achieve would be possible without the incredible support of local businesses, funders, and community partners . Many have chosen us as their Charity of the Year, while others have shared time, skills, and resources so generously.

We’re also strengthening our trustee board and beginning to build a consortium of patrons who can help champion our work, extend our reach, and support our long-term sustainability.

With thanks to:

Businesses & Community Partners

Thales & U3E – donation of bikes
Co-op Lancing – weekly food donations and gingerbread houses for our Christmas event
Co-op Sompting - weekly food donations
Lancing Bowls Club – Charity of the Year
Louisa Moxey Limited – voluntary photography
Beehive Care Lancing – collaborative working
AVA - collaborative working
John Dale Estate Agent - Contributions towards our Summer Skate Jam and Young Carers
Worthing Theatres - complimentary tickets

Funders & Trusts

Ernest Hecht Charitable Foundation
Chalk Cliff Trust
National Lottery
Lancing Parish Council

Individuals & Champions

MP Tom Rutland – judge and continued support of our work

Bringing impact to life

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:24:52 GMT

Over the final months of the year, this impact was felt in very tangible ways. Through funded support, we were able to take young carers out for a well-earned restaurant visit , offering space to relax, feel valued, and simply enjoy being young.

Thanks to the generous donation of bikes from O3E and Thales, our team has been able to be more visible and accessible within the community, spending more time out and about on local streets and connecting with young people where they are. We also gifted bikes to young people, helping them travel to school more easily and making everyday transport more achievable and independent. For some, these opportunities helped remove barriers and open up new possibilities.

Our Friday drop-in continues to be a highlight of the week, full of laughter, friendship, and belonging. Demand for this support is growing, and as a result, we’re actively exploring how we can expand and add further services to meet the needs we’re seeing.

From January we’re proud to be working alongside Andy’s Angels as their dedicated youth partner, supporting their Sunday grief cafés and strengthening local support for young people experiencing loss.

We’re also seeing increasing demand for early, preventative support , as young people and families navigate growing pressures at home, in school, and online. Our close work with schools and partners helps ensure young people can access the right support at the right time.

Introducing Our New Trustee: Strategic Expertise Meets Personal Passion for Youth Wellbeing

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:17:12 GMT

We are absolutely delighted to welcome Laurence Davies to the Electric Storm Youth Board of Trustees!

Laurence is joining us at a truly exciting time, and his appointment significantly strengthens our ability to plan strategically for the future and enhance the support we offer young people across Lancing, Sompting, and Adur.

From Personal Journey to Powerful Mission

What immediately struck us about Laurence is the personal commitment he has to our mission. "My passion is driven by my own experiences of turbulent mental health in my teens and early twenties. I am deeply driven to support young people to face and overcome the internal and practical challenges they face and to achieve their potential.”

This genuine alignment is why he chose to join us “I was motivated to take on this role after meeting CEO Karen Jefford and learning how clearly aligned the charity is with my own passion to support the resilience, wellbeing and positive life trajectories of young people.”

Laurence brings an invaluable blend of strategic business sense and front-line sector knowledge that is crucial for our future:

Sector Knowledge: He spent seven years leading national mental health programmes for one of the country's largest charities, giving him powerful insight into resilience and youth wellbeing.
Front-Line Understanding: He has direct experience as a Youth Worker.
Strategic Leadership: As a coach and business consultant, he brings expertise in scaling successful organisations and managing complex operations.

Operational Challenges and Innovation

Laurence will help ESY build on its already strong foundations and support more positive life impact for more young people in the area. He has identified key operational realities facing ou r organisation, stating

“I think all charities in the modern world have the challenge of balancing the 'heart' side of running services in line with their core mission, with the 'head' side of managing their operations as skilfully and professionally as possible.”

He also highlights the need for constant responsiveness, noting that pressures on young people are always evolving, particularly in the digital world. His expertise will be crucial as we seek innovative ways to address these needs. He is keen to focus on youth leadership, stating he is "very much looking forward to observing the Youth Forum in action."

His message to the young people we support is clear “I’m really delighted to be joining ESY as a Trustee and will do my very best to help the charity to continue to support your needs and wishes. I want ESY to do the most it possibly can to help you have the biggest and best lives possible. I will always be very keen to hear your own ideas about how the charity can help young people in the area even more, so if you have ideas and thoughts on this please do always make sure to share them with the team.”

Please join us in giving Laurence a very warm welcome to the ESY family!

Electric Storm Youth and Andy's Angels Collaborate on Crucial Youth Grief Project

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:39:12 GMT

We are proud to announce an exciting new collaboration with Andy’s Angels , a dedicated bereavement charity supporting children and families through grief. Beginning in January 2026, we will partner with them to deliver a youth work project at the Andy’s Angels Grief Play Café.

This project is specifically designed to give young people a safe, creative, and supportive space to explore their emotions and connect with others who understand.

The Grief Play Café, a welcoming drop-in hub where families can come together to talk, play, and heal, has already made a significant difference to many local families. With Electric Storm Youth joining the project, young people aged 10–18 will now have access to dedicated youth sessions, offering activities, group discussions, and creative expression opportunities led by a qualified youth worker.

“We know how important it is for young people to have somewhere they feel understood,” said Kayla Shepherd, Founder of Andy’s Angels. “By working with Electric Storm Youth, we’re creating a space that combines grief support with youth empowerment, helping young people process loss in healthy, positive ways.”

At Electric Storm Youth, we are known for our innovative work supporting young people across Lancing, Sompting and the wider Adur area. We will be bringing our expertise in youth engagement, mental wellbeing, and creative participation to the project.

Together, our two charities aim to reduce isolation, build resilience, and promote open conversations about loss.

Our CEO, Karen Jefford, shared why this partnership is so important to us: “Grief can feel incredibly isolating for young people. Through this partnership, we can give them somewhere safe to just be, to talk, connect, and know they’re not on their own. It’s about helping them find strength and hope in their own time, in their own way.”

With sincere thanks to The David Hunt Foundation for their financial support, the new youth project sessions will run monthly at the Grief Play Café from January 2026.

A Heartfelt Thank You: Lancing College's Annual Gift of Kindness for Our Young Carers!

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:23:06 GMT

Electric Storm Youth (ESY) today extended their deepest thanks after receiving an overwhelming donation of 31 gift bags for the Young Carers they support.

