All Shades of Life CIC

Supporting young people in Dartford

All Shades of Life CIC create a safe, supportive and inspiring space for young people across Dartford, Stone and Greenhithe. Many who attend struggle to access mainstream sports due to anxiety, loneliness, mental health challenges or additional needs. Through our partnership, All Shades delivers weekly football, fitness and holiday sessions for ages 7+, helping young people build confidence, improve their wellbeing and feel part of a positive community. Funding helps cover essential coaching costs, ensuring these much‑loved sessions can continue for young people with SEN, long‑term illness, social services involvement or limited local support. By offering consistent mentoring and breaking down postcode barriers, the project gives young people the chance to develop new skills and look toward a more hopeful future.

The difference made

Our support enables All Shades to provide regular football and fitness sessions that young people rely on for physical activity, friendship and emotional stability. These sessions play an important role in helping them manage anxiety, bereavement and family pressures. Many participants have also completed their Duke of Edinburgh requirements with the guidance of head coach Ivan, who is a trusted mentor to many. When sessions pause, young people tell us how much they miss the structure and support - highlighting just how vital this space is on a Friday evening in Dartford. Our partnership helps All Shades adapt and continue offering a place where local young people feel safe, valued and able to thrive.

Beneficiary story: Jack

Jack has been attending All Shades of Life Boxing and Fitness in Dartford since he was nine years old. Now 14, he has grown in confidence, resilience and respect through five years of training with his coach, Ivan. Alongside building his fitness and technique, Jack has developed key life skills and a strong sense of responsibility. With support from Zoe and the All Shades of Life team, he completed a Level 1 Activator course with Sports Connect and a Boxing Instructor course with Box England in 2023. Jack now helps to lead younger classes each week, taking small groups, supporting other children and even submitting his own monthly coaching invoice. With the right encouragement and opportunities, Jack is becoming a positive role model and one of the next generation of community leaders.