Established in 2002, The BIG Project is a trusted and much valued community-based Youth Project which adopts a preventative approach in supporting children and young people aged 5-18 years, living in the Broomhouse area of Edinburgh (SIMD 1 &2).

The Project delivers continuing long-term support in the form of a programme of compelling and enriching educational opportunities and experiences incorporating universal youth/ children’s work, holiday activity programmes, targeted small group-work, and individual support ensuring a continuum of support.

The main aim of the project is to provide positive and consistent role models for the children and young people, disrupting the cycle of poverty, unemployment and crime that otherwise exists in this area. Investing in children and young people, we deliver an innovative programme, promoting activities and interests not as an end in themselves but as part of a wider process of building relationships and aspirations ensuring that children and young people have opportunities to regularly participate in activities that strengthen their self-awareness and self-confidence, equipping them with crucial skills for a successful future. This programme complements but does not replicate the school curriculum.

The BIG Project is a community-based organisation accommodated in the local schools’ joint campus. Supporting children and young people (CYP) aged 5-18 years to learn, achieve, have fun, and feel good about themselves; we provide diversionary activities as well as social, educational, and recreational opportunities for CYP with a specific focus on those who are disadvantaged.

We aim to improve CYPs long-term quality of life by developing self-confidence, life skills and a commitment to personal excellence as a basis for their potential role in life and as good citizens. We enable them to participate in constructive activities and access guidance and support to improve their chances in life, raise aspirations and achieve positive destinations. A low staff turnover, provides stability and continuity for local CYP, many of whom have experienced social exclusion and discrimination on various levels and activities are structured to ensure that time is available to nurture the positive and trusted relationships that are formed.

Our services are preventative with a focus on early intervention, meaning far fewer CYP are referred on to specialist services, supporting CYP in their local communities and alleviating the pressure elsewhere in the system.

Our programme delivers universal and targeted services, including: -

• Weekly open access youth clubs incorporating workshops/trips

• Special interest groups

• Drama group

• Choir/instrument groups

• Whole class issue-based work

• Holiday activity programmes throughout all school holidays,

• Residential experiences

• Community performances and events

• Small groupwork and 1:1 support for CYP identified as experiencing difficulties at home, at school or in the community