Welcome to
The Swan Youth Project
During 2024, we have welcomed and cooked a meal for an average of 20 young people aged 11-16 every day after school. A big thank you to everyone who has made this possible by supporting us this year, both financially and by offering their skills, time or expertise. We look forward to continuing to offer a happy, safe, supportive and engaging place for young people to boost their mental and physical wellbeing, build self esteem and resilience, and learn valuable life skills in 2025.
To find out more about The Swan Youth Club, read our latest Newsletter HERE
About Us
Welcome to The Swan Youth Project!
Below you will find information about what we've got going on this week, and about hiring our space.
We run after-school drop in sessions, from typically 3:30-6pm, during weekdays. Our holiday closing dates run in conjuction with Ashlyns school term dates which can be found here.
We are open to ages 11-16+ and are completely free!! All you need to do is fill out a membership form at your own leisure that you can get from us at our Centre.
You can find us at our centre, located in the heart of Berkhamsted, or out at Canal Fields skatepark if it's a particularly nice day :) We will always let you guys know where we are, on here, or on our socials, so keep posted!!
Vacancies
This week, Amy Holmes from BBC Three Counties Radio visited The Swan Youth Project to meet some of the amazing young people involved in our recent workshops.
Together, they discussed the profound impact social media has had on their generation — from online pressure and harmful content to the importance of learning about healthy relationships and emotional well-being.
These workshops, supported by @hertscommunityfoundation, created a safe space for teens to reflect, learn, and share - all as part of our Happy camp.
📲 Read the full article on the BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4glxdz25yjo
“We Need This Change Now”: MP Victoria Collins Joins Young Voices on Mental Health and Social Media
Join Us as a Hands-on Trustee at the Swan youth Project!
We are the Swan Youth Project, a small, welcoming and busy youth drop-in centre based in Berkhamsted, supporting local young people with a safe space, food, fun activities and someone to talk to.
We are looking for a hands-on trustee to join our friendly team. This isn't just about attending meetings - we need someone who's up for getting stuck in, sharing ideas and helping us grow.
Got experience in fundraising, marketing, youth work or just a passion for making a difference? Brilliant. No trustee experience? No problem - if you care about young people and can give some time we'd love to hear from you.
Fancy a chat to find out more? Contact: sandra@swanyouthproject.co.uk
MP Victoria Collins speaks with students from Ashlyns School and the Swan Youth Project about rising mental health concerns among young people and the harmful role of social media.
The discussion highlights the urgent need for government action on funding cuts to youth services and better regulation of online platforms to protect young minds.
👉 Watch the video to hear from young people themselves and why support for youth services can’t wait.
An amazing piece on @bbcworldatone who spoke about the cuts in Government funding for Youth clubs. It really resonated with us as we provide somewhere safe to go, something to do and always have someone to listen. Again other clubs reinforcing the rise in need and impact on young people due to the closure of youth clubs, including anti-social behaviours. We are so much more than a pool table and a glass of squash! Listen to this piece or better come and see us and see how you can support the invaluable work that is needed in our community. Use this link to access the newsreel. (Starts at 27:40)
SEND: Swan Summer Happy Camp 2025.
Free happy summer camp for young people aged 13–16
🗓 28 July – 1 August 2025
📍 The Swan Youth Project, Berkhamsted
A happy camp full of fun, friends and new experiences! Join us for a week of drama, boxing, fishing, cooking, and a trip to Whipsnade Zoo.
This camp is for young people with SEND who get free school meals (benefits-related).
📌 Booking is needed. Limited places.
👉 More info and sign up here: SEND: Swan Summer Camp 2025
NEW BBC Article
This week, Аmy Holmes from BBC Three Counties Radio visited Swan Youth Project and had a powerful conversation with some of our amazing young people.
They spoke openly about the impact of social media, toxic influencers, and the importance of healthy relationships — themes also explored in the Netflix series Adolescence.
Inspired by these conversations, The Swan Youth Project is hold further workshops in summer with HCF.
Check out the full article for details HERE
Project Manager Parul Dix discusses the Challenges Facing Young People Today with Amy Holmes on BBC Three Counties Radio
Interview on BBC Three Counties Radio
Young people from Swan Youth Project, alongside Project Manager Parul Dix, discuss the impact of social media, online toxicity, misogyny, and incel culture on today’s youth, inspired by the Netflix series Adolescence, and the challenges affecting young people today, on BBC Three Counties Radio.
Members from the youth club share their personal experiences with these issues and how they’ve affected them.
They also highlight Swan's upcoming workshops for young people, in partnership with Hertfordshire Community Foundation, focused on building healthy relationships.
🎧 You can watch and listen to the interview in the video below.
BBC Article
Amazing to see the BBC covering the funding issues within the youth provision sector. Amy Holmes from BBC counties speaks to Parul Dix, the manager and members about their journey with the Swan, how it has helped them and fears surrounding a tough winter for teens.
Check out the full article for details HERE
Following the publication of this article, The Swan Youth Project was discussed during the Prime Mister's Question Time HERE (Starting at 28 minutes)
