When a group of young people first came together to do the KEY+ Challenge, they were unsure what to expect.

The group met every Friday afternoon and called themselves the Chaotic Candy Canes. The group was created to help them build friendships, confidence and resilience at school, helping them to improve their mental wellbeing.

For some of them, joining the group felt daunting at first as one explained: “It was a bit nerve-wracking at first because I sort of knew some people, but I didn’t know others.”

But as the weeks went on, those nerves quickly turned into connection as another member of the group shared: “I didn’t really know anyone… but now I’m friends with everyone.” And being part of the group helped them feel more connected around school: “It’s helped to know more people in school.”

For their KEY+ project, the group originally planned to visit Clip ‘n Climb. However, when it came time to submit the risk assessments, it was close to Christmas and many staff members were off, meaning the plan couldn’t go ahead.

Instead of giving up, the group quickly adapted and decided on a new idea: a pottery painting trip followed by food together.

When they arrived at the pottery studio, each person chose something different to paint. They created a range of items including plates, a mini skateboard and a penguin.

For many of the group, the day out was about more than just pottery. It was a chance to relax, talk and build stronger friendships. When asked what it was like sharing this experience together, the group described it as “really fun” and “nice to bond.”

One group member summed up the day perfectly: “I just generally enjoyed the entire day, it was really fun. We took a nice leisurely walk, got there, had some fun painting and then just went and got food, it was nice and calm and chill.”

The group also enjoyed discovering and supporting local businesses, with one member planning on returning with their friends!

As well as strengthening friendships, the KEY+ Challenge helped the group build confidence in themselves. One area that many of them found particularly challenging was presenting in front of others.

One member reflected: “I think doing the presentation showed me I can talk in front of people because I didn’t like speaking.”

Another agreed: “It was definitely quite scary to do the presentation, but it made me realise I can do it. I have a feel for it now and I know what’s going on.”

When asked if they had noticed changes in their confidence at school, they said yes! And for one member, that confidence has already led to new opportunities: “I’m now taking Netball sessions as coaching because I know I can talk in front of people.”

And Like many projects, the group faced challenges along the way. Changing their original plan required quick thinking and teamwork. Another challenge was presenting their project without losing confidence: “Trying not to stumble on your words because that’s quite a bit fear… if you stumble on your words, you can lose your rhythm, and it can be quite embarrassing and that’s not very nice.”

Despite these challenges, the group supported each other and worked through them together. Through the experience, they developed skills such as communication, confidence and teamwork. And when reflecting on what they were most proud of, one member shared: “Sharing my own ideas and saying how I feel about something because I’m the type of person that just sits back and agrees with things.”