This initiative is so much more than just a collection of presents—it's a powerful affirmation that our dedicated young people are seen, valued, and appreciated by their local community.

The Generosity of Year 9 Students

This year's drive was organized and brought to life by the generous Year 9 students and their families at Lancing College. They put together an overwhelming donation of 31 thoughtfully assembled gift bags for our Young Carers.

We were honored to receive these beautiful gifts from Father Justin, the Chaplain at Lancing College, who presented them to our Youth Work Manager. The bags were filled with an array of high-quality and heartfelt items: everything from luxury toiletries and make-up to games, lovely stationery, chocolates, and even valuable gifts like a Lego Batman set! The level of care and consideration that went into selecting each item truly reflects the compassionate spirit of the students and their families

Why These Gifts Mean So Much

Our Young Carers show incredible resilience, dedicating much of their time to caring for family members. These daily responsibilities often mean they miss out on the simple joys and recognition other young people experience. Our Young Carers Youth Worker, Nic Reeves, put it perfectly: "To receive this level of kindness from Lancing College for the third year running makes an immense difference. Our Young Carers dedicate so much of their time to others; these gifts provide a moment of joy and recognition of their strength. Last year, a Young Carer who received a bottle of Dior perfume told us it was the best gift they had ever received. It shows them that they are seen, valued and deserving of being cared for themselves."

These gifts provide a vital break and a moment to feel special. We will be distributing them during our dedicated Young Carers programme, which provides confidential, one-to-one support to help improve self-confidence and overall wellbeing for young carers in Lancing and Sompting.

A Deepening Community Partnership

This continuous support is a powerful example of community partnership in action. As Father Justin, Chaplain at Lancing College, shared: "As a Christian community, it's at the heart of who we are to partner with charities like Electric Storm in supporting the young carers of Lancing and Sompting, whose hard work and sacrifice often goes unseen. Our Year 9 students and their families have shown that even small acts of generosity can speak volumes... it is a privilege for us to stand alongside you and share Christmas with you in this way.”

We extend our biggest, warmest, and most sincere THANK YOU to Father Justin, the phenomenal Year 9 students, and all the generous families at Lancing College. Your compassion embodies the spirit of community and helps ESY fulfil our mission of ‘Supporting young people now, laying foundations for the future’.

Thank you for helping us bring a little light and joy into the lives of our incredible Young Carers this year!

Riding the Storms and Seeing the Rainbow

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 10:56:36 GMT

CEO Karen Jefford's October Blog

October has been one of those months that really reminds me why I do what I do! Our sessions are growing in attendees, full of energy, voices, laughter, and, at times moments where a young person finally feels safe enough to share what’s really going on.

There have been a few occasions recently where I’ve stepped in as an extra pair of hands to support delivery. It’s not part of my CEO job description, but honestly, it’s one of the best ways to stay connected to what we do. Supporting our youth workers gives me that raw, first-hand reminder of the trust young people place in us and the sheer skill, patience, and compassion our team brings to every session.

At Electric Storm Youth , we often talk about being a safe place during life’s storms. And this month, that metaphor has felt especially fitting. The work we do can sometimes feel like weathering a storm, intense, unpredictable, but always full of great moments and purpose. Yet within that energy, there’s something powerful: storms clear the air, they make way for change, and they remind us that calm always follows.

It’s also rainbow season, and I can’t help but see the connection. The rainbows that follow storms aren’t just about beauty, they’re about hope, visibility, and light after turbulence. That’s what our team creates every single day for young people: safe spaces where colour returns, confidence rebuilds, and potential shines through.

So as October draws to a close, I’m feeling incredibly proud of our staff, our volunteers, our supporters, and especially the young people who show up, engage, and trust us with their journeys.

Storms bring energy, rainbows bring hope and at Electric Storm Youth, we’re here for young people through it all ⚡��

We'd love to hear from others, how do you stay connected to the heart of your work when things get busy?

Get voting for us in your local Tesco!

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 12:57:43 GMT

We Need Your Vote! Help Us Win a Share of Tesco’s Stronger Starts Fund.

We have some exciting news to share! Electric Storm Youth has been shortlisted for the Tesco Stronger Starts scheme, and now we need your help to win a grant of up to £1,500.

We are currently asking for your crucial community support because this funding would directly support something vital: providing fun and educational youth sessions during the school holidays. This grant would allow us to continue offering local families safe and affordable activities for young people aged 10 to 18.

Our Plan: Boosting Holiday Fun

The Tesco Stronger Starts scheme provides grants to local community projects focusing on children and young people. We are thrilled to be one of three groups shortlisted in our area.

If we are successful, this funding will be used to run a fantastic range of engaging and supportive activities for young people aged 10-18 over the school holidays.

Our goal is simple: to ensure young people in the local area can easily access opportunities that help them build skills, boost their confidence, and forge positive friendships.

We want to make it clear that while we continue to provide essential services like mental health support and young carers programmes alongside our term-time sessions, this grant is specifically focused on boosting our holiday activities timetable. Winning means we can ensure these vital social and developmental opportunities are available to everyone who needs them.

A Message from Our CEO Karen Jefford:

"We are absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for the Tesco Stronger Starts grant. Funding from this grant would enable us to ramp up the range of activities that we offer local young people. For us, this is about investing in creating memorable experiences, encouraging young people to try new things, get out in their local community, and make new friends. We urge everyone to use their blue tokens to help us keep providing these positive opportunities."

How You Can Help Us Win:

We need your vote! We are on the shortlist in Tesco stores across Worthing and Durrington.

Voting is open from October 2025 until mid-January 2026. Every time you shop, you'll receive a blue token at the check-out—please, drop it in the box for Electric Storm Youth. Every single token counts towards helping us secure the top award!

More Than a Shop!

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 10:15:54 GMT

Did you know our charity shop does more than just sell pre-loved items — it helps fund our youth work. Every donated item, every volunteer hour, and every bargain found contributes to the support we offer young people locally.

The shop is run by our shop manager Sue, and a dedicated, friendly team of volunteers, and we're always grateful for those who donate their time, drop off unused goods, or simply pop in to find something special.

