At Leventhorpe School, our weekly Sports and life skills intervention is helping young people re-engage with education through sport, practical learning, and positive relationships. By combining activities such as boxing, football, cooking, and nature walks with ASDAN-linked personal development themes, the programme builds confidence, resilience, and essential life skills. The result has been improved attendance, stronger wellbeing, and a lasting impact that has already inspired new community opportunities beyond the school setting.

Our recent HAF Sports and Activity Camp at Passmores was a fantastic success, bringing together children, staff, volunteers, young leaders, and community partners for an engaging and rewarding half term programme. Alongside a wide range of fun activities, the camp also featured accredited CPD delivered by the FA, supporting not only our staff and apprentice coaches, but also volunteers, parents, and work experience students looking to develop their skills and future pathways. With 64 unique attendees taking part, the club made a positive impact on wellbeing, confidence, and community involvement—creating an inclusive holiday experience that went far beyond sport alone.

Half-term programmes are funded by Essex County Council. 50% of funded spaces must be allocated to children on income related free school meals, and 50% are for young people from ‘low-income’ working families, may be vulnerable and/or experience inactivity and social isolation without access to this free support. If you do not fall into eligible category then you can pay £15 for the day. All bookings can be made via our website.

“The quality of provision was consistently high, with a broad and well‑planned curriculum that included arts, sports, and enrichment activities. New activities such as indoor archery and skateboarding were introduced successfully, enabling children to develop new skills and sustain high levels of engagement. Sessions were inclusive and accessible, allowing all children to experience success and enjoyment.”

The AEF BOX Smart Course programme for 2025/26 aimed to deliver meaningful learning experiences, foster positive change, and strengthen community connections. This summary evaluates the overall successes, outcomes achieved, and notable highlights from the final  Quarter of the year.

"Being part of this program has made me feel like I truly belong somewhere. The support and encouragement I’ve received have really boosted my confidence and helped me see a future for myself." Another young person shared, "Joining the football coaching pathway gave me something to look forward to. I never thought I’d have the chance to get work experience or even think about a job in sports, but now I feel like I have real plans and opportunities ahead." Family members have also commented on the positive changes, observing increased motivation and a sense of direction in their children’s lives.

Thanks to The National Lottery Awards for all Award, we have received funding to provide this Boxing Class, PLUS a number of other sessions taking place throughout March 2026 such as Jiu Jitsu, Fitness Classes, Football, Dodgeball and Cricket. These are all bookable for free on our website throughout March 2026

"The AEF Smart course gave me a safe space to express myself and try new things. I now feel much more positive about the future." – Participant, 17 years old

Main Successes of the Winter Holiday Programme

Intended Outcomes Achieved:

• Engagement of Target Audience:
  Successfully reached young people from priority groups, including those on Free School Meals (FSM), vulnerable young people, and individuals on the cusp of or involved in anti-social behaviour (ASB) and youth criminality.

• Learning and Development:
  Delivered the first three ASDAN modules (Understanding Self, Creating Positive Environments, Goal Setting), supporting personal growth and positive behaviour change.

• Employability Skills:
  Provided volunteering opportunities through Essex Activate clubs, helping young people build confidence and workplace skills.

During this quarter, the project achieved several of its key intended outcomes while also delivering notable unintended successes. There has been a measurable reduction in antisocial behaviour within the community, we successfully launched female-only sessions, addressing an urgent local need and demonstrating the project’s capacity to adapt and innovate. We observed several indicators that demonstrated an improvement in young people's social skills Throughout the course. these outcomes underscore the effectiveness of our provision in fostering positive educational and employment pathways.

This intervention does more than provide activities; it changes lives. It gives young people the tools to believe in themselves, the encouragement to persevere, and the support to turn potential into achievement. In a time when emotional and mental health issues are rising among children, programs like Changing Lives are not optional luxuries—they are essential lifelines.

What an amazing October half-term full of sports, crafts, and activities! We had something for everyone during the October half-term in Harlow, with events taking place across multiple venues throughout the town.

During this October half term, Changing Lives Community Services offers a diverse program for primary-aged children. Outdoor Forest School sessions will include exciting laser gun games and creative base-building activities using natural materials like sticks and leaves. Indoors, children can participate in multi-sports days featuring Football, Dodgeball, and Skateboarding plus much more, catering to a variety of interests and abilities.

AEF BOXsmart Course Programme for Teens in Harlow – Quarter 2 Evaluation (July, August, September 2025)