Our users live in Camden’s poorest wards: chaotic home lives, few positive role models and inconsistent boundaries sap their hope and aspiration, leading to angry, challenging behaviour that ultimately pushes them beyond the pale. They are written off at a tender age, increasing their exposure to crime, gangs, grooming and drugs. Much of their anger comes from frustration, lack of self-esteem and an inability to communicate. Their anti-social behaviour is often condoned by family and friends.

Rebuilding Bridges will nip negative behaviour in the bud through mentoring, training and diversion. This is vital: in the worst-case scenario for users, employment/training become distant prospects, with welfare dependency, criminality, ill health and premature death far more likely. There is little targeted provision left in Camden post-austerity and many users don't attend the remaining youth clubs because of gangs. Exclusion exacerbates poverty’s isolation: we will signpost a way forward.