Flourish campaign sees organisations pledge to make Norfolk a better place for children and young people

A dance company run by a 31-year-old Yarmouth woman who lost her hand in a car crash is one of over 150 organisations which have pledged to make life better for children and young people in Norfolk.

Norfolk Children and Young People Strategic Alliance (CYPSA) officially launched the Flourishing in Norfolk Strategy and the Flourish Pledge at an event in May which was attended by representatives of more than 25 county organisations. 

More than 150 pledges have been made since the launch from a mix of council services, schools, volunteer sector providers, and businesses with lots more pledges to come.

One of the pledges has come from Morgan's Academy of Dance in Great Yarmouth which was set up by Jade Morgan after she lost her hand in a car accident on the A47 on her way home from work in 2016. Jade says that she actively demonstrates that anyone, from any background, can express themselves and boost their wellbeing through dance, and she's particularly focused on building confidence.

Morgan's Academy of Dance pledges to help and encourage growth in children through to adults in the performing arts and wellbeing setting. They build confidence, technique, as well as creating a fun and friendly environment for all young children and adults to perform in.

She started her dance school as the pandemic got underway and is now rebuilding after two difficult years. She teaches children from two through to adults and covers a whole range of dance styles, including ballet, tap, acro, and street dance

Jade said:

"A lot of the children who come to us don't have much confidence and they haven't always felt like they fitted in with other schools. I want to show them that you can be confident in your body, have a great time, and make friends through dance.

"I really wanted to make a Flourish pledge because I want every child I teach to flourish, have opportunities to learn, and feel understood.

"We recently had our first performance at Martham fun day, and the parents were so surprised to see how well their children were doing and how much their confidence and self-esteem had grown."

Sara Tough, Executive Director for Children's Services at Norfolk County Council said:

"We know Norfolk is a great place to grow up and we want it to be a county where every child and young person can flourish. To see so many organisations already making pledges has been fantastic and hopefully a sign of things to come as the message is spread far and wide throughout the county.

"Jade is one of those people who has turned a life changing situation into something entirely positive, so we're thrilled to have her and her dance school on board. I hope that Jade's story amongst others encourages more groups to sign up".

Anyone from schools and colleges to small community groups and venues, businesses, charities, local councils, leisure and tourism providers, smaller teams within bigger organisations are welcome to sign up to make a Flourish pledge. Pledges can include supporting young people's careers, involving young people in decision making, or providing new activities or opportunities.

It's free to sign up, support is available to help organisations plan and deliver their pledge, and a colourful Flourish Pledge badge is available for participants to display and use in their signage, online presence, and printed materials. 

You can get more ideas and information about the Flourish Pledge and the Flourishing in Norfolk strategy at www.norfolk.gov.uk/flourish or emailing flourish.pledge@norfolk.gov.uk.

To see the Flourish Pledges being made by organisations across Norfolk follow #flourishpledge on Twitter. (opens new window)