Welcome!

Here you can see our young people services that we run at The Matthew Project. Our services aim to support, empower and advise young people.

YouCan

If your worried about a family member or relative using drugs/alcohol, use the button below to see how we can help.

This service is for:

Age under 19's

Living in Norfolk

Impacted by family/relative drug/alcohol use

If you are worried that your own drug/alcohol use is having a significant impact on you or others around you, click on the button below to see how we can help.

This service is for:

Age under 19's

Living in Norfolk

Want to stop/reduce drugs/alcohol use

Photo of 4 young people with a staff member. Young people are holding up pumpkins.

Do you have barriers making it difficult to find/stay in education/employment. Use the button below to see how we can help.

This service is for:

13 - 24 year olds

Living in Norfolk

At risk/not in education or employment

Photo of the back of two young people's head.

We believe all young people should have equal access to information and support regardless of barriers. To see how we do this follow the button below.

Photo of four young people and two staff members litter picking in Great Yarmouth. Standing in front of the beach.

We value our young peoples feedback and ideas. If you would like to see how you can have your say, please follow the button below.

Photo of two children and two staff members bird watching.

Want to know about another young persons experience? Click the button below to see some short stories from other young people we have helped.

Exciting news! Nominations for the Flourish Awards 2025 are now OPEN! ✨

Do you know an organisation, team, or individual making an outstanding contribution to helping children and young people in Norfolk flourish?

Nominate them today at www.norfolk.gov.uk/flourishawards2025

🌟 A huge thank you to everyone who took part in our holiday activities - we hope you had an amazing time! We’re already busy planning activities for May half‑term and the summer. ⚽🎮🎸🎨

🍕 At our last SafeSPACE session in Norwich, 7 young people got creative in the kitchen and made pizzas from scratch with Steven and they were delicious!

SafeSPACE is part of our On Track service. Link to our website in our BIO to find out more!

🎨🐣 Last week, the Mezzanine at The Matthew Project was buzzing with creativity and fun!

Our YouCan young people got crafty with Easter themed squishies and handmade cards, while others got stuck into board games like Herd Mentality, Jenga, and chess.♟️🎲

There was table football, pool, and table tennis too - plus some impressive piano playing 🎹👏

Last week, On Track participants headed to Downham Market Town Hall for a slow cooker workshop!

We cooked up a tasty chilli and learned from the best - big thanks to Steven for his expert tuition! 👨‍🍳

Our Fridays won’t be the same! 🥹

For the past 6 months, we’ve had the pleasure of having Mackenzie join us from a local sixth form on placement - and what a brilliant addition to the team he’s been!

Mackenzie has worked so hard, brought positivity and enthusiasm to everything he’s done, and quickly became a truly valued part of our team.

Last week, we held a little leaving do to thank him for all his hard work, reflect on his time with us, and of course enjoy some very well earned tea and cake! ☕🍰

We’re so proud of everything you’ve achieved, Mackenzie, and we wish you all the very best for your next steps!

You can read all about Mackenzie’s experience with us in his blog here: https://www.matthewproject.org/post/what-it-s-like-to-do-work-experience-with-the-matthew-project

🎳 Last week, 6 young people from our Safe Space project enjoyed a couple of games of bowling and a slushie!

Safe Space is all about supporting young people aged 13 - 18 in Norwich who aren't in education, training, or employment (or are at risk of disengaging). We offer regular positive activities in small, supportive groups (max 10 people), all based in the Norwich.

Find out more via our website! Link in our BIO.

We’re Hiring!

Our Unity service is looking for a Band 6 Young Persons Substance Misuse Nurse to join our team! 🌟

📌 Fixed term contract - 9 months
📌 Part time - 22.5 hours per week
📌 Based in Norwich city centre

Interested? Click the link below for more info and to apply via the NSFT website! 👇
https://www.nsft.nhs.uk/apply-now/#!/job/v7036966

🚨 Reminder: Tonight is our Parent/Carer Support Group! 🚨

Join us from 7pm to 9pm at our centre on Oak Street in Norwich for support if you're a parent/carer of a young person who is misusing substances. We offer a friendly space for:

✅ Information and advice
✅ Emotional and moral support

📝 Booking is essential. Please contact: unity@matthewproject.org

🐐🐇The On Track Team had an amazing time at Wroxham Barns as part of our Safe Space project! ✨

The goats definitely knew that we had bags of feed! We got to meet the cutest bunnies, guinea pigs, baby lambs, calves, and donkeys. Such a fun day - we can’t wait to go back!

Safe Space supports young people aged 13-18 who are not in education, training, or employment (or at risk of becoming so), offering regular positive activities and community engagement.

🌟 Last week, we had an amazing time at @fakenhamacademy's Teen Agency & Drop in Day, sharing the support available for young people through our Young People’s Services! 💙

A huge thank you to Fakenham Academy for having us - we loved chatting with students and raising awareness of the support available!

