Case Studies funded by 'Connected'
The details of the organisations and their projects supported by the Connected Fund, in all 3 rounds, are listed in this section.
Eastside Young Leaders Academy, Newham, London
Based on an American model, the Eastside Young Leaders Academy in Newham, East London provides discipline and support to young black boys referred by their head teachers or to those who have been excluded from school. The boys attend every day after school and on Saturday mornings. EYLA currently works with 60 boys, and has been running for two years. EYLA maintains close links with the parents and schools, and receives reports about the boys' behaviour outside the Academy.
Since attending the programme, the boys' attitudes to school work have changed, their school marks have improved and they have much higher aspirations due to EYLA organising talks and trips about future careers in business, finance, medicine and politics.
The Learning Curve, Balsall Heath, Birmingham
The Learning Curve is a mentoring and outreach project working with young boys in the Balsall Heath area of Birmingham. The Learning Curve works by engagement with these young people through education (through Connexions and Sure Start) and diversionary activities.
Crack and heroin dealing are major problems in Balsall Heath. The senior gang members who deal drugs routinely carry guns for protection. Recently the group facilitated a meeting with other local voluntary organisations to discuss ways to tackle gun crime and gang culture in their ward. As a result of this meeting, another organisation wants to carry out some research to identify the extent of the problem (and have applied for Connected funding for this). They are using the Connected website to network with other groups in the area.
CASAC (Community Action and Support Against Crime), Leeds
CASAC joined forces with Leeds Community Safety and Leeds Youth Offending Service to deliver a weapons awareness programme in schools and other youth organisations about the dangers of carrying weapons. The programme involves recruiting and training volunteers to deliver the weapons awareness sessions. It involves a 45 minutes presentation and provides young people with correct information and facts about weapons, including consequences of their actions and allowing them to make positive informed choices.
Up until December 2004, a total of 36 trainers had been trained. They delivered a total of 19 sessions, 6 of which were held in schools. A total of 143 young people have received the Weapons Awareness Training as a result of government funding up until that date and the programme is set to continue. A media campaign officially launched the scheme in Spring 2005 aimed at encouraging schools and youth organisations to engage with the scheme.
Community Welfare Trust – Birmingham 'Nothing Personal, Strictly Business'
This mentoring scheme started in January 2005, to provide guidance to 15 disillusioned young people, steering them away from crime and onto further education or to inspire them to set up a business.
The group works closely with other local voluntary organisations and has the advantage of using the facilities of Learning Direct, where practical help can be offered on filling out application forms, CVs etc.
Out of the initial 15 young men referred to the scheme, half have been involved in gun, gang or knife crime activity, and one was actually convicted of a gun crime offence.
The objective of the workshops, delivered by the charismatic Ash, are designed to raise awareness, help generate ideas and boost the young people’s confidence. The Connected grant has been used to kick-start this scheme, enabling the organisation to apply to other sources for funding.
Mario (18), an ex-offender attends the workshops every Wednesday and already has plans to start his own car-wash company with a difference. Johnny (21), spent 6 months in prison but now has ambitions to work in a haulage company or courier service due to his love of driving.
It is clear to see that the young people who attend these workshops benefit a great deal and have the genuine will to overcome the challenges they face in pursuing their chosen careers.
Values Education for Life – Birmingham
This establishment offers an alternative to mainstream education. Situated between Ladywood, Solihull and Aston areas of the city, it is strategically well located to receive young people from these deprived parts and beyond.
The centre has been run for 5 years by highly trained mentors and teachers. The Connected grant has been used to train a further 16 mentors to work closely with 15-16 year olds, the majority of whom have been permanently excluded from school. The emphasis here is on safety and personal development with a gradual integration into academic education and skills based courses.
A high number of the young people referred have been involved in youth offending, but since being on the scheme not one has committed an offence. Out of the young people we spoke to, one has a wish to become a police woman, another will train to become a chef and already has a place at the College of Food; the rest have been offered apprentiships in electrical and construction work.
Docklands Outreach - Tower Hamlets, London
Founded in late 1997, this centre has fast become well established in Tower Hamlets as a place to seek advice on drugs, alcohol abuse, mental and sexual health, gang conflict, crime and diversion.
The workers target young people in the hot spots through detached street work and outreach providing confidential help and support. The youth workers have built up strong and productive rapports with some of the more socially excluded groups in the local area. Counselling is offered at the centre as well as advocacy and practical help for further education and employment.
The group regularly receive referrals from youth offending teams. Some of those referred have been convicted of offences involving offensive weapons and gang violence.
Last summer, a four month 9pm curfew was enforced in the area as a result of incidents of anti-social behaviour and intimidation. There are a number of street level gangs but this does not deter the dedicated team of youth workers and street workers from offering diversionary activities such as mechanical motorbike workshops and from breaking down gang barriers through conflict mediation.