Impact & support

Growing up in rural areas brings unique challenges for young people, especially those facing hardship. We aim to give our members a sense of security, direction, and the chance to take charge of their futures.

On arriving at the Project, young people will feel a sense of belonging. Our experienced and friendly staff are here to support you to feel valued and support you in whatever your background or need.

We truly believe that positive experiences have the power to change young people’s lives, and thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we see the evidence of this every day

A young man sitting against a black background, wearing a blue hoodie, shorts, and black Crocs, holding a camera in his hands and looking at the camera with a slight smile.

Member stories

Over our 30-plus years, we’ve seen our members overcome all manner of challenges and go on to achieve great things. Here are just two standout stories from our brilliant former members.

A Formula 1 race car with a blue, pink, and black livery on a race track. The car features prominent sponsor logos including BWT, MSC, and others. The driver is wearing a helmet and is visible through the cockpit. The background shows a blurred grandstand and barriers.
A young man with tousled brown hair looking down at an object he is holding, wearing a navy blue T-shirt with white logos, standing in front of white drawers or cabinets in a room with a white wall.

Alex attended the Project from 2007 to 2012. In his own words:

“It was just one of the best parts of my life.  Playing football at Gresham’s, cycling Hadrian’s wall, adventure days including Thetford Forest and community projects like delivering cream teas to local pensioners.”

Through his commitment to the community, supporting other young people at the Project, and showing leadership skills, the Holt Youth Project supported Alex with a reference for a placement at the National College for Motorsport, at Silverstone Circuit.

From the moment Alex joined Holt Youth Project in 2007, he threw himself into everything, be it Thursday night football, cycling the length of Hadrian’s Wall, or community projects like delivering cream teas to pensioners in the town. Alex was always keen on motor sport and his quiet ambition to one day work in Formula 1.

Alex’s Story

Large orange quotation marks on a white background.

The Youth Project was fantastic because it wasn’t formal, you could be whoever you wanted to be, and with the opportunities they gave me, it really helped me become a well-rounded individual.

Alex

After finishing school, Alex won a place at the National College for Motorsport at Silverstone Circuit, which opened the door for him to apply for a coveted apprenticeship with an F1 race team. It was Julie at the Holt Youth Project that Alex came to for a character reference, which Julie gladly provided, highlighting not just his skills but the dedication and teamwork he’d shown as a member of Holt Youth Project.

“I wouldn’t be where I am now if it weren’t for the Youth Project”

It was the start of something extraordinary.

Two Formula 2 race cars, one in pink and blue and the other in blue, racing on a street circuit with a crowd of spectators in the background and large Motorola advertisements along the fence.
Two men in a workshop examining a mechanical component.

Alex has worked his way up from apprentice mechanic to world-class F1 technician, travelling the globe with elite racing teams. Today, he is Sub-Assembly Team Leader at Alpine F1, heading a department responsible for some of the car’s most complex systems.

Inspired by the belief shown in him at Holt Youth Project, Alex is now building one of the youngest teams in Formula 1, mentoring new talent, and opening doors for others.

Photo Credits: TWJB Photography // BWT Alpine Formula One Team

Over our 30 plus years, we’ve had the privilege of getting to know a huge number of inspiring, talented, and ambitious young people. It continues to be a source of great pride to see them overcome difficulties, grow into kind and thoughtful adults, and head out on new adventures.

Group of children and a woman standing at a viewpoint, looking out over a scenic landscape with trees, fields, and a distant body of water under a partly cloudy sky.
A person with a red shirt and blue backpack looking at a harbor filled with boats, with water, a pier, and buildings in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Group of children with hands stacked together on wooden outdoor table.

Nathan’s story

After Nathan’s mum was involved in a serious car accident, Nathan’s world turned upside down. Nightmares and severe anxiety left him unable to travel, cutting him off from school, friends, and other vital services. For an entire year, Nathan was isolated at home due to fear and panic attacks.

Nathan was referred to our SPace programme, and a bespoke Journey of Recovery pathway was put in place for him. Nathan was supported to work at his own pace and soon began to hit small but significant milestones, simple things like standing beside a car, sitting with the door open, and hearing the ignition click were all meaningful breakthroughs.

After three months of steady progress, Nathan managed his first short trip in our minibus, a real turning point that opened up a world of possibilities that had seemed unimaginable a short time before.

From there, Nathan joined ACT, gaining City & Guilds qualifications, and later enrolled in further education in Norwich, by now travelling independently on public transport! Nathan’s courage and persistence are truly inspiring and illustrate just how far the right support and belief can take you.

Large orange quotation marks on a black background.

The panic has gone, I have my life back now, I can travel anywhere and am really happy, thank you so much for helping me.

Nathan

Awards and achievements

We’re very proud and honoured to have been recognised with a number of awards and achievements, including:

  • The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award. The MBE for voluntary service by groups in the community

  • Norfolk County Council, Active Norfolk, Big Norfolk Holiday Fun Certificate of Achievement (Best activity provider)

  • North Norfolk District Council, Award in recognition of valued and outstanding contribution to the community of North Norfolk

  • North Norfolk Radio Gold Award

  • Bernard Matthews, Young People’s Award for Conservation and Community Work.

  • Eastern Daily Press and Virgin Money, Norfolk Project Butterfly

  • Community Resilience During the Pandemic, Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk

  • Holt Heroes Award for Community Spirit during the Pandemic

Can you help the Holt Youth Project?

Most of our funding comes from the hard work of our amazing fundraisers, generous individuals, and charitable donors. If you can help in any way, be it with your time, expertise or a donation, please get in touch.

Support us