Back in June, we proudly celebrated National Volunteers' Day with a meal to honour over 20 of our incredible volunteers - including Olive, who started the shop and continues to inspire us all at the age of 90.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to support us, the shop is a great place to start. Come and visit us on Lancing High Street.

Find out more here

Coming Soon: Digital Compass for a Digital Age

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 09:53:35 GMT

We’re excited to be developing a new programme launching early next year, focused on helping young people explore how to use technology well, stay safe online, and build healthier digital habits.

The sessions are designed not to lecture or restrict, but to open up honest conversations about how young people engage with phones, gaming, apps, social media, and screens in everyday life. From escape rooms to journaling, creative media to outdoor sessions, the programme balances fun, reflection, and practical tools.

Across six sessions, young people will:

Reflect on their screen time and online behaviours
Learn digital safety and wellbeing strategies
Explore creative expression through digital tools
Reconnect offline through outdoor "digital detox" experiences
Train as Digital Ambassadors to share what they’ve learned with others
Open up intergenerational dialogue in a final young person–parent session

This work responds directly to what we’re hearing from young people, parents, and schools and the need for space to talk, learn, and take ownership over their digital lives, rather than being told what not to do.

More details will be shared soon, but we’re proud to be co-creating this programme with our youth team and partners and building digital confidence, not just digital literacy.

We're Strengthening Our Board and Patron Network

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 09:22:49 GMT

As we continue to grow and respond to the increasing needs of young people in our community, we’re looking to strengthen our Board of Trustees and expand our network of Charity Patrons.

If you’re passionate about youth work, community collaboration, and making a real difference - we’d love to hear from you.

We’re especially keen to connect with individuals who bring:

Experience in governance, education, health, youth services, or fundraising
A willingness to use your skills and voice to help us grow and reach more young people
An understanding of the challenges facing young people and a commitment to community-led solutions
Help guide and champion our work

This is a brilliant opportunity to help shape the future of a trusted youth charity that’s been serving the community for over 18 years and ensure young people continue to have the support, voice, and opportunities they deserve.

To find out more or arrange an informal conversation, please get in touch at karen@electricstormyouth.co.uk

Summer Holiday Highlights!

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 09:10:16 GMT

Fun, Learning, and Time Out!

This summer was packed with a wide range of activities designed to give young people a chance to have fun, connect with other people, and explore something new all.

From escape rooms and laser zone, to crafting afternoons, chocolate making, first aid training, and even chilling out at the beach, there was something for everyone blending fun, wellbeing, and life skills.

A real highlight was our Skate Jam, which brought together over 100 people for an afternoon of energy, music, and community. We were especially pleased to welcome fellow youth organisation Sylvia Beaufoy Youth Centre, who travelled over by minibus to take part. The event created a real buzz and thanks to its popularity, we’re now working on making it a twice-yearly fixture, supported by sponsorship. (Anyone out there like to help us?)

Some events were free to attend, while others were subsidised by the charity, helping to ensure cost wasn’t a barrier for those who wanted to get Lancing Food Bank for their contributions and GT Railways; we had 3 activities travelling by train that young people were able to enjoy. A simple experience that made a real difference to many.

In total, over 190 young people joined us during the school holidays a great reminder of how vital it is to keep local youth spaces active, engaging, and inclusive all year round. If you would like to be the first to know when our next events and activities are launched get in touch today!

Summer Reflections from our CEO

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 13:38:23 GMT

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

18 Years Strong: Celebrating a Milestone with Our Community

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 13:11:57 GMT

Today marks a huge milestone in our story: 18 incredible years of supporting young people across Sompting, Lancing, and the surrounding areas.

What began with a strong, local vision has grown into a trusted charity, and we're so proud of the lasting impact we've had on countless young lives.

Since the very beginning, our mission has been to improve the lives of local young people through personal and social development. We offer a diverse range of services, including mental health support, recreational activities, young carer support, and youth-led initiatives. Our goal is simple: to provide safe spaces, mentoring, and guidance so every young person feels seen, heard, and empowered.

As we celebrate this special anniversary, we want to share some of our proudest achievements:

18 Years of Service: We've been providing continuous youth work, mentoring, and community engagement for 18 years, putting in mid-week, day, evening, and weekend hours to be there for young people when they need us.
Fundraising Success: Our wonderful retail shop has raised over £300,000 , with every penny directly funding our youth services. This is a huge testament to the support of our community.
Community Impact: We now support over 150 young people a year and have built lifelong relationships with young people, families, schools, and our partners.

As our Chair of Trustees, Marion Peskett, said, "This charity has always been about helping young people thrive. I’m proud of how we’ve evolved and excited for a future that welcomes everyone, just as they are."

While we celebrate the past, we're firmly focused on the future. Under new leadership, we're evolving into an even more agile and responsive organization, ready to meet the changing needs of young people in our communities.

As our CEO Karen Jefford says, "As we celebrate this huge milestone, we’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to our team, trustees, volunteers, funders, retail champions, partners, and of course, our community. You’ve been part of every step, and we can’t wait to continue this journey together.”

Thank you for being part of our story. Here's to the next chapter!

Supporting Young Minds in a Digital World

electricstormyouth@gmail.com (Ian Tout) — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:27:20 GMT

On the 25th June our CEO Karen Jefford CMgr FCMI and Youth Worker Jonathan Woodbridge attended an important event at the Sir Robert Woodard Academy (SRWA), delivered by Dr. Felicity Williams, a clinical psychologist who shared powerful insights into the impact of digital technology on young people's mental health and development.

With SRWA leading the way as the first school in West Sussex to totally ban mobile phones during the school day from this September, we’re proud to stand alongside them in championing the wellbeing of young people in our community. This bold step reflects a growing awareness that we must protect and nurture young minds, not only academically but emotionally and psychologically.

At Electric Storm Youth, we’ve recently recruited a dedicated Youth Worker to focus specifically on digital wellbeing, supporting young people in understanding and navigating their relationship with technology, social media, and screen time in a safe, healthy, and positive way.

A Complex Picture

We live in a time of rapid technological change. Today, content and influence are available 24/7; there's no longer a “watershed” to protect young eyes and minds. For children and teens, whose brains are still developing (particularly between the ages of 10 and 27), this always-on digital culture can have a huge impact.

