About us
Check out our latest ANNUAL REPORT
Our Mission
We provide a safe space for teenagers using interactive workshops, large scale events and online engagement. Young people are supported to explore their ability to connect with others, be active, keep learning and engage in mindful activities, promoting the development of healthy physical and mental wellbeing.
Our early intervention approach provides young people with a toolkit to build their ongoing emotional resilience. We are dedicated to having a positive impact on those around us, encouraging all who engage with The Shine Project to feel confident and empowered by their experience.
Our Vision
The Shine Project wants to support every young person to develop and maintain good physical and mental health, providing a firm foundation with which to achieve a successful and happy future.
The Shine Project Values
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Everything The Shine Project does with either young people, volunteers, staff or when dealing with any individuals outside of the organisation, we will display openness, warmth and integrity. Creating a welcoming environment for all.
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At the root of Shine is compassion and respect for all individuals ensuring acceptance and understanding are core to our beliefs.
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The Shine Project aims to empower all who associate with it, enabling all to be their best selves and creating a positive and creative landscape to develop the charity.
Case Studies
find out more about our young people’s experiences
The Shine Project continues to make my daughter feel confident. She is able to talk openly about things that concern her. She feels part of a group and not so isolated. My daughter always has a big smile on her face when she partakes in activities provided and we as a family value it greatly and appreciate the hard work that goes into it.
- Parent of Shine Course Student
Anne Clarkson
Operations Manager / anne@shineproject.org.uk
Anne has worked for The Shine Project for the last 10 years, witnessing its growth and development. Anne qualified in level 3 counselling studies and she is our safeguarding lead. She manages a fantastic team of staff and volunteers whilst also working directly with the young people by delivering 3 courses per term.
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... Anne oversees the day to day operations of The Shine Project. This involves leadership in the areas of governance, marketing and communications and fundraising. Anne is also a trustee of Relate Bournemouth. She feels passionately about social .
Clare Barraclough
Admin-Co-Ordinator / clare@shineproject.org.uk
Clare joined The Shine Project as our Administrator and Course Coordinator, delivering both Shine and Thrive courses across Dorset. She is passionate about helping young people understand and manage their mental health and strongly believes in Shine’s ethos and its ability to make a positive difference to those who need additional support. Clare recently completed a degree that included Child Psychology, and she brings valuable experience from working in school attendance and pastoral support, where she helped young people build emotional resilience and improve their wellbeing. Outside of work, Clare runs her own baking business and loves creating cakes. She also enjoys spending time at the beach with her family and their new puppy.
Ellë Gray
Course Deliverer elle@shineproject.org.uk
Ellë grew up in Portland and Weymouth and has always felt deeply connected to the Dorset coastline and community. She studied Media & Communications at the University of Winchester and has built her career in charities and healthcare, supporting young people and vulnerable adults. She is passionate about mental health and mindfulness and loves teaching practical ways to manage emotions and thrive. Outside of work, Ellë spends most of her time with her miniature dachshund, Winston — walking, training and cuddling up together. She loves the sea and can often be found on Chesil Beach watching the sunset. Creativity is a big part of her life, from scrapbooking and embroidery to painting and pottery. She also reads tarot cards and regularly joins friends for full moon rituals. Ellë joined The Shine Project because she knows first hand how powerful it is to learn tools that support mental wellbeing. She believes these skills should be taught to young people early, and has followed Shine’s work for several years. The impact of the courses inspired her long before she became part of the team.
Melanie Tilsed
Shine Course Deliverer / mel@shineproject.org.uk
Mel is a trained makeup artist and wedding hairstylist who joined the Shine project over 10 years ago as a volunteer and has now progressed to delivering courses. She also runs a successful award-winning wedding hair and makeup business
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...Mel has been involved in youth work within her church since her own children were young and runs 1st Poole Boys Brigade and Girls Association group.
Zavier De Kment
Shine Course Deliverer / zavier@shineproject.org.uk
Zavier’s background is rooted in dance, music and creative expression. She loves writing poetry, singing with her guitar and getting lost in books — creativity has always been at the heart of who she is.
Her journey into youth wellbeing began while living in London, where she discovered the charity Tender UK. The work she did alongside them sparked a realisation: she wanted a career where she could positively impact future generations every single week.
After moving back to Dorset, Zavier met Anne through her voluntary work with The Colour Works Foundation, where her potential and passion for supporting young people quickly stood out. Joining The Shine Project feels like an exciting next step — a place to grow new skills, inspire young people and contribute to meaningful change.
With lived experience of mental health challenges in today’s climate, Zavier brings both urgency and optimism to her work. She is driven by the belief that young people deserve support, understanding and the tools to thrive.
Meet the Trustees
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Ragnheidur Hardardottir
Ragnheidur is a qualified nurse, mother of three and grandmother of 2. Originally from Iceland she enjoys visiting her family there frequently along with skiing and gardening. She has been involved in various women's work.
Ragnheidur is has been the chair of Trustees for the last 5 years.
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Luke Price
Luke is a documentary Film Editor who has worked in broadcast television for 20 years and runs his own business in Bournemouth. Luke is married with 4 children aged 15-21 and loves living by the sea.
Any time of year you can find the Price's on the beach braving the elements and hunting out adventure.
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Libby Walker
libby@shineproject.org.uk
Libby joined the Trustee board in November 2022. Libby is a child psychologist who has worked in Dorset for three years. Before that, she has worked with children both in the Midlands and the South. Having referred children to Shine herself in her job and firsthand seen the positive influence, she cannot wait to be a part of Shine and all the goodness it offers.
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Vania Roper
Vania has been a trustee with The Shine project for over 5 years. Being a mother to teenagers she is familiar with the challenges life can throw at our young people. She works within the Business Engagement team for Bournemouth University and has a passion for the betterment of the region and the people in our community.
She enjoys time with family and friends, running and the beach life! Having had a challenging time during her teenage years, she believes strongly in The Shine Project and all the good it does for overlooked teens.
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Vanessa Corsie
Vanessa has a degree in Psychology and is a HR professional in the energy sector. She loves to travel the world, enjoys healthy living and thinks her four nieces are wonderful. Vanessa also volunteers on our Shine Courses, she loves seeing the young people learn and grow and is a brilliant contributor to sessions!
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Nick Main
nick@shineproject.org.uk
Nick is an experienced Independent Financial Adviser with a career spanning over three decades in the financial services industry. Since 1989, Nick has been dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals through personalised and strategic advice. Outside of work, Nick enjoys playing golf, finding it a great way to relax, stay active and meet new people. He lives with his wife, Molly, and their two daughters. He loves going on holiday to anywhere warm. Nick also loves sunshine holidays, cherishing the time spent with his family in warm and sunny destinations.