Young people from across Leicestershire Cares projects recently came together for a cross-project collaboration event designed to build confidence, strengthen communication skills and encourage teamwork in a supportive and engaging environment.
Bringing together young people who had never previously met created a unique opportunity to break down barriers and foster new connections across different projects. From the outset, there was a real sense of anticipation, with individuals stepping into a new environment alongside unfamiliar peers. What quickly became clear, however, was how willing everyone was to get involved and support one another.
The afternoon began with an interactive employability session focused on key transferable skills including communication, problem-solving, teamwork and confidence-building. Young people were split into mixed groups and tasked with completing a ‘lost at sea’ challenge, where they had to work together to agree on a set of essential items for survival.
This activity encouraged discussion, negotiation and compromise, with each group needing to listen carefully to different viewpoints and justify their decisions. It was particularly positive to see quieter individuals finding their voice within the group, while more confident participants naturally took on supportive leadership roles. As the activity progressed, there was a noticeable shift in energy whilst initial hesitations gave way to laughter, creativity and genuine collaboration.
One of the most powerful aspects of the session was seeing relationships begin to form between young people from different projects. By working towards a shared goal, barriers quickly dissolved and a sense of unity developed. By the time the groups shared their final ideas, there was a clear increase in confidence, with individuals speaking more openly and proudly contributing to group discussions.
This sense of connection continued to grow during a shared meal, where conversations flowed easily and friendships began to take shape. What started as a room of unfamiliar faces quickly became a space filled with laughter, encouragement and mutual respect. For many, this was a significant step in developing social confidence and feeling part of a wider community beyond their usual project group.
I was really nervous at first to be honest, coming into a group of people I didn't know. But I'm really glad I came as I made some new friends and had a really great time
Young Person, Leicestershire Cares
The day then continued with a visit to De Montfort Hall to watch Cirque Enchantment, offering young people the chance to experience live theatre, something many had never done before.
The performance was a visually striking and immersive production, combining circus artistry with music, dance and storytelling. Set within a magical, frozen world, the show followed a young girl on a journey through a mysterious landscape filled with illusion and wonder. Along the way, she encountered a range of unique characters, with themes of trust, courage and good versus evil woven throughout the narrative.
Young people were captivated by the variety of acts, which included aerial performances, acrobatics, fire displays and high-energy dance routines, all set to a powerful soundtrack of well-known music. The scale and atmosphere of the production created a real sense of excitement, with most of the group fully engaged from start to finish.
For those attending their first ever theatre show, the experience was particularly impactful. It not only provided entertainment, but also helped to broaden horizons and challenge perceptions of what opportunities are available to them. Experiencing something new in a group setting further strengthened the bonds that had already begun to form earlier in the day.
By the end of the event, there was a clear and noticeable increase in confidence across the group. Young people who had started the day feeling unsure or reserved were now actively engaging, socialising and expressing themselves with greater ease. The combination of structured skill-building, informal social time and a shared cultural experience created a well-rounded and meaningful day.
Overall, the event highlighted the value of cross-project collaboration within Leicestershire Cares. By bringing young people together, it created opportunities not only for skills development, but for lasting connections, increased confidence and a stronger sense of belonging. It was a powerful reminder of the impact that new experiences and supportive environments can have on young people’s personal growth.