Rainbow Surprise CIO · Youth work & impact

Empowering young people. Strengthening our community.

Space to play. Confidence to grow. A community to belong to.

Through holiday play, sport and creative activities, we give children and young people in Manchester space to make friends, learn skills and feel part of their community.

Enquire about youth activities Explore our programmes

Interested in taking part? Contact our team for current sessions, age ranges and availability.

Four friends standing together outdoors, viewed from behind

More than activities

A place to belong. Space to grow.

A shared lunch, a first trip to the theatre, a new skill or a friendship can make a difference. Rainbow Surprise brings play, creativity and practical support together so young people have opportunities to take part and families feel supported.

01 / BELONG

Friendship & connection

Opportunities to play together, meet others and feel part of the community.

02 / DISCOVER

Skills & confidence

Creative, sporting and practical experiences that encourage young people to try something new.

03 / THRIVE

Support for families

Historical provision has included free meals, holiday activities and back-to-school essentials.

Our programmes · 2023–2026

Something to discover.

A snapshot of provision delivered across these years. This is an overview of our work, rather than a current session timetable.

Play & holiday schemes

Structured play, creative activities, physical activity, outings and meals during school holidays.

Cricket & sport

Youth and ladies’ cricket with Lancashire Cricket Club in 2023, including training, matches and regional tournaments.

Cooking, creativity & life skills

Hands-on workshops, arts, crafts and practical activities that support learning through doing.

Youth volunteering

Opportunities for young people to contribute to community activities and develop experience.

Breakfast & play

Breakfast and play launched in 2025, bringing shared food and activity together. Ask about current provision.

Gardening & outdoor activity

A garden project began in July 2025, creating opportunities to connect with outdoor activity.

Trips & new experiences

Day trips and cultural visits have opened up opportunities to explore beyond familiar surroundings.

Our impact in 2026.

From holiday play and cricket to creative activities and youth groups, opportunities to connect, try new things and grow.

1,396

Recorded attendances

Across holiday play, youth groups and cricket.

Sessions with attendance recorded

Spaces for play, learning and connection.

652

Summer play attendances

Across 16 summer sessions, included in the total above.

Source: Rainbow Surprise’s Views records, January–1 November 2026; reviewed 5 November. Attendances include repeat visits, not individual children. Figures reflect recorded attendance and may increase as registers are completed.

Years of play, discovery and support.

Explore a year to see how our work has developed.

2026 — Play, connection & growing together

Holiday playschemes, youth groups and cricket continued to bring children and young people together. Views records show 930 holiday-play attendances, 194 youth-group attendances and 272 cricket attendances through 1 November.

Programme reports describe arts and crafts, outdoor games, team sports and problem-solving. Youth activities also included board games and dinner, alongside gardening opportunities.

These categories make up the 1,396 recorded attendances above. They are visits, not separate individual participants.

2025 — New ways to belong

Reported provision included holiday play, youth volunteering and the launch of Saturday breakfast and play. A garden project began in July, adding opportunities to learn and spend time outdoors.

2024 — Meals, trips & cultural experiences

Holiday programmes combined play with meals, day trips and cultural experiences, including cinema and theatre visits. Back-to-school support helped families with uniforms and haircuts.

2023 — Play, sport & practical support

Holiday provision ran across February, April, summer, October and December. Youth and ladies’ cricket with Lancashire Cricket Club created opportunities for training and regional tournaments, alongside back-to-school and festive support for families.

2023–2025 summaries are based on information supplied by Rainbow Surprise. Past activity is not a current timetable; please contact us for availability.

Confidence. Friendship. Room to grow.

Staff observations recorded in 2026 describe children becoming more comfortable joining activities, building friendships and taking responsibility.

Finding confidence

Patient encouragement and activity choices help children take part at their own pace.

Making connections

Creative play, games and shared experiences offer opportunities to build relationships.

Trying something new

Team activities offer space to practise communication, cooperation and responsibility.

Themes from 2026 programme reports and staff observations; individual experiences vary.

Help create the next opportunity.

Activities for your family

Ask about youth activities, holiday play and the right opportunity for your child.

Contact our team

Volunteer with us

Explore ways to contribute your time and skills to our community.

Explore volunteering

Partner or donate

Discover how your organisation or contribution can support our work.

Ways to support us

Before you get involved.

How do I join a youth activity?

Visit our Contact Us page or email [email protected] . The team can confirm current sessions, age ranges, availability and booking arrangements before you attend.

What ages can take part?

Age ranges vary between holiday play, sports and youth groups. Please check with the team about the activity you are interested in.

Are activities free?

Our funded provision has included free activities, meals and trips. Please confirm any costs and eligibility for your chosen session before booking.

Can we discuss accessibility or additional support?

Yes. Start with a general enquiry so the team can discuss the support available and how to share any necessary information appropriately.

Where can I find safeguarding information?

Visit our Policies and Safeguarding page or contact the team to request the current safeguarding policy, designated safeguarding contact and reporting procedure. Please do not include sensitive safeguarding details in a general website enquiry.

What do the impact figures mean?

The 2026 figures count recorded visits to sessions, not distinct children. Someone attending several sessions contributes several attendances. Summer attendances are included within the total. The figures cover records through 1 November 2026 and may increase as registers are completed.

How can funders and partners learn more?

Visit our Get Involved page to discuss partnership opportunities and request further information about our work.