Our Impact
Real Voices, Real Impact
Hear directly from young people whose lives have been changed through our projects — in their own words.
Brandon – GAP participant
Before GAP, I didn’t really know what my purpose was. Now, I feel like it’s my time to shine.
Aelisha – GAP participant
It’s just been opportunity after opportunity coming from this. I finally feel like my life is beginning.
Solomon – GAP participant
GAP for me has been just life changing, because before I was unemployed but now I’ve got an actual purpose in my life.
Sarah (Catherine’s mum) – Mentorship
The confidence that has come from good mentorship is unbelievable. She can now advocate for herself which she wasn’t able to do before.
Changes we have seen
Confidence & capability
100% of Mini GAP participants felt more capable of realising a future opportunity aligned to their interests.
Progression
80% achieved concrete next steps (education, volunteering, training, employment). Examples include first paid jobs, apprenticeships and volunteering toward sector entry.
Community cohesion
Youth-led events consistently helped residents feel more connected (82–100% across sites) and reported positive local impact.
Themes & Outcomes
Safety & trust
Detached sessions created safe alternatives to street presence; young people felt listened to and supported
Grassroot Communities report 2024 LP1
Skills & learning
Informal education around healthy relationships, drugs, crime, values, exploitation, and mental health
Grassroot Communities report 2024 LP1
Positive behaviour change
Racist/homophobic comments regularly challenged, now sometimes corrected by peers
Grassroot Communities report 2024 LP1
Community impact
Worked directly with retail park security to reduce ASB and engage young people in constructive activities
Grassroot communities report for TB
Holistic support
Shared a dedicated mobile number for ongoing contact and signposted to health and sports programmes
Grassroot Communities report 2024 LP1
