At The Offshoot Foundation, we believe in the power of creativity to help every child flourish, regardless of background, ability, or personal challenge. Our work spans Norfolk, delivering filmmaking and media projects that give young people a platform to express themselves, build confidence, and feel connected to their communities.
Our projects create inclusive, supportive environments where young people from different schools, abilities, and backgrounds come together, often for the first time. Friendships are formed, barriers are broken down, and young people learn to communicate, collaborate, and celebrate their differences. For children who don’t always fit into traditional school settings, Offshoot offers something different: a place where their voices are heard, their ideas shape the content, and their creativity is nurtured. We also welcome a significant number of children with special educational needs and disabilities, offering one-to-one support wherever possible. Offshoot creates valuable opportunities for these young people to interact meaningfully with other young people from mainstream schools, something they often don’t experience elsewhere.
We work across Norfolk in schools, community centres, and public spaces, partnering with the Jon Eggins Trust, Keystone, Sports Ministry, Mama D’s, the Charles Burrell Centre, and the Benjamin Foundation to reach those who might not otherwise access these opportunities. In one project, supported by the Million Hours Fund, we brought a games van and creative filming sessions to Thetford, involving a confidence coach and addressing tensions between young people and local businesses. Through the project, young people co-created a film about respect and community pride, helping foster a more positive local environment.
One strand of our work is the Big Norfolk Holiday Fun (BNHF) programme, through which we’ve delivered creative holiday sessions in Thetford, Watton, Long Stratton, and Acorn Park. These combine film, physical activity, and healthy eating in engaging, hands-on ways. Thetford remains our most active BNHF hub, welcoming 10–15 children per session, many returning year after year. We’ve seen remarkable transformations in confidence, communication, and teamwork, especially among children with additional needs.
Offshoot is more than a workshop provider. We’re building community networks of support and creativity. With partners like the Sports Ministry and JET, we embed our work into existing services. These youth-led sessions centre on their ideas and lived experiences. Our Youth Advisory Board project empowered participants to speak directly to MPs and councils, most recently on inclusive playgrounds. Whether using film to advocate for more inclusive playgrounds or documenting life in their neighbourhoods, Offshoot helps young people realise their power to make change.
The Offshoot Foundation equips young people across Norfolk with the creative and life skills they need; problem solving, critical thinking, and working with others, to thrive in school, in their communities, and beyond. We don’t just teach skills; we build confidence, nurture inclusion, and help Norfolk’s young people discover they have the power to shape their own narrative.
"We believe that by nurturing the talents and passions of young individuals, we can contribute to a brighter future for our community."
- Paul Press, CEO The Offshoot Foundation.
