On 24 January, Team London hosted a HeadStart Action Showcase. Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, mingled with 33 excited young people from Harris Academy Peckham, who were there to present their social action projects. They were there as part of the HeadStart Action programme, which provides bespoke support to young people in disadvantaged areas, helping them to gain employability skills, aid in their personal development and introduce them to social action.
Their projects were insightful and mature, and included themes such as ‘Peckham Platform’, which explored racism in the media, and ‘There’s More to Me Than What You See’ which looked at how young people are judged by society. After the presentations they got the chance to network with Debbie and the programme partners in attendance; Lendlease, London Bubble Theatre Company, Football Beyond Borders and The Challenge.
They were also joined by pupils from St Thomas the Apostle School, who had visited City Hall in 2018 to present their own projects. They gave talks explaining how the programme has impacted them positively; their confidence had increased, school attendance had improved, and many had secured work experience for the summer at Lendlease.
I speak up more and get my opinion heard because of the programme. HeadStart Action has helped to grow my confidence.
Caleb
I never used to project my voice, but HeadStart Action has taught me