About Project Me
Empowering People. Strengthening Communities. Creating Belonging.
About Us
At PROJECT:ME we believe that every person deserves the opportunity to feel confident, connected, supported and empowered to thrive.
What started as a vision to support young people through movement, wellbeing and positive connection has grown into a thriving community-led organisation transforming the lives of both young people and adults across Essex through sport, life coaching, wellbeing and community support.
Since becoming a Community Interest Company in 2020, PROJECT:ME has created safe, inclusive spaces where young people, adults and families can build confidence, improve wellbeing and develop meaningful connections within their community.
We exist to help people not only improve their physical health, but also strengthen emotional wellbeing, resilience and self-belief – because we know true wellbeing comes from supporting the whole person.
At the heart of everything we do is our community.
More Than Sport. More Than Wellbeing.
PROJECT:ME was built on the understanding that movement can change lives.
Through a unique combination of physical activity, life coaching, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and wellbeing support, our programmes empower people to reconnect with themselves, discover their strengths and develop the tools they need to navigate life positively.
From dance, fitness, football and boxing to yoga, mindfulness and life coaching conversations, our sessions are designed to help participants feel:
- More confident
- More connected
- More resilient
- More active
- More empowered in everyday life
We create environments where people feel seen, heard and valued – often for the very first time.
ABOUT PROJECT:ME
PROJECT:ME was created from a shared passion for supporting young people struggling with confidence, wellbeing, social connection and the challenges that can come with growing up and navigating education.
Co-founded by Kate Nokes and Vicki Stavrinos in 2018, PROJECT:ME has grown into far more than a community organisation – it has become a movement of passionate coaches, mentors and wellbeing professionals dedicated to creating positive change within the community.
Over the years, we have supported hundreds of people through programmes that combine movement, mentoring, life coaching and emotional wellbeing support. Through our work, we have seen first-hand the life-changing impact that safe spaces, trusted relationships and positive experiences can have on confidence, resilience and wellbeing.
As the needs of our community have grown, so have we.
What began with youth programmes through EMPOWER, has evolved into wider community wellbeing support through EVOLVE – to include adults in our programme offering, including our women’s wellbeing and life coaching programme, BELONG.
Today, PROJECT:ME supports:
- Young people aged 9-18
- Young women only programmes aged 16+
- Adult women through wellbeing and coaching programmes
- Families and wider community networks
- Volunteers and community ambassadors
- Education and community staff through staff training and wellbeing sessions
We believe that wellbeing should not stop at one stage of life.
Everything we do is shaped by the people and communities we serve.
We use an Asset Based Community Development approach – meaning we work alongside communities, schools, organisations and local partners to build on strengths, create opportunities and encourage lasting positive change.
We know that many individuals face barriers to accessing wellbeing support, including:
- Financial challenges
- Social isolation
- Low confidence
- Mental health difficulties
- Cultural or social barriers to participation
That is why we work hard to keep our programmes inclusive, accessible and community-focused through funded spaces, local partnerships and supportive environments.
Our participants come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and we are deeply committed to creating spaces where everyone feels respected, represented and supported.
We are seeing increasing levels of loneliness, anxiety and low emotional wellbeing within both young people and adults – particularly following the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and reduced access to activities and community support.
Many families tell us they simply cannot afford opportunities that support wellbeing, movement and connection.
PROJECT:ME exists to help change that.
Our programmes provide opportunities for people to:
- Improve physical, emotional and mental wellbeing
- Build confidence and resilience
- Create positive friendships and social connections
- Develop healthy habits and coping strategies
- Access safe and supportive spaces
- Feel part of their community again
And the impact reaches far beyond the individual – influencing families, schools, workplaces and communities as a whole.
Since launching, PROJECT:ME has engaged hundreds of participants, with programme feedback showing:
- Increased physical activity levels
- Improved confidence and happiness
- Greater emotional wellbeing
- Stronger community connection
- Long-term engagement in healthier lifestyles
But beyond the statistics are the stories.
Stories of young people finding confidence again.
Women rediscovering themselves after isolation.
Communities becoming stronger through connection.
People realising they are not alone.
That is the heart of PROJECT:ME.
Looking Ahead
As PROJECT:ME continues to grow, so does our vision.
We are passionate about expanding opportunities for:
- Young people
- Women and girls
- Families and communities
- Volunteers and ambassadors
- Community partnerships and sponsorships
Through EMPOWER, our adult programmes and EVOLVE, our youth programmes, we are building a future where wellbeing support is accessible, inclusive and community led.
Join our Community
Whether you are looking to join a programme, partner with us, volunteer, sponsor a place or simply learn more about our work – we would love to connect with you. Together, we can create stronger, healthier and more connected communities.
OUR VALUES
We work hard to maintain and uphold our core values
- Connection
- Growth
- Passion
- Community
Some Kind Words
Our Team
Kate NokesLife Coach, Co-Founder & Director of PROJECT:ME
Kate leads the organisation’s vision, strategic development, and community impact. An accredited Life Coach and certified NLP Master Practitioner, she has over 25 years’ experience supporting young people, adults and communities through education, wellbeing, and personal development.
Kate has worked extensively with individuals experiencing isolation, low confidence, stress, and major life transitions, helping them build resilience, strengthen relationships, and realise their potential. Kate develops community programmes that are safe, empowering spaces where people feel supported, valued and inspired to grow.
Kate says;
“I am passionate about helping people recognise their strengths and create positive, lasting change. My own life experiences have shown me the power of growth, curiosity and self-awareness, and I love supporting others to discover what’s possible for them though my work at PROJECT:ME and with my coaching. Exercise, nature, mindfulness and good nutrition have been transformational in my own life. I’m a mum of two, a big fan of dark chocolate and proud to have run the in the London marathon.”
