July @ PIE

As we reach the end of the 2025–26 academic year, we're taking a moment to reflect on what has been an incredibly busy and rewarding year!

We've been delighted to continue supporting our long-standing partner schools in Blackpool and Leeds, while also working with schools across Stockport and the wider Greater Manchester area.

Throughout the year, we've delivered drop-down days, social action projects, careers sessions, Future Ready programmes and work experience opportunities, supporting young people to develop the skills and confidence they need for the future.

Thank you to every school we've worked with this year. We wish you all a well-deserved, restful summer break and look forward to seeing you in the new academic year! 

What have we been up to?

Step Up 2026 - 

Our Step Up programme is in full swing! At our latest session, the group focused on team-building, developing their communication skills and working together while getting to know new members. Next up is one of our favourite activities of the year – our annual trip to Blackpool!

Bridgehall Primary School Drop Down Day - 

In partnership with the Adsbridge Youth Collective, we organised and delivered a Drop Down Day for the Year 6 pupils at Bridgehall Primary School to help prepare them for the transition to secondary school. Throughout the day, the young people explored topics including resilience, mental health, positive relationships, and practical tips to help them feel ready for Year 7. The Adsbridge Youth Collective is made up of RTime, Talk, Listen, Change, Stockport County Community Trust, and PIE, all working together to support local young people.

Moving On & Youth Boost - 

We celebrated the final sessions of our Moving On and Youth Boost programmes by recognising everything the young people have achieved. As part of their social action project, the group transformed an outdoor space at The Cat’s Cauldron, creating a welcoming area for the local community. To mark the end of the programme, everyone received certificates celebrating their hard work and achievements. It was fantastic to see the group reflect on how far they have come and celebrate their success together.

HAF Summer Programme -

Our HAF Summer Programme in Marple is underway, and it’s been great to see so many familiar faces! We’ve enjoyed outdoor activities, crafts, and planting with the young people, and we’re looking forward to more summer fun. 

Unity Academy Blackpool -

It's been a busy month up in Blackpool with the groups finalising their social action projects and planning their events. The girls organised an educational bake ale where their peers were encouraged to engage with the topic of violence against women and girls to earn themselves a sweet treat. Whereas the boys arranged some inter-year activities at lunchtime to break down stereotypes and barriers between older and younger students as well as educate them about anti social behaviour.

Beelong festival support -

We were back at Chorlton High School at the end of the year to help them plan their annual Beelong Festival. The festival is one of our favourite days of the year and it's all down to the incredible staff and students who take part!

Stockport Academy Speed Networking -

Our final event at Stockport Academy this year was to facilitate a Year 10 Speed Networking session for those who had not managed to organise a work experience placement. We had a group of professionals from a number of different careers and life journeys join us to share their experience with the group - it was a great day!

Hyper Japan Festival visit -

We have been looking forward to this visit all year and it didn't disappoint! With funding from the GBSF foundation we were able to take a group of 20 young people down to London's biggest Japanese festival. It was a day full of all the best Japanese food, cultural performances, cosplay and all things anime and manga! It was a busy and fulfilling day and there were definitely some naps on the train journey back to Stockport.

Finale of our first-ever L!STEN, ACT, CHANGE Action Lab! -

Over the past two months, 18 young people have worked together to develop a campaign calling for more work experience opportunities for young people across Stockport.

Today, they presented their ideas to Navendu Mishra MP, sharing their experiences, recommendations and hopes for change. A huge thank you to SazMedia for filming the event and helping the young people share their campaign more widely. We are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved — and excited to see where their ideas lead next!

This project was made possible thanks to National Lottery players and funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Coming Up…

L!STEN, ACT, CHANGE -

Our group will be planning and preparing for the FOURTH Annual Wellbeing Festival on 19th August. Good luck to the team planning and we look forward to what will be a great day!

HAF -

Our HAF provision continues through August with Gemma & the team, and including some family fun days. Keep an eye on our socials for more info!

Step Up -

Our new group are getting to grips with each other and getting ready for new starts in September!

See below for our other projects and how to get involved...

Get Involved...

Listen, Act, Change – Action Labs

L!STEN ACT CHANGE Action Labs are free sessions for young people aged 12–18 who want to meet new people, share their ideas, and get involved in making a positive difference.

Our next theme is Health and Wellbeing, where young people will work together to help plan activities for the PIE Wellbeing Event taking place in August.

Summer sessions:

• Monday 10 August, 12:00–2:00pm – Venue TBC

• Wednesday 12 August, 1:00–3:00pm – Venue TBC

• Monday 17 August, 1:00–3:00pm – Venue TBC

Sessions are friendly, relaxed, and food is provided.

Get involved: Register your interest here. or Contact Shelley at shelley@pieuk.org.

YouthBoost with PIE & MakeGood

Do you know a young person aged 11–17 who is not attending formal education?

YouthBoost is a free, funded creative programme offering:

• Creative activities in a small, neurodivergent-friendly group

• The opportunity to achieve a nationally recognised Arts Award

• A chance to build confidence, make connections, and develop new skills

When: Tuesdays, 11:00am–2:00pm

Where: MakeGood, SK3 0LX

Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

Find out more: ciara@pieuk.org

Moving On with PIE & MakeGood

Moving On is a free creative programme for young people aged 11–17 who:

• Are not attending formal education, and

• Live in Adswood or Bridgehall.

Young people will:

• Take part in creative activities in a small, neurodivergent-friendly group

• Work towards a nationally recognised Arts Award

• Build confidence, friendships, and valuable new skills

When: Wednesdays (term time), 11:00am–2:00pm

Where: MakeGood, SK3 0LX

Find out more: Ciara – ciara@pieuk.orgWebsite: makebuildgrow.org

NextGen Continues!

Following a successful pilot, PIE is continuing NextGen, our supported work experience programme for young people aged 16+ in Stockport.

Young people can explore different jobs and workplaces, take part in practical projects, meet local employers and build skills, confidence and real-world experience, with support from our dedicated Youth Mentor.

Activities begin in September, with young people welcomed throughout the autumn.

NextGen is open to young people who are not currently in education, employment or training, may be at risk of becoming so, or are care experienced. Young people, parents and carers can express interest here or email shelley@pieuk.org for more information.