📢 We’re Hiring: Young People’s Practitioner 🌟

📍 Location: Great Yarmouth
⏱️ Hours: 22.5 per week
📄 Contract: Fixed term until 31st October 2025

Are you passionate about making a real difference in young people’s lives? We’re looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our On Track team.

In this role, you’ll:

👉 Support young people aged 13-19 with multiple and complex needs
👉 Help them sustain education or move towards employment or training
👉 Deliver one-to-one and small group support in educational settings and the community

What we’re looking for:
✨Relevant qualification and/or experience working directly with young people
✨Strong understanding of the challenges young people face
✨ Excellent knowledge of Great Yarmouth’s local services and support available to young people

🔗 Click on this link to apply: https://www.matthewproject.org/post/young-people-s-practitioner

🌟 We’re Hiring: Fundraising & Events Officer 🌟
📍 Location: Norwich
⏰ Hours: 37 per week (permanent)

Are you ready to make a real impact? 💙 Join us as a Fundraising & Events Officer and help us transform lives across Norfolk and Suffolk.

Apply now 👉 https://www.matthewproject.org/post/fundraising-and-events-officer

🌟 Earlier this week, we had the pleasure of attending Broadland High School alongside other fantastic organisations, raising awareness of the support available to young people.

Year 10 and 11 were full of enthusiasm and they engaged brilliantly with the stalls.

Thank you for having us! 💙

📢 Calling all professionals working with children and young people in Norfolk!

Norfolk County Council wants your input! 📋✨

They’re running a survey to assess the training needs of professionals supporting children and young people affected by substance misuse. Your feedback will help shape targeted training programmes to strengthen skills and improve outcomes for young people in Norfolk.

🔗 https://forms.office.com/e/WSbb7ehqtJ

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by 31st March 2025 and share it with your teams to ensure as many voices are heard as possible!

📢 Young People – Your Voice Matters!

The government wants your thoughts to help shape the national youth strategy! This strategy will influence youth services in Norfolk for years to come, so now’s the time to have your say.

Fill in the survey here: https://survey.savanta.com/?&id=99076776db&id2=8d05097e&lng=en-GB

📢 Mental Health Awareness Training for Young People

📅 Monday 14th April
📍 Wacton Village Hall
🕘 10:00 – 15:00

Hosted by South Norfolk Youth Advisory Board
📩 Email info@mtmyouthservices.org.uk to book your space!

✨A Day in the Life: Participation & Engagement Lead ✨

At The Matthew Project, we have a huge variety of roles - and Léa’s is all about championing young people’s voices! 💙 As our Participation and Engagement Lead in the YouCan/Unity Team, she ensures young people help shape our services, while also keeping up our digital presence - designing leaflets, posters, resources, and anything else to make their experience with us the best it can be!

“A day in my life! Ready to be bored? Just joking - I genuinely think I have the best job in the world. I work as the Participation and Engagement Lead in the YouCan/Unity Team. YouCan supports children and young people affected by a family member’s substance use, while Unity supports young people whose own substance use is having an impact on their lives and those around them.”

Read more about a day in Lea’s life here: https://www.matthewproject.org/post/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-participation-engagement-lead-at-tmp

🌟 Wymondham High School Wellbeing Event! 🌟

Earlier this week, we had a fantastic time at Wymondham High School, supporting their wellbeing event! 💙

Throughout the morning, students had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the support available for young people in Norfolk affected by substance use. It was great to have so many important conversations and raise awareness.

A big thank you to Wymondham High for having us!

Taking time for wellbeing! ✨

Yesterday, the Unity team pressed pause on work for a little while to come together for our Unity Wellbeing Day! 💙

To support young people in the best way possible, we know how important it is to take care of our own wellbeing too. Each of our teams gets a chance to do this once a year!

The Unity team supports young people who are using substances and would like to make a change. Find out more about the support we offer: 👉 https://www.matthewprojectyoungpeople.org/unity

🌟 Reminder: Parent/Carer Support Group Tonight! 🌟

Our Parent/Carer Support Group is on tonight from 7 PM to 9 PM at our centre on Oak Street!

This is a friendly space for parents and carers of children who are misusing substances, offering support, advice, and connection with others!

📍 Location: 70 - 80 Oak Street, Norwich
📧 Booking is essential! Please contact us at: unity@matthewproject.org

We hope to see you there! 💙

🔍 Secret Message Masterpieces: The Hidden Project 🎨✨

Who we are is made up of many layers - some we share with the world, while others stay hidden. Hidden, an artwork by renowned sculptor Peter Walker, explores what is unseen or concealed in our lives.