'She believed she could, so she did'
Vicki StavrinosCo-Founder & Creative Director of PROJECT:ME
Vicki is a Creative Director, dancer, and educator with over 25 years of experience inspiring people through movement. Having travelled the world to train, perform, and collaborate with individuals and organisations, she is passionate about preserving Hip Hop culture as an authentic art form while using dance to support positive mental and physical wellbeing.
As someone with a lifelong love of dance, fitness, and nutrition, Vicki believes movement has the power to transform lives. She is passionate about helping people build confidence, resilience, and healthier habits so they can reach their full potential.
Vicki says;
“Working for PROJECT:ME rewards me greatly as it combines two of my greatest passions, dance movement, and mental wellbeing. Being part of this amazing team that empowers people to improve their lives through mindfulness, support, and physical activity is something I find both meaningful and inspiring every day.”
"Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right" - Henry Ford
Callum BoylanPhysical Activity Coach
As a Strength & Conditioning Coach, Callum has spent the past couple of years helping athletes and individuals improve their performance through structured, evidence-based training. Holding a degree in Sports Performance and Coaching, Callum combine’s academic knowledge with valuable hands-on coaching experience to deliver programmes that develop strength, speed, confidence, and resilience. Alongside his strength and conditioning work, Callum has gained extensive experience delivering sports coaching in schools, mentoring young people, and creating positive environments where they can develop both physically and personally.
Callum says;
“I believe great coaching is about more than improving performance – it’s about building character, confidence, and lifelong habits that support success both on and off the field. My goal is to inspire, educate, and help every individual reach their full potential.”
"Greatness is built through consistency, discipline, and the courage to improve every single day."
Fiona WadforthLife Coach
Fiona is an experienced Child and Adolescent Mental Health Practitioner and Life Coach and has worked professionally with families for over 20 years. Fiona works in a variety of settings with adults and children including, children’s mental health, specialising in working with children who have experienced trauma, loss and separation. Fiona is passionate about supporting children, young people and adults through some of life’s most challenging experiences. Alongside her specialist bereavement work, Fiona is a qualified Life Coach supporting children and adults and believes in helping people build resilience, develop emotional awareness and move forward with confidence and hope.
With a warm, compassionate and person-centred approach, Fiona creates safe spaces where individuals feel heard, understood and empowered. She is passionate about helping people recognise their strengths, navigate change and take positive steps towards a brighter future.
Fiona says;
“I believe that with the right support, every challenge can become an opportunity for growth. My aim is to help people find hope, build resilience and take confident steps towards their next chapter. Being part of the PROJECT:ME team allows me to do what I’m most passionate about – helping people feel connected, valued and supported.”
Jen StanleyPhysical Activity & Wellness Coach
Jen Stanley is the founder of Elevate, a wellbeing business focused on helping people build strength, confidence and healthier lifestyles through coaching, nutrition, functional fitness and Pilates, and Stanley & Davis Ltd, an HR consultancy specialising in leadership, workplace culture and people strategy.
Her career has always centred around people. From coaching leaders and supporting businesses through change to helping individuals improve their fitness, nutrition and confidence, Jen is passionate about helping others realise their full potential.
One of the things Jen enjoys most about working on Project:ME programmes is seeing people grow in confidence, embrace new challenges and build genuine friendships. Watching participants support and encourage one another, both during the programme and long afterwards, is what makes the experience so rewarding.
Jen says;
“I believe wellbeing isn’t just about exercise, it’s about building resilience, confidence and healthy habits that positively influence every area of life. Away from work, I am a proud mum to two sons and a functional fitness enthusiast. I believe movement has the power to transform both physical and mental wellbeing.”
"Small, consistent changes create extraordinary results."
Jodie BurdettPhysical Activity & Life Coach
Jodie is a qualified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) coach with a Level 4 Certificate in Integrating Mindfulness and Compassion in Professional Practice, accredited by CPCAB. A Yoga Alliance registered 320-hour trained yoga teacher and a qualified Yoga for Teens teacher.
Jodie works with individuals, groups, schools, and charities, helping those she works with develop practical skills to manage stress, build resilience, and improve wellbeing. Her approach is compassionate, evidence-informed, and accessible, creating a safe space for people of all ages to cultivate greater balance, self-awareness, and lasting wellbeing.
Jodie says;
“I believe we all have the capacity to feel calmer, stronger, and more connected to ourselves, even during life’s most challenging moments. I am passionate about the connection between mind and body and empowering people to better understand themselves and make choices that support their physical, mental, and emotional health. By working with Project:ME and helping young people develop these skills early in life, we hope to give them tools they can return to time and again, supporting their wellbeing long into adulthood”
"Anything is possible, if you just breath and believe!"
Katie GaudenLife Coach
After 20 years as a PR & Marketing professional, I went through an emotional wellbeing journey that led me to qualify as a Transformational Life Coach. I now have the privilege of working with people and brands; helping both to live out who they really are in the best way possible.
One of my greatest privileges has been to co-create and run the Belong programme with Kate Nokes. Whether coaching individuals or groups, it is a joy to see people improve their emotional wellbeing and move towards their goals.
Katie say;
“Nothing gives me more pleasure than to help people fulfill their potential and live a fulfilling life. In today’s fast-paced, busy world, so many of us find ourselves feeling lost, burnt out, anxious or dissatisfied. I’m passionate about helping people find the clarity, confidence and contentment they need to turn this around and live life to the full. I’m a faith-filled mum of two, who loves music, wildlife, travel and heartfelt conversation.”
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” George Elliot