Celebrating a year of friendship, learning, new experiences and positive opportunities through our Girls’ and Boys’ Youth Clubs.
At Sunrise Multicultural Project, we believe every young person deserves a safe, welcoming space where they can make friends, build confidence, discover new interests and feel supported.
Our Girls’ and Boys’ Youth Clubs continue to provide just that, bringing young people from different backgrounds together through weekly sessions, educational workshops, sports, creative activities and exciting trips.
Our youth provision is about much more than simply providing activities. It’s about building positive relationships, encouraging independence, supporting emotional wellbeing and giving young people opportunities they might not otherwise have access to.
Over the past year, we’ve been delighted to see our young people embrace new challenges, develop important life skills and create lasting memories.
Supporting Education, Confidence and Future Aspirations
One of the highlights of our Girls’ Youth Club was an inspiring revision and exam skills workshop delivered by Ibrahim Assani, a Law student from the University of Birmingham.
The session focused on A-Level Sociology and Law, helping the girls develop revision techniques, practise exam-style questions and learn the IRAC method for structuring answers.
The girls were enthusiastic and engaged throughout, asking questions, taking notes and developing greater confidence in their academic abilities.
One young person shared:
“I feel more confident going into my exams now.”
Another commented:
“IRAC makes it so much easier to understand how to answer questions.”
These workshops demonstrate how youth clubs can play an important role in supporting educational aspirations, building self-esteem and encouraging young people to believe in their potential.
See our Girls’ Youth Club Revision and Exam Skills Workshop
Encouraging Respect, Understanding and Positive Relationships
Our Boys’ Youth Club has also provided opportunities for young people to explore important social issues and develop positive attitudes towards themselves and others.
We welcomed Zahid and Rashmi from the Sundial Centre, who delivered an engaging workshop exploring misogyny, sexism, gender-based discrimination, healthy relationships and respect.
The boys participated in open and honest discussions, shared their views and reflected on how their words and actions can affect others.
Creating safe environments for these conversations is an important part of our youth work. It helps young people develop empathy, emotional awareness, mutual respect and the confidence to make positive choices.
Read More About Our Boys’ Healthy Relationships Workshop
Trying New Activities and Discovering Hidden Talents
Providing young people with opportunities to try something different is another important part of our youth provision.
Our Boys’ Youth Club enjoyed a fantastic evening with Synergy Gaming’s mobile gaming van, where 19 boys took part in a 90-minute interactive gaming experience.
From FIFA and Roblox to Star Wars, the session encouraged social interaction, communication, teamwork and plenty of laughter.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with several boys describing it as a “unique experience” and rating the evening 10/10.
Our boys also enjoyed beginner boxing taster sessions at Banbury Boxing Club, led by Coach Ben Melcher.
They learned boxing techniques, participated in fitness exercises and developed skills including discipline, concentration, resilience and respect.
Sport provides valuable opportunities for young people to improve their physical wellbeing, build confidence and discover interests that can positively influence their lives.
Watch Our Boys’ Boxing Sessions
Exploring New Places and Building Independence
We recognise how important it is for young people to experience new environments, develop independence and have opportunities beyond their everyday surroundings.
One memorable experience was a trip to Oxford involving 16 girls from our Girls’ Youth Club, supported by Oxfordshire Community Rail Partnership, Active Oxfordshire and Banbury Youth Partnership.
What made the trip particularly special was that the girls helped choose and plan the day themselves.
They took responsibility for purchasing train tickets, navigating public transport and using maps to explore Oxford before enjoying lunch at Westgate and a fun-filled ice skating session.
The experience helped build practical travel skills, independence, communication, decision-making and confidence.
It also demonstrated the value of listening to young people and allowing them to take an active role in shaping their experiences.
See Highlights From Our Oxford Trip and Ice Skating Adventure
Summer Adventures and Lasting Memories
Another highlight was our summer trip to Bournemouth Beach, which brought together 57 Sunrise staff, volunteers and beneficiaries, including members of our Girls’ and Boys’ Youth Clubs and local families.
The day was filled with sunshine, seaside activities, games, laughter and opportunities to spend quality time together.
Trips like these are about much more than a day out. They provide opportunities for young people to strengthen friendships, connect with others, experience new places and create positive memories.
For families facing financial pressures, access to organised trips and activities can be particularly valuable, helping ensure that young people have opportunities to enjoy enriching experiences regardless of their circumstances.
More Than Just a Youth Club
While trips and special activities are often the highlights we share on social media, the real value of our youth provision is found in the consistent support we provide week after week.
Our youth clubs offer young people somewhere safe to go, trusted adults they can speak to, opportunities to make friends and a sense of belonging within their community.
Through regular engagement, our youth workers are able to build positive relationships with young people, listen to their concerns, encourage their interests and provide support when needed.
We also believe strongly in giving young people a voice. By involving them in choosing activities, planning trips and sharing their ideas, we encourage independence, responsibility and confidence.
Whether a young person is attending an educational workshop, trying a new sport, enjoying games with friends or simply having a safe place to relax, each experience contributes to their personal development and wellbeing.
Thank You to The National Lottery Community Fund and Our Community Partners
None of this would be possible without the generous support of The National Lottery Community Fund, which funds the essential staffing that enables Sunrise Multicultural Project to deliver both our Girls’ and Boys’ Youth Clubs.
This core funding is fundamental to our youth provision.
Without National Lottery funding, we simply would not be able to operate our regular youth club sessions.
Although additional grants and partnerships help us provide special activities, workshops and trips, it is the National Lottery’s investment in our staffing that makes our ongoing youth provision possible.
This support enables us to maintain safe, welcoming and consistent spaces where young people can build trusting relationships, develop confidence, form friendships and receive positive guidance.
It also provides the foundation from which we can work with other organisations, secure additional support and offer even more opportunities to the young people who attend.
We are particularly grateful to Banbury Youth Partnership for supporting our youth clubs with additional summer holiday activities and trips, and to Oxfordshire Community Rail Partnership, with support from Active Oxfordshire, for helping our girls and boys develop confidence and independence through their Oxford travel experiences.
Our thanks also go to the Sundial Centre, Synergy Gaming, Banbury Boxing Club and the many individuals and community partners who contribute their time, skills and expertise to enrich our youth provision.
These partnerships demonstrate what can be achieved when organisations work together to support local young people.
Looking Ahead
We are proud of everything our young people have achieved and experienced throughout the year, and we look forward to continuing to create opportunities that inspire, encourage and support them.
At Sunrise, we want every young person to feel valued, included and confident about their future.
Because every young person deserves somewhere to belong, someone to believe in them and opportunities to thrive.
Join Our FREE Youth Clubs in Banbury!
Boys’ Youth Club: Every Tuesday | 6:30PM – 8:00PM
Girls’ Youth Club: Every Thursday | 5.30PM – 7.00PM
Both clubs are open during Term Times and are completely FREE, providing welcoming spaces for young people to enjoy activities, meet new friends and explore new opportunities.
Follow Sunrise Multicultural Project on Instagram to see more of what our young people have been getting up to!