The Wire Project

The WIRE Project is a voluntary organisation that provides activities, advice and support for children, young people and families in Littlehampton, West Sussex. The WIRE is a Spurgeon’s Child Care project (Charity No. 307560).

The WIRE Project

C/O Flora McDonald Junior School

Whitelea Road

Wick, Littlehampton

West Sussex

BN17 7JL

Contact: Jon Jolly, Youth & Community Worker; Paul Sanderson, Project Manager

(t)(f): 01903 731796
(e): info@thewireproject.com
(w): www.thewireproject.com, www.spurgeonschildcare.org

A Youth or Adult? Project 2003-2008

The WIRE Project started in 1996 as a direct response to the issues of Wick, Littlehampton. The area was perceived to have issues involving drug and alcohol addiction, high teenage pregnancy, low literacy levels and  low ‘community esteem’ so the project often acts as a vital link between Schools, homes, Police and Social & Caring Services providing advice and intervention for young people.

Examples of specific activities run by The WIRE include:

The MIX: an inclusion project working with young people at risk of Social Exclusion. By working in groups, one-to-one and in the home with families, the team rewards good behaviour, positive attitudes and school attendance. We work with both junior and secondary schools ensuring a smooth transition from one to the other.

Dance Fusion: an after-school dance club for teenage girls that encourages healthy lifestyles and fitness. By learning and creating dance routines to the latest chart music, the club builds self-esteem and tackles relevant issues such as bullying.

Young Carers Workshops: offer support and opportunities for young people who look after a family member with an illness or disability. In partnership with West Sussex Social & Caring Services, young people get social opportunities to meet, support each other and have fun.

The Crew: an after-school activity where young people go on various trips and activities within the local area. Many of the young people on the Crew have social or behavioural difficulties and are referred through schools or Social & Caring Services. The emphasis is on fun, interaction and fostering relationships between the young people.

The WIRE Project also supports younger children, parents and families through home visits, toddler groups, parenting courses, community celebrations and specific activities such as art clubs. The WIRE is now having an influence on a national and international level as other towns and cities seek to learn from its experiences of positive community development.