Dr. Williams highlighted how smartphones and social media have become key drivers of behaviour change and mental health challenges. While social media can foster connection and creativity, it can also expose young people to unrealistic expectations, online bullying, and a growing pressure to be "always available." Passive digital activity spending five or more hours a day on screens unrelated to learning is often replacing vital activities like outdoor play, social interaction, and restful sleep.

We also heard how the teenage brain is wired to seek excitement but increasingly, the “thrill” comes from games or social media, not real-world exploration and risk-taking. Free play, challenge, and physical interaction are essential for developing emotional resilience and cognitive growth.

Our Commitment

As a youth charity, we are not here to criticise or control young people’s digital lives, we are here to empower them. Our goal is to help young people develop a healthier relationship with technology, one that prioritises long-term wellbeing, emotional strength, and real-world connection.

We’re putting strategies and support in place, including:

· Workshops and group sessions on the impact of social media, screen time, and cyberbullying.

· 1-to-1 support for young people experiencing anxiety or stress linked to digital use.

· Collaborative initiatives with schools, parents, and professionals to create safer digital environments.

· Opportunities for free play, creativity, and real adventures that bring joy, growth, and self-confidence.

The move by SRWA to ban phones during the school day is a vital piece of the puzzle, and we’re proud to support this step towards creating more mindful, focused, and mentally healthy school communities.

Together, we can help young people balance the digital and the real so that technology becomes a tool for thriving, not surviving

Lancing Bowls Club name us their Charity of the Year

electricstormyouth@gmail.com (Ian Tout) — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:41:46 GMT

This is the start of an exciting new community partnership for us

On Monday, June 9th, our Community Partnership Youth Worker, Billy, and CEO, Karen, had a fantastic time joining Lancing Bowls Club for a charity match day. We even got to try our hand at bowls, which was great fun! This visit really highlighted the collaborative spirit of this new partnership. We're already planning to offer lawn bowls as a summer holiday activity for young people, providing engaging and beneficial opportunities right here in Lancing.

"We're incredibly grateful for the support from Lancing Bowls Club," said Karen, our CEO. "Community partnerships like this are vital for our charity. Their financial contributions and, just as importantly, their invitation for our young people to come and learn to play bowls and receive coaching, mean the world to us. It's a wonderful opportunity to introduce a new skill and a fantastic social activity to the young people we support."

The Club and its members have truly united in their support of Electric Storm Youth and all that we do. Amin, Club Captain at Lancing Bowls Club, shared the club's enthusiasm, stating: "The club and its members are truly united in our support of Electric Storm Youth and all that they do. This forms part of our ongoing commitment to encouraging community participation and supporting meaningful young people engagement. We're really looking forward to a long and successful partnership together and doing all we can to help them."

Wave Goodbye, Say Hello: We Announces New Leadership!

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:31:05 GMT

Wave Goodbye, Say Hello: We Announce New Leadership!

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Young Carers Grant received from Sussex Community Foundation!

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 08:59:39 GMT

We are delighted to have been awarded a grant of £2804 from the Kim Addison Fund via Sussex Community Foundation, to support the vital work it undertakes with young carers.

Electric Storm Youth (ESY is delighted to have been awarded a grant of £2804 from the Kim Addison Fund via Sussex Community Foundation, to support the vital work it undertakes with young carers.

Commenting on being awarded the grant, Karen Jefford, ESY’s CEO said “On behalf of the charity and our young carers, we are absolutely delighted to receive this significant grant which recognises the vital work we undertake in supporting young carers in Lancing and Sompting.“

Karen continues, “Young carers have complex needs and often feel socially isolated from their peers. This leads to stress, anxiety and in some cases specific mental health issues which need to be urgently addressed. The grant will enable us to continue to provide much needed support and counselling services to more than 45 individual young carers. This will take place at the Sir Robert Woodard Academy and as part of our general youth sessions.”

In the words of one young carer “The young carers session provides me with help and support when I've had a bad week or month and want to talk about it but may not even know how to start. It is a safe space for a chat in a confidential, non-judgemental way.”

Karen concludes, “Our work with young carers is just one of many projects we run to support young people in Lancing and Sompting. Our youth team takes a holistic and non-judgemental approach to working with young people and understands the complex factors that affect their lives. In addition to our young carers programme we also run mental health counselling, general youth sessions, LGBTQ+ sessions, street-based (detached) youth work, mentoring and work-experience.”

Amazing, phenomenal, a lifesaver and trusted …

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 08:56:01 GMT

These were just a few of the words that young people and parents used to described Electric Storm Youth (ESY) and the youth services we provide.

Last week, we received the findings of a brand and communications review undertaken by Rachael Dines and her colleagues at Shake It Up Creative.

Young people said that they received lots of support, that their voice was heard and listened to, that our youth workers understood their problems and we offered a place that separated to home and school and it was a great place to meet new friends.

Parents went onto say that without ESY their children would be “struggling more”, “have no structure in their lives”, “have less opportunities to socialise with friends in a safe space” and be “on their phones more”.

Supporting teenagers now, laying foundations for the future

The plight of young people has been highlighted this week as official figures show that UK faces youth jobs crisis as number of those aged between 16 and 24 not in education, employment or training (NEETS) rose to almost 1m and experts say the UK faces a youth jobs crisis. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/feb/27/uk-faces-youth-jobs-crisis-as-number-of-neets-rises-to-almost-1m

The chief executive of the Youth Futures Foundation, Barry Fletcher, said the figures showed the UK was facing a jobs crisis for young people. “If we are to prevent long-term scarring effects for young people and achieve the economic growth needed in our country, then we need sustained focus on the issue,” he said

ESY agrees with this statement and supporting teenagers now to lay the foundation for the future is at the heart of our mission statement, One of ways we achieve this is by offering young people the opportunity to learn real life skills that can be transferrable to the world of work. Last week 20 young people enjoyed a day learning the tricks of the barista trade, thanks to Ben Cooper from the Barista Project. As the event was so popular (47 registered), another training day is being planned.

I was writing this blog in a noisy office surrounded by young people and two of our youth workers playing Monopoly. Now that’s another example of how through a classic board games, young people learn money management, investing, risk management in addition to important social skills like negotiation and patience.

#YoungPeopleMatter

#BaristaTraining

#YouthUnemployment

#YouthServices

Exciting times for Electric Storm Youth (ESY)

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 13:46:22 GMT

2025 has got off to a flying start with all our usual youth activities and programmes back up and running after the festive break.

