Guest Blog by Hayley Coggins, Founder and Creator of Shine Programme
A long-established creative wellbeing programme is continuing to make a significant difference to the lives of children and families across Southport, thanks to funding support that has enabled it to expand its reach within the local community.
Founded in 2005 by artist, writer and wellbeing practitioner Hayley Coggins, Shine has spent more than two decades supporting children and young people through creative journeys designed to nurture mental health, wellbeing, resilience and positive social connections. Working across primary and secondary schools, higher education settings, charities and community groups, the programme also supports teacher wellbeing through its bespoke creative approach.
Shaped by years of study and professional experience, Shine places children, young people, community and the environment at the heart of everything it does. Hayley has created a positive and inclusive environment where children feel safe, nurtured, supported and empowered to learn, grow and flourish with confidence. Children and young people are supported holistically on a 1-1 and group work basis.
Over the past year, funding support provided by trustee Annie Ives and the team at The Hub at Banks has enabled Shine to reach even more children and families across Southport. The funding has supported regular weekly sessions at The Hub, alongside school holiday activities that have had a positive impact on children, young people and their families.
The programme provides a welcoming and inclusive space where children can build friendships, express themselves creatively and explore their emotions in a supportive environment. Through expressive arts, enterprise projects and wellbeing-focused activities, our young people have developed confidence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging.
A key feature of Shine is its commitment to environmental awareness. Sessions are designed around nature and the changing seasons, encouraging children and families to develop a greater connection with the natural world while learning creative upcycling skills.
One of the programme’s most successful initiatives is the Young Ambassador Programme, which gives children opportunities to take on leadership roles and responsibilities. Young Ambassadors support younger children during family fun days, assist with enterprise projects and contribute to fundraising initiatives, helping to develop teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
Through Shine’s enterprise activities, the programme has also helped support a number of community family fun days organised by the Hub volunteers. These events bring local families together in a safe and welcoming environment, offering activities such as bouncy castles alongside creative Shine experiences.
The dedication of the Shine Ambassadors has also enabled many participants to gain credits towards their Children’s University Awards, recognising their commitment, participation and personal development.
Hayley, together with the Shine Ambassadors and their families, has expressed heartfelt thanks to Annie Ives, Dawn and the wider team for their ongoing support.
“Your commitment has helped bring our community together and made these unique opportunities possible,” said Hayley. “We are incredibly grateful to all the families who continue to support Shine and help it grow.”
Feedback from both children and parents highlights the programme’s positive impact on wellbeing, self-esteem and social connections.
“It has been a privilege to witness the growth, confidence and joy that children and young people bring to each session,” said Hayley. “Every child is encouraged to discover their strengths and reach their full potential. I am passionate about the power of creativity for healing and wellbeing. Through creative expression, children can build confidence, strengthen resilience, process emotions and develop a deeper sense of belonging within their community.”
Children attending the programme have shared their own experiences of Shine’s impact.
One child said: “Shine means letting your true colours shine. It has helped my confidence and taught me how to be more creative. I speak to people more now and have made new friends. It has helped me to deal with my emotions better.”
Another added: “Shine means being part of a community. I feel like I can express myself more than at school. I’ve loved doing enterprise projects and helping to raise funds for the hub. Shine has helped my confidence so much. It’s calm, relaxing and amazing.”
Others described Shine as “a place that feels like home”, while one child simply said: “Shine makes the world a better place.”
Parents have also praised the programme for the difference it has made to their children’s lives.
“My girls look forward to Shine every week,” said one parent. “They start counting down the days from the beginning of the week. They have massively grown in confidence and it gives them a safe space to be themselves with friends. Long may it continue.”
Another parent praised the care and dedication behind the sessions.
“My daughters have been attending Shine at The Hub since autumn 2025 and absolutely love their Friday evenings there,” they said. “Hayley delivers each session with such care and purpose. The girls have made lovely new friends, enjoy being creative and their confidence grows every week.”
One family shared how Shine had helped their daughter following the loss of a friend.
“She absolutely loves her sessions at The Hub,” they said. “It’s the highlight of her week. Shine has helped our daughter massively after losing her friend and we are forever grateful. It’s her happy, creative place and is therapy for her without feeling like therapy.”
As Shine looks to the future, there is growing optimism that the programme will continue to inspire, support and empower children and families across Southport for many years to come, helping young people discover their strengths, develop confidence and shine brightly within their community.
- For more details Follow the Shine programme on Instagram: (1) Instagram
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