Croydon Council has had to make significant cuts to youth services in recent years. There are particular gaps related to young people's safety, for example the lack of appropriate youth and sports facilities for young people to use after school, resulting in increased incidences of violence, exploitation and anti-social behaviour. There are also gaps in mental health support and opportunities for social connection, resulting in a rapid decline in young people's wellbeing.

Reaching Higher runs after-school projects 4 days per week during term-time, providing a range of fun activities and learning opportunities for over 600 young people aged 10-18 in Croydon each term. Our programmes include sports (football, basketball, dance, boxercise and multi-sports), a youth-run cafe, workshops on employability, leadership and communication skills, and drop-in youth wellbeing hubs where young people can build healthy relationships with peers and safe adults.