Project helps South Ribble teenagers reconnect post-pandemic

A drumming workshop took place at Lostock Hall Academy during the Restore project

Teenage students at schools in South Ribble have taken part in a new project aiming to improve their self-esteem and confidence post-pandemic.

The RESTORE programme of activities, funded by South Ribble Borough Council, took place over 12 weeks at Lostock Hall Academy and Worden Academy.

Managed and delivered by the Lancashire Youth Challenge (LYC) charity, RESTORE helps young people to enhance their physical and emotional wellbeing while developing their creativity to express their views on the world in which they live.

Teenagers at Lostock Hall Academy had the opportunity to try yoga, drumming, beatboxing, fitness activities, spoken word and film-making, culminating in a challenge day at Coniston where they tackled ghyll scrambling and canoeing.

Pupils at Lostock Hall Academy leapt at all the activities on their Restore Challenge Day

Anthony Briggs, LYC’s creative producer, said: “The RESTORE programme is geared towards young people re-discovering their confidence and self-esteem, especially those who lost the transitional years from Year 6 to 7 and Year 8 to 9 during the pandemic.

“These activities help them to connect with one another again, be more social and discover their interests.”

To mark the end of the programme, pupils at Lostock Hall Academy produced a film entitled My Life Is A Playground. Gaining trust, developing confidence, building personal resilience and making new friends as well as having fun were just some of the successful outcomes of RESTORE there, according to the students.

The young people at Worden Academy brought their RESTORE activities to a close with a photography exhibition accompanied with a soundscape.

Worden Academy’s progress and intervention manager, Kate Green, said: “Taking part in this intervention has given our students an opportunity to find their voice and express themselves in ways they wouldn’t believe they were capable of. They have been pushed out of their comfort zones but felt confident throughout due to the patience and kindness of all the staff involved.

“It has been great to have a variety of activities tackling both physical and emotional challenges. The outdoor adventure day was fantastic and provided a unique experience for our pupils that they will never forget.”

LYC, based in Lancaster, are hoping to extend RESTORE to other schools in Lancashire next year.