The Croydon Schools Engagement Programme began in September 2022 in partnership with Legacy Youth Zone. It supports vulnerable young people in schools in Croydon who are at risk of exclusion, expulsion, social isolation or already in alternative education. 

Each young person supported is referred to a bespoke Skills Development Programme together with a comprehensive programme of Health and Wellbeing activities, such as sport and creative arts, to meet their individual needs and to build confidence and engagement with learning at school. We also provide mentoring for many young people.

To date, the project has supported nearly 200 young people.

Aidan’s story

Aidan* has an issue with authority, he was excluded from his previous school and his current teachers disclosed that he has the potential to groom or be groomed by gangs. He has a lot of influence amongst his peers and teachers believe he could be a gang leader in the future.

Together, (with mum) we worked on a Wellbeing Action Plan bespoke to Aidan and his needs, interests, and feedback from teachers. A six-week sports programme at Legacy was agreed by all, and most importantly, Aidan was on board. Each week he has a personal programme and designated youth worker who will work on different areas throughout the youth zone which will help him to shine.

There have been a few bumps along the way but 6 months later, Aidan has a wide circle of friends, he has used his natural leadership skills positively as part of various sports teams and as Gym prefect. Where Aidan getting positive reinforcements, we’ve seen he’s more open and receptive to authoritative figures. He even helped at his school’s summer fair– this was great for his teachers to see.

Kelly, Youth lead has said “What I love to see is Adian’s positive influence on his friends. He lets them know what their strengths are and encourages them to pursue their passion. What he needs is people to do the same for him and I think that’s how we can help. We show him what he’s good at and where he can truly shine.”

*name and image changed to protect his identity

The project builds young people’s skills and helps them to take an active role in their communities through volunteering, becoming mentors themselves or moving into employment.

The project is creating the vital, but often missing link, between the community and schools for this age group. Crucially, it catches those who might fall through the gaps and are at significantly higher risk of entering the youth justice system if interventions are not provided. 

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To refer a young person to the programme please contact [email protected]

Initially developed as a three-year pilot, the project has had such a significant impact that it has been extended for two years. If you would like to support this project, please contact [email protected]