Tower Hamlets is a dynamic borough, experiencing massive change and growth. With the local population doubling in 30 years, Tower Hamlets is now the most densely populated area in England. Local regeneration has also created a local economy larger than the cities of Birmingham or Manchester – and there are now more jobs in the borough than working age residents. Despite this, local rates of unemployment are higher than the national average – and disproportionately affect young people (particularly females) from minority backgrounds. Around 27% of children and young people in Tower Hamlets live in low-income households where they are less likely to do well in school, and have an increased risk of being drawn into anti-social behaviour and other criminal offending. Indeed, Tower Hamlets has very high rates of violent youth crime –strongly linked to drug dealing gangs who rely on the criminal exploitation of vulnerable young people to operate. Our unique charity Streets of Growth has been disrupting this cycle of poverty and exploitation since 2001 and has now helped over 5,000 young people aged 15-24 to leave negative lifestyles behind. Through street outreach and close partnership with police, youth offending, and social services teams – we proactively seek out the young people in our community who are least likely to engage with services and who would otherwise ‘fall through the cracks’ of society. Through skilled, intensive outreach work (including on streets and estates) our coaches build trusted relationships with young people, based on honesty and mutual respect. We then support young people to build their life skills, aspirations and employability – through accredited training, relatable career mentoring from young BAME/working class role models, and work experience (including social action and youth leadership). The final step is supporting every young person into sustained employment, enterprise, or continued training towards their career ambition.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
We support 15-24s from vulnerable (low-income/minority) families, who are struggling in education or careers. Most are dealing with major difficulties – from chaotic family lives to additional learning needs and mental health problems. These young people are targeted and groomed by local criminal gangs who exploit their vulnerability and lead them into drug dealing, street violence and other harms that divide our community and cause many lost young lives each year.
Solution
We are the only local service that reaches out to young people in street settings, to offer an alternative to gang life. Our specialist coaches can spend many weeks or months building a young person’s confidence to engage with our transformational coaching, vocational training and employability support. Our model offers young people 3 vital tools – Positive Relationships, Essential Skills & Opportunity – and helps over 300 youngsters a year into work/education.