The New Year has got off to a flying start with all our usual youth activities and programmes back up and running after the festive break. In addition, in partnership with Lancing Parish Council, we’ve started to run a Youth Café every Wednesday after school. This offers young people a warm, safe space to relax, connect and make friends, creative, play games or simply chill out.

Young people feedback

On Thursday evening this week, we had a great Youth Forum, where young people were joined by Rachael Dines from Shake It Up Creative. Rachael led an interactive workshop and among many questions, she asked young people, why they joined ESY, what they enjoyed most, what would they miss, if we weren’t here, and importantly how would they like us to communicate with them in the future and what they felt about the look and feel of the charity. Ideas and feedback quickly began to flow and it was heart-warming to hear how important ESY was to them and in some cases the difference we made to individuals’ lives.

Raising our profile

In mid-January, we were delighted to welcome Emma Davies as part of the ESY team. As our Business Office Manager, Emma is already making a real difference to how we manage the charity as she brings with her a wealth of experience. Over the coming weeks, Emma will be looking at our office systems and getting them into shape, as well as raising our communications profile, via our website and across our social media.

Join our team

Although we are a charity, we know that we must operate in an effective, business-like manner. Therefore, at the beginning of the month we advertised for a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). We are now nearing the deadline for applications, which close at 12 noon on Friday 31 ^st January. The CEO will be responsible for the overall day-to-day running of the charity and to provide effective executive leadership and direction. They will also have full responsibility for the effective, top-level management and development of all services connected with the charity (including our charity shop), and to be responsible for the standard of support provided to all those using those services.

Meeting the growing demand

As the demand for our youth services grows, we also need to growth our youth team. Therefore, we also recruiting for a part-time sessional youth worker to join our team to support our senior youth work manager and assist other members of our youth team in the delivery of our wide range of innovative, high quality of activities and support to young people. Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 28 ^th February.

For more information about both posts and to download an application pack at https://www.electricstormyouth.co.uk/jobs

Need some extra support over Christmas and New Year ?

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 09:38:52 GMT

We know that for some, Christmas and New Year can be tough.

Electric Storm Youth is now closed for the festive break. The office will reopen on Thursday 2nd January 2025 and we will respond to your emails and messages on our return.

Our youth services and activities will resume the week beginning Monday 6th January.

We know this time of year can sometimes be tough. If you are a young person or a concerned parent/carer in need of mental health support, details of organisations who can help are listed below.

Supporting young people at risk of exploitation

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 12:43:16 GMT

The project will identify and support young people most at risk of being exploited but county line gangs and/or individuals.

ESY will offer six, 1 hour, one-to-one sessions to eighteen young people over the course of 12 months.

Through these sessions we will help a young person to discuss issues that are affecting their lives and help them recognise the subtle ways in which they are being exploited and develop strategies to understand that county lines are not an inevitable lifestyle choice.

The programme will help a young person who is involved with a county lines gang to be able to push back when help is offered.

Shout out to our amazing youth team

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 16:49:00 GMT

ESY, we're more than just a youth club !

Our youth workers, deliver a wide range of services for young people in line with the Youth Work National Occupational Standards, including:

Saturday and after school activities
Mental health counselling
Young carers support
LGBTQ+ sessions
Detached street-based youth work
Youth forum
Summer holiday activities programme
Working with other local community groups.

Not bad when you think we only have 2.6 full time equivalent youth workers.

To find out more about what we do, please visit www.electricstormyouth.co.uk/what-we-do

ESY celebrates International Youth Day 2024

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 09:10:09 GMT

ESY believes that young people are a positive force for the future.

We are dedicated to helping young people to improve their personal and social development, teaching them new skills and improving the quality of their lives.

To find out how we achieve this, please visit www.electricstormyouth.co.uk/what-we-do

Electric Storm Youth totally condemns the on-going violence affecting local communities across the country

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 14:50:14 GMT

Electric Storm Youth totally condemns the on-going of violence affecting local communities across the country following the tragic events in Southport and we offer our full support to everyone who has been affected.

Many young people will have seen videos of the riots on social media and television and it is important that they understand that racial or religiously-motivated violence has no place in our society.

Through our youth work, we promote the values of understanding, tolerance and dialogue as alternatives to frustration, violence and division.

We support young people and try to help them make sense of the world they live in. We promote the values that everyone is equal and should be respected and included whatever their race, gender, religion or sexuality. We encourage them to live in tolerance of others and to respect an individual's freedoms and opinions.

We believe in supporting young people now to help them lay foundations for their future.

ESY school summer activity programme 2024

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 12:47:54 GMT

We've got an amazing programme of summer activities planned for young people aged 11 to 17 years old and they're all FREE!

To register your child for any of the activities listed, simply email Mark our senior youth work manager at mark.carrell@electricstormyouth.co.uk , stating which activities you'd like you child to take part in.

But hurry, as places are limited and will be allocated on a first apply, first booked basis.

If it rains for any of our outdoor activities, we have a back up indoor venue.

Tuesday 23rd July

Beach afternoon at Beach Green, Lancing with games, football, paddle in the sea and ice cream.

Wednesday 24th July

Bee Experience at Brooklands.

Saturday 27th July

Lancing Football Club. A chance to watch Lancing take on Hastings in a friendly at Culver Road!

Tuesday30th July

Skate Jam at Beach Green, Lancing. For for all young people interested in skating and scooters. Helmets and safety equipment must be worn.

Friday 2nd August

Crazy Golf at Splash Point, Worthing.

Tuesday 6th August

Bowling at Worthing.

Friday 9th August

Beach afternoon with ice cream and games on the Beach Green.

Tuesday 13th August

Worthing Pier amusements and food at MacDonald's.

Wednesday14th August

Play Station games console afternoon.

Tuesday 20th August

Jump In at Burgess Hill (minibus provided for travel).

Wednesday 21st August

Beach afternoon and picnic.

Tuesday 27th August

Pendragon (The Hunt) – Stamner Park, Brighton) – For those that have seen the

show ‘The Hunted’ on TV, young people and staff will have to complete a mission to

escape capture from the hunters! Transport will be provided.

Wednesday 28th August

Scout Sailing Trip with a chance to see dolphins off Bognor Regis.

