Changing young people's lives

Council leader Ravi Govindia has praised the ‘hugely beneficial’ impacts of the Street Elite training programme which has helped dozens of Roehampton’s young adults develop their self confidence and get into work or training.

The training for work scheme, which is run by the Change Foundation and Berkeley Foundation with support from Wandsworth Council, focuses on people aged 16 to 24 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). The programme specifically targets those on the edge of gangs and crime.

The intensive mentoring programme teaches candidates sports coaching and youth work skills, challenging young people to take responsibility for organising and running their own training sessions and events on the estates where they live.

So far 33 Wandsworth residents have completed the programme, including the latest group of 12 young people from Roehampton, (pictured) who graduated earlier this month.

Each one of them has completed a nine month training programme, which culminated in organising and hosting a one day sports festival near the Alton Estate involving dozens of local schools and hundred of young people from across the borough.

Each Street Elite graduate has now been offered a training placement with the Berkeley Group, completing a dramatic turn around in their life styles and prospects,

Ibs, aged 18 from Roehampton, is one of the Street Elite graduates. He said:
“For me it’s been really worthwhile and if it’s helped me with my timekeeping and punctuality.”

Daniel, aged 20 from Roehampton, said:
July 1, 2015otball matches, some where we couldn't speak - just signal each other, and another where we were blindfolded and had to talk to each other and give clear instructions. It's been a great experience.”

Oliver, aged 25 from Roehampton, said:
“For me being 25 I was at the upper limit for this programme, but I was really keen to give it a go and now I'm really happy as I have got a placement out of it. It's in my hands now to make the most of this opportunity.”

Council leader Ravi Govindia said: “I was hugely impressed with the sports event these young men organised and the clear passion and authority they all have as coaches. They have all benefited enormously from the programme and you can see the personal pride they take in giving something back to their community.

“They are impressive role models for other local young people in Roehampton and are actively encouraging their friends and neighbours to enroll with Street Elite. It’s a hugely beneficial cycle which is helping to reinforce our regeneration efforts in this part of our borough.”

Every young person who completes Street Elite is offered a 2 week work placement with the Berkeley Group. On average 79 per cent of them successfully move on into employment, education or training.

The programme’s central aim is to create confident, motivated people who are ready to work and who feel in control of their lives.

Find out more about the council’s plans to regenerate the Alton Estate at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/roehampton

June 30, 2015