Take Part in the Hidden Project:
- Create your own hidden message artwork
- What can you hide? A word (LOVE, HOPE), a phrase (You are amazing!), or a symbol (sun, heart, animal).
- How can you hide it? Choose one of these creative techniques:
- Wax Resist Art – Write or draw with a white crayon, then paint over it to reveal the message!
- Layered Collage – Hide words or symbols between layers of translucent paper.

If you’d like, share your creation on social media using #Hidden and tag @PWalkerSculptor.

📱 5 Best Free Mental Health Apps for Young People 💙

Lilith from our Unity team has put together a list of the top free mental health apps available in the UK! 🌟

Whether you're navigating anxiety, stress, or low mood or just need a safe space to talk, these apps provide practical tools and professional guidance to support your wellbeing. 💬✨

Check out Lilith’s recommendations here: https://www.matthewproject.org/post/5-best-free-mental-health-apps-for-young-people-in-the-uk

🌟 Identity: The Hidden Project 🎭

Who we are is made up of many layers - some we show to the world, while others stay hidden. Hidden, an artwork by renowned sculptor Peter Walker, explores what is unseen or concealed in our lives.

🎭 Take Part in the Hidden Project:
Create your own identity mask to reflect the parts of yourself you share with others and the parts you keep private.

✨ How to Join:
- Think about your identity - What do you show openly? What do you keep hidden?
- Decorate the front of your mask to represent what you share with the world.
- Decorate the inside (or a hidden layer) with what you keep private.
- Use colours, patterns, and symbols that reflect your personality.

If you’d like, share your creation on social media using #Hidden and tag @PWalkerSculptor

🌟 Guest Blog Series: Meet Mackenzie! 🌟

We're kicking off our new guest blog series with Mackenzie, a young person gaining hands on work experience with The Matthew Project! 👏

“Since September I have been doing work experience with the Matthew Project one day a week. I have mainly worked with the Unity and YouCan services but I have had the opportunity to work with other teams. Placement at The Matthew Project is an amazing opportunity for anyone regardless of what you are hoping to do in the future. Before I started, I did not know what I would be doing whatsoever, however I feel that The Matthew Project has been one of the most enjoyable work experience placements I have taken to date.”

We’re so grateful to have Mackenzie with us! Read more about his experience on our website: https://www.matthewproject.org/post/what-it-s-like-to-do-work-experience-with-the-matthew-project

🌟 Adventure Day at @horsteadcentre ! 🌟

We had an amazing day taking nine young people from our YouCan service to the Horstead Centre!🛶🏹 They braved the cold to take on canoeing, crate stacking, and archery, stepping out of their comfort zones and trying new experiences!

A huge thank you to the fantastic team at Horstead for making it all possible. Every young person shared how much they enjoyed the day, and we loved seeing their confidence grow! 💙

📢Walk to Remember 2025

Join us on Saturday 1st March for our annual Walk to Remember - a city trail bringing our community together to remember those lost to and affected by addiction.

✨ When: Saturday 1st March, 10:00 AM
✨ Where: Meet at The Matthew Project (NR3 3AQ)
✨ Route: Norwich County Council’s Nooks & Crannies trail
✨ Hot Lunch: £2.50 per person

Everyone is welcome to join us 💙

📍 Register: https://www.matthewproject.org/walk-to-remember
📩 Questions? Contact us at hello@matthewproject.org or call 01603 626123

💖 Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us in the young people teams!

Here’s Kev, one of our amazing substance misuse practitioners, about to enjoy some love heart chocolate! 🍫💕

Today is all about love and that includes self care and looking after your wellbeing. If you or someone you know needs support with substance misuse or getting closer to education, employment, or training, we’re here to listen - https://www.matthewprojectyoungpeople.org/

📅 Upcoming Parent/Carer Support Group Dates

Are you a parent or carer of a young person struggling with drug or alcohol use? The Matthew Project's Parent/Carer Support Group offers a friendly space for information, advice, and emotional support. 💙

📍 Location: The Matthew Project, Oak Street
📧 To attend, email: unity@matthewproject.org
📅 Upcoming Sessions (7–9 PM):
➡️ Feb 13th
➡️ March 6th
➡�️ April 3rd
➡️ May 8th
➡️ June 5th
➡️ July 3rd

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What's New

Need to chat?

We're here to listen!

Our anonymous live chat is open for young people aged 13 and up, Monday to Thursday, 4 pm to 7 pm.

Just visit our website during these hours and tap the orange circle in the bottom-right corner to start chatting with one of our friendly workers from the young people's team.

Young People

Welcome!

Here you can see our young people services that we run at The Matthew Project. Our services aim to support, empower and advise young people.

YouCan

Unity

On Track

Accessibility

Have Your Say

Your Stories

What's New

Need to chat?

Young People

Welcome!

Here you can see our young people services that we run at The Matthew Project. Our services aim to support, empower and advise young people.

YouCan

Unity

On Track

Accessibility

Have Your Say

Your Stories

​

What's New

Need to chat?