Electric Storm Youth celebrates commitment to Real Living Wage

Wed, 29 May 2024 10:00:15 GMT

Electric Storm Youth (ESY) is pleased to announce that it has been accredited as a Living Wage Employer.

Our Living Wage commitment means that everyone working at ESY receives a minimum hourly wage of £12, higher than the government minimum for over 21s, which currently stands at £11.44 per hour.

The real Living Wage is the only rate calculated according to the costs of living. It provides a voluntary benchmark for employers that wish to ensure their staff earn a wage they can live on, not just the government minimum. Since 2011 the Living Wage movement has delivered a pay rise to over 460,000 people and put £3 billion extra into the pockets of low paid workers.

Commenting on becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer, John Randall, Interim CEO for ESY said, “At ESY, we value our staff and their commitment and dedication in supporting young people, either through providing high-quality youth services or generating much needed income in our charity shop. We, therefore, feel it is only right that they rewarded for their hard work. “

John continues, “We are delighted that our commitment has been recognised and by being awarded the accreditation, it publicly demonstrates that ESY is a good and responsible employer. I believe paying a real Living Wage will help to improve ESY’s employer brand and will help us to retain and attract high quality staff. “

Katherine Chapman, Director, Living Wage Foundation said: “We are delighted that Electric Storm Youth has joined the movement of over 14,000 responsible employers across the UK who voluntarily commit to go further than the government minimum to make sure all their staff earn enough to live on.

“They join thousands of small businesses and organisations as well as household names such as Burberry, Barclays, Everton Football Club and many more. These businesses recognise that paying the real Living Wage is the mark of a responsible employer and they, like Electric Storm Youth, believe that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay."

ENDS

About Electric Storm Youth

Founded in 2007, Electric Storm Youth (ESY) is a youth work charity based in Lancing, West Sussex. We run a full range of youth-based programmes, including young carers support, mental health counselling, general youth sessions, LGBTQ+ sessions, street-based (detached) youth work, mentoring and work-experience.

ESY currently supports up to 200 young people by working to improve their personal and social development, teaching them new skills, and improving the quality of their lives.

About the Living Wage

The real Living Wage is the only rate calculated according to what people need to make ends meet. It provides a voluntary benchmark for employers that choose to take a stand, by ensuring their staff earn a wage that meets the costs and pressures they face in their everyday lives.

The UK Living Wage is currently £12 per hour. There is a separate London Living Wage rate of £13.15 per hour to reflect the higher costs of transport, childcare and housing in the capital. These figures are calculated annually by the Resolution Foundation and overseen by the Living Wage Commission, based on the best available evidence on living standards in London and the UK.

ESY receives £5,000 grant to support young people’s mental health

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 09:58:46 GMT

Electric Storm Youth (ESY) is delighted to announce that it has received a £5,000 grant from the Sussex Community Foundation (SCF), to support the mental health services it provides for young people living in Sompting and Lancing. The grant is made up of funding from the LF Fund and the Arthur & Doreen Green Fund at Sussex Community Foundation.

Commenting on being awarded the grant, John Randall ESY’s Fundraiser said “On behalf of the charity and our young people, we are absolutely delighted to receive this grant which recognises the vital work we undertake in supporting the mental health of young people in Sompting and Lancing. The grant will allow young people, aged 11-18 to access a high-quality emergency mental health service. This can be either through one-to-one clinical intervention sessions provided through Your Space Therapies based at the Sir Robert Woodard Academy, or mental health well-being early intervention drop-in sessions delivered by our Senior Youth Work Manager and one of our youth workers.

In awarding the grant, Sussex Community Foundation said, “We were very pleased to be able to support Electric Storm Youth through our LF Fund and the Arthur and Doreen Green Fund at Sussex Community Foundation. Through our funding, Electric Storm Youth will be working to address mental health challenges for young people aged 11-18 in Lancing and Sompting. This work supports marginalised young people living in some of the most deprived areas of Sussex, and aligns very well with our current funding priorities "

John concludes, “We believe our mental health services will help to build resilience, confidence and overall well-being of young people and equip them to cope with the stresses that live brings. It will lead to confident young people, willing to engage positively within the local community.”

ESY attends meeting hosted by the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 14:25:30 GMT

ESY's interim CEO joined other recipients of the Safer in Sussex Community Fund.

On Thursday 22nd February, ESY's interim CEO John Randall, gave a presentation on the general work of the charity and detailed how the charity is using a £4,000 grant to deliver street-based detached youth work across Lancing and Sompting.

During his presentation, John explained how through its detached work, ESY youth workers engage with the young people in a non-judgemental manner, talk about issues that are affecting them and their community and encourage them into making positive behavioural choices. In addition, youth workers signpost and encourage young people to attend our other youth activities.

Katy Bourne said ESY's community street-based youth outreach programme was a great example of an innovative local project that aims to make our communities safer.

Lancing Business Park Bake Off raises £540 for ESY

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 13:50:28 GMT

Tim Loughton MP and Great British Bake Off Star Baker, Janusz Domagala judge entries in the recent LBP Charity Bake Off.

On 9th February, members of Lancing Business Park held a charity Bake Off in aid of Electric Storm Youth.

Commenting on the event, John Randall, ESY's Interim CEO said "On behalf of all the young people that use our services, I would like to thanks all Lancing Business Park members who supported the event. In total raised £540 was raised and this will help us to continue providing much needed youth services in Lancing and Sompting. The Bake Off was a great way to conclude being LPB's charity of the year and I would to add my personal thanks to Suzy Bastable for all her support over the past twelve months."

At the end of day, leftover cakes were taken back to treat those attending a youth activity the following day.

ESY receives generous grant to support young people’s mental health

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 09:23:34 GMT

Electric Storm Youth (ESY) has received a generous grant from Sompting Big Local, to support the mental health services it provides for young people living in Sompting and Lancing. The grant from Sompting Big Local (SBL) is administered by Community Works for the Big Lottery Fund.

