The Butterfly Effect is a two year, Big Lottery funded project run by GFS Platform, a charity that supports girls and young women. The sessions in Great Yarmouth, Pakefield and North Walsham provide girls and young women aged 12 to 18 with the chance to take part in events and activities, chosen by them, that develop self-esteem and confidence, build skills for life and work, provide opportunities to meet new people from other places and make new friends - and enrich their lives. The evening, weekend and holiday-time sessions are free and accessible to all.
The project is lead by a Steering Group of young women, known as The Hive. They and everyone who takes part is invited to suggest the activities for future sessions, and coordinators, sessional workers and volunteers help to make the suggestions happen. Sessions and activities have included choreography and street dance, healthy eating and exercise, arts and crafts, information on services relevant to young people, first aid courses, media production, residential trips and taking part in community events.
Comments on The Butterfly Effect made by girls and young women who come to sessions:
‘Coming to The Butterfly Effect sessions at Great Yarmouth is like coming to a second home. It’s a place where we can really be ourselves and have a break from our usual environment – home, school – where we can meet new people who are different, who we wouldn’t normally meet, and learn from them. The sessions are fun but we also learn things that are helping us now and will help us in the future. We have learnt things from each other, and can help and advise each other on how to cope with different things.
‘At school there’s a lot of pressure. You always feel you’re being judged on your looks. At the sessions there is no slagging off, no rumours. If there are any problems between people we deal with them using The Butterfly Effect Code and move on. Coming to The Butterfly Effect has taken us out of our ‘bubbles’ and gives us freedom. Some of us don’t go to school – coming here means we’re not bored, sitting at home 24/7.
‘For the future, the skills we’re learning, like writing CV’s and getting first aid certificates will help with job hunting. We also want to get knowledge that we can pass on to our children and to other people and to make friends that will be with us for the rest of our lives.’
Amira Mohamed-Raouf and Lynn Howe (Outreach Youth-Work Co-ordinators)
Telephone: 01493 857 666
Mobile: 07810 501 731 (Amira) and 07810 501 732 (Lynn)
Email: Amira.mohamed-raouf@gfsplatform.org.uk
Lynn.howe@gfsplatform.org.uk
Address: GFS Platform, 24a South Quay, Great Yarmouth, NR30 2RG
