This highly innovative programme – begun in 2007 – works with young people from London Boroughs and other urban areas who are disaffected or disadvantaged. Many of them are already in danger of exclusion or are adversely affected by gang culture or by local issues around crime, drugs. We want to help these young people to see there is an alternative future before they fall into that culture themselves.

We work primarily with 11-15 year olds on a preventative model but, following recent research on early intervention and prevention, we are now looking at what we could do to help young people in the 9-11s age group.

The programme is centred around a 5-day residential opportunity for 14 young people, together with teachers from their school and other significant individuals (local youth outreach workers etc). Partnership with referring schools and local agencies is key and enables us to offer a unique opportunity for reflection and personal development. Linkage with families, schools and local education authorities both before and after the residential week is important to successful outcomes.

In 2010 we will run a minimum of 10 residential weeks and aim to work with at least 140 young people. Over three years we want to see that number rise to over 500. If you know young people or schools who would benefit (including your own) – or if you would like to help fund this programme please get in touch.