Commenting on being awarded the grant, John Randall ESY’s Fundraiser said “On behalf of the charity and our young people, we are absolutely delighted to receive this generous grant which recognises the vital work we undertake in supporting the mental health of young people in Sompting and Lancing. “

John continues, “As the latest NHS figures show, the number of young people trying to access mental health services is at a record high. The grant from SBL will allow up to 40 young people, aged 11-18 to access a high-quality emergency mental health service. This can be either through one-to-one clinical intervention mental health sessions for young people provided through Your Space Therapies based at the Sir Robert Woodard Academy, or mental health well-being early intervention drop-in sessions delivered by our Senior Youth Work Manager and one of our youth workers.

In awarding the grant, SBL said, “Sompting Big Local Partnership are aware of the increasing need to support young people, particularly with their mental health. We know the effects of the lockdowns during the pandemic are only really being felt now, and with stretched services, it was great to see the project between Electric Storm Youth and Your Space Therapies providing high-level clinical interventions. We are delighted to be able to support this project with funding and support young people with their mental health.”

For further information about Electric Storm Youth, visit www.electricstormyouth.co.uk

ENDS

About Electric Storm Youth

ESY currently support around 200 young people by working to improve their personal and social development, teaching them new skills, and improving the quality of their lives.

The charity’s main challenge is the increasing demand for its services, especially from the more marginalised groups such as young carers and those with mental health problems.

For more information, visit www.electricstormyouth.co.uk

About Sompting Big Local

Sompting Big Local is funded through the Big Local initiative. This is radically different from any other funding programmes.

At the heart of Big Local is a vision of empowered, resilient, dynamic, asset-rich communities making their own decisions on what is best for their area.

Sompting Big Local is a partnership of Local residents who have volunteered to help steer the project.

Sompting Big Local is supported by Community Works. Their role is to administer and account for the distribution of the funding, support our worker and members of the partnership.

For more information, visit www.somptingbiglocal.org.uk

Help us raise £1,000 without giving a penny

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 15:19:25 GMT

The more nominations we get, the greater chance we have to receive £1,000.

Movement for Good is an annual programme of giving that anyone can get involved in, and in 2024 they will be donating over £1 million to charities and good causes nominated by local communities.

How can I help?

1) Visit https://movementforgood.com/#nominateACharity

2) Enter Electric Storm Youth Limited in the search box

3) Select us as your favourite charity

4) Select Community for charity type

5) Fill in your personal details

6) Hit the Nominate this charity button.

It’s that simple! The more nominations we get, the greater chance we have to receive £1,000.

Thank you for helping us provide vital youth services in Lancing and Sompting.

Young people combat loneliness in the community through inter-generational board games sessions

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 11:37:20 GMT

Local young people took action against loneliness by organising open board game sessions, complete with biscuits, board games, and cups of tea!

In the run up to Christmas, as part of their joint efforts to combat loneliness this winter, young adults from ESTEEM supported by young people from Electric Storm Youth invited local Lancing residents to an afternoon of board games, complete with biscuits and cups of tea.

Commenting on the event Karen Macleod, Operations Manager of Electric Storm Youth said “Our young people really enjoyed taking part in this event as they are always keen to help with community projects, and they are very passionate about the idea of working to combat loneliness. It was also great to be working with ESTEEM and Lancing Parish Hall as it shows the wonderful things young people and different organisations can do when they work together.”

Sophie O’Regan from ESTEEM, added “It was very exciting to be leading the project because I think it’s important to reach out to people in our community, especially during the winter season when people might feel isolated. There’s still quite a lot of stigma and stereotypes between both generations. We’re hoping to rewrite that narrative and bridge the gap between young people and the elderly.”

The event even caught the attention of ITV Meridian News who sent a reporter and film crew to capture the event which broadcast on on New Year's Eve.

Where to find help over Christmas and New Year

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 11:51:28 GMT

Electric Storm Youth is now closed for the festive break. We will reopen on Wednesday 3rd January 2024 and we will respond to your emails and messages on our return.

We know this time of year can sometimes be tough. If you are a young person or a concerned parent/carer in need of mental health support, details of organisations who can help are listed below.

We hope you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !

Local community business raises money for Electric Storm Youth

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 19:25:38 GMT

Local community pub, the Railway in Lancing, who held their grand launch party back in August has fundraised more than £750 for youth charity Electric Storm Youth (ESY).

A cheque was presented on Monday by landlords Iryna and Chris Williams to Karen Rance, a trustee of the charity, accompanied by Sue Burdon, ESY’s charity shop co-ordinator and youth support worker, Jonny Woodbridge.

When asked why they had chosen ESY, landlord Chris Williams said, “I volunteer for local cub and scout groups and I’m only too aware by the lack of facilities for young people in Lancing, so when Iryna and I took over the pub, we wanted our first fundraising event to be about supporting young people and everyone mentioned Electric Storm Youth.”

Commenting on the donation, John Randall ESY’s fundraiser said “We are delighted that Iryna and Chris chose to fundraise for us and are very grateful to everyone who supported the event. Like all charities, ESY relies on fundraising events, individual donations and grant funding to survive. The money raised, will help ensure that we can continue to run a wide range of activities for young people in Lancing and Sompting. The donation is a great example of a local business and its customers supporting a local charity.”

ENDS

About Electric Storm Youth

Founded in 2007, Electric Storm Youth (ESY) is a youth work charity based in Lancing, West Sussex. We run a full range of youth-based programmes, including young carers support, mental health support, youth sessions, LGBTQ+ sessions, street-based (detached) youth work, mentoring and work-experience.

ESY currently support around 200 young people by working to improve their personal and social development, teaching them new skills, and improving the quality of their lives.

The charity’s main challenge is the increasing demand for its services, especially from the more marginalised groups such as young carers and those with mental health problems.

Electric Storm Youth awarded £325,000 National Lottery funding

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 10:36:06 GMT

ESY has been awarded funding for three years to continue its work with young people in Lancing and Sompting

Electric Storm Youth (ESY) is delighted to announce that it is to receive more than £325,000 over three years from The National Lottery Community Fund to support the vital work it undertakes with young people in Lancing and Sompting.

Commenting on being awarded the grant, John Randall ESY’s fundraiser said, “On behalf of the charity and all the young people in Lancing and Sompting, we are delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. This is now the fourth tranche of funding that the charity has received, and we are grateful for their on-going support.”

John continues, “Young people are often misunderstood and many report struggling with issues such as low self-esteem, a lack of self-confidence and mental health issues such as anxiety. These can have a profound effect on both their adolescence and also their adult life. At ESY our team of dedicated youth workers adopt a holistic and non-judgmental approach when working with young people as we help them build a firm basis for their futures.

