“That was the best day of my life.”
Concluding thoughts and recommendations.
This project has deliberately privileged our most disadvantaged pupils in Worthing by providing them with high-quality cultural, sporting, and community experiences that they would not otherwise access. Every trip and opportunity has been designed to extend their horizons, build social and cultural capital, and strengthen their sense of belonging.
This report demonstrates a profound impact on pupils’ confidence, aspirations, and relationships. Many children experienced “firsts” – their first trip to the Sealife Centre, first theatre visit, first live football match, or first encounter with heritage projects like the War Graves study. These encounters have sparked new interests and inspired further participation.
This project helped the pupils involved to build confidence and agency. Pupils repeatedly describe feeling special, important, and braver, with trips making them feel like they matter and giving them the courage to talk to new people, express themselves more openly, and take part in unfamiliar environments. The sense of being chosen and invested in is a recurring theme, which reinforces self-worth.
Across all activities, children valued the chance to connect with peers beyond their usual friendship groups and classes. The often challenging liminal transition experiences of children living in disadvantage can be transformed by access to rich opportunities and experiences. They have the potential to change the way children understand themselves and their futures. The memories made are the currency of cultural capital that young people can draw on to connect and belong with peers and family, to feel like they matter and to challenge the systemic exclusion that many feel.
Meet the contributors.
Dr Carl Walker
Head of Societal Insights HOARE LEA
Dr Carl Walker is a chartered psychologist with over 25 years’ experience in academia, community engagement, community coproduction of wellbeing services and infrastructure, local authority strategic development and industry. Having arrived at Hoare Lea in 2024, Carl is working on a number of projects to bring a human and community-centric understanding to our approach. Carl is part of the Social and Human Value service alongside the Societal Insights Unit.
Carl is a community psychologist, a member of the British Psychological Society National Community Psychology Section committee and a visiting lecturer at the University of Brighton. His work involves leading action research projects on community wellbeing and coproducing community initiatives to address mental health and wellbeing needs.
He has used a range of social science methodologies to engage in collaborative, multi-stakeholder initiatives in the fields of health, mental health and wellbeing, disability, care and social infrastructure. He has published widely in the field of mental health and community activism with 9 books and over 70 peer reviewed publications .
Start a conversation: CarlWalker@hoarelea.com
Marie Andrew
Mindset and Transformation Coach
SHINE WORTHING STEERING GROUP MEMBER
Marie has over 25 years’ experience in project management, agile delivery and team transformation across public and private sector organisations, with a focus on people-centred change, facilitation and sustainable ways of working.
She brings extensive lived experience as a parent of neurodivergent children, alongside her own ongoing journey of navigating neurodivergence and belonging. This perspective strongly informs her contribution to community-focused work and her commitment to inclusion and equity.
Marie first became aware of the project during its early 50 Things phase and later offered her time when she took a step back from employed work to focus on her wellbeing and personal values. She contributes to the Steering Group by drawing on her professional and lived experience, aligning her involvement with the values that matter most to her. She is currently training as an ICF-accredited professional coach, with a focus on supporting parents, carers and neurodivergent families.
Sarah Nathaniel
Public Engagement Coordinator (South East) and Education Officer COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES COMMISSION
Sarah Nathaniel is the Education Officer at the CWGC, where she has worked for five years in the Education and Engagement team. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission commemorate the 1.7 million men and women from across the Commonwealth who lost their lives in the First and Second World wars. We believe that sharing the stories of those individuals keeps their memory alive and asks us all to reflect on the human cost of war. Prior to joining the CWGC, Sarah was a teacher and pastoral lead and has over 20 years experience in education. Sarah has extensive experience of engaging with young people across all ages.
Jez Himsworth
Deputy Head Teacher
HOMEFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL
Jez Himsworth is a senior leader in primary education with extensive experience in pastoral care, safeguarding and inclusion. As Deputy Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead, Jez has led a wide range of initiatives focused on wellbeing, equity and removing barriers for disadvantaged children and families.
Jez began working with Dr Carl Walker during Carl’s time as Chair of Governors at the school where he works (Chesswood Junior School - now Homefield Primary). This collaboration led to the creation of 50 Things—a project inspired by the writing of Dan Nicholls, particularly 'What if we are the hope and we fail', which challenged assumptions about opportunity, aspiration and responsibility. 50 Things became the foundation for SHINE Worthing (Supporting Happiness in New Experiences), a community-driven initiative that brings together schools, local organisations and individuals to widen access to enriching experiences and opportunities for children who may otherwise miss out.
Co-created with Hoare Lea.
We’re problem solvers who overcome every challenge with ingenuity, determination, and pride. We take personal responsibility to achieve a shared vision, combining strong relationships with technical excellence.