Our activities not only offer young people the opportunity to mix and socialise with their peers, but they also offer them the chance to develop their social skills, build self-resilience, develop a sense of self-worth and belonging and also practical life skills such as cooking, CV writing and budgeting and money management.

John concludes, “National Lottery funding gives the charity the security to continue and develop a wide range of projects that our young people deserve. These will include activities and trips, street-based youth work, LGBTQ+ sessions, mentoring, work experience and also more targeted support for young carers and young people in need of counselling to support their mental health. We also strongly encourage young people to become actively involved in their community and we work closely with local community groups.”

Electric Storm Youth receives funding boost

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:16:52 GMT

Electric Storm Youth has received a grant of £4,000 from the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund.

The Fund provides grants up to £5,000 to local organisations and projects that deliver a lasting and positive impact on the local community.

John Randall, ESY’s fundraiser, who accepted the grant award on behalf of the youth charity, explains how the funding will help improve community safety in the Lancing area of Sussex:

He said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this grant from the Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund, which will support our detached youth work to undertake regular community street-based youth outreach work in key locations within Lancing.

This will be achieved by the use of ESY’s mobile van which is fitted out to provide space for young people to sit down out of the cold and have a hot drink and snacks.

Through this work, we will engage with the young people in a non-judgemental manner , talk about issues that are affecting them and their community and encourage them into making positive behavioural choices. In addition, we will signpost and encourage them to attend our other youth activities.

Commending Electric Storm Youth on its successful bid Katy Bourne said: “As Police and Crime Commissioner I have a statutory responsibility for commissioning county-wide community safety and crime prevention programmes.

“The charity’s community street-based youth outreach programme is a great example of an innovative local project that aims to make our communities safer.

“Since launching the Safer in Sussex Fund in December 2013, nearly £1.5 million has been allocated to support over 300 crime reduction and community safety initiatives.

“This money makes a real difference to local people and neighbourhoods. The high numbers of bids each time shows organisations and community groups are committed to keeping Sussex a safe place in which to live.”

ENDS

About Electric Storm Youth

ESY currently support around 200 young people by working to improve their personal and social development, teaching them new skills, and improving the quality of their lives.

The charity’s main challenge is the increasing demand for its services, especially from the more marginalised groups such as young carers and those with mental health problems.

Lancing contains areas that are in the 20% most deprived wards nationally and in the 10% most deprived areas in terms of education, skills and training. All of this means that many local young people come from low-income households and as well as financial constraints placed on families, young people report they face other challenges growing up in the area such as drugs, alcohol and smoking, mental health problems, boredom and a lack of things to do. Young people also report low self-esteem, low self-confidence and a lack of belief in themselves.

About Police & Crime Commissioner funding

The Police & Crime Commissioner currently has two types of funding. The Safe Space Sussex Funding Network has been set up to assist the delivery of projects which support victims and witnesses of crime, while the Safer in Sussex Community Fund (SiSCF) assists community groups that help reduce or prevent crime in Sussex.

To find out more about the funding made available to community groups by the Police & Crime Commissioner visit: www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/apply-for-funding

Lancing-based youth charity receives significant grant to support “unsung heroes.”

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 14:37:37 GMT

Electric Storm Youth has received a significant grant from the Ernest Hecht Charitable Foundation, to support the vital work it undertakes with young carers.

Electric Storm Youth (ESY) has received a significant grant from the Ernest Hecht Charitable Foundation (EHCF), to support the vital work it undertakes with young carers.

Commenting on being awarded the grant, John Randall ESY’s fundraiser said “On behalf of the charity and our young carers, we are absolutely delighted to receive this significant grant which recognises the vital work we undertake in supporting young carers in Lancing and Sompting.“

John continues, “Young carers have complex needs and often feel socially isolated from their peers. This leads to stress, anxiety and in some cases specific mental health issues which need to be urgently addressed. The grant will enable us to continue to provide much needed support and counselling services to 30 individual young carers. This will take place at the Sir Robert Woodard Academy and in our general youth sessions.”

In the words of one young carer “The young carers session provides me with help and support when I've

had a bad week or month and want to talk about it but may not even know how to start. It is a safe space for a chat in a confidential, non-judgemental way.”

In awarding the grant the Trustees of EHCF said, “We felt that young carers are such unsung heroes, and we really liked the idea of a project that recognises the role they play and the burden they are under and offers them the space and opportunity to offload some of the pressure, concerns and stresses on their lives that so often get overlooked.”

John concludes, “Our work with young carers is just one of many projects we run to support young people in Lancing and Sompting. Our youth team take a holistic and non-judgemental approach to working with young people and understand the complex factors that affect their lives.”

“In addition to our young carers programme we also run mental health counselling, general youth sessions, LGBTQ+ sessions, street-based (detached) youth work, mentoring and work-experience.”The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

About Electric Storm Youth

ESY currently support around 200 young people by working to improve their personal and social development, teaching them new skills, and improving the quality of their lives.

The charity’s main challenge is the increasing demand for its services, especially from the more marginalised groups such as young carers and those with mental health problems.

About Ernest Hecht Charitable Foundation

The Foundation was set up in 2003 by the late Ernest Hecht, one of England’s major independent book publishers.

The Foundation’s primary objective is to support the work of UK registered charities by awarding grants that benefit the disadvantaged and promote the advancement of the arts and education.

It awards grants that will make a difference in a particular field, especially for the vulnerable, the young, and the elderly.

It’s OK not to be OK.

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 11:35:29 GMT

At ESY we are passionate about supporting the mental health of young people.

We encourage young people to embrace the idea that it is ‘OK not to be OK’ and we have a range of mental and emotional health support available. This includes an ESY counselling service, drop-in mental health sessions at The Sir Robert Woodard Academy, group well-being sessions and online workshops for young people and parents/carers on improving and supporting mental health.

If you want to chat about the support we offer, please email us at office@electricstormyouth.co.uk

About Electric Storm Youth

ESY currently support around 200 young people by working to improve their personal and social development, teaching them new skills, and improving the quality of their lives.

The charity’s main challenge is the increasing demand for its services, especially from the more marginalised groups such as young carers and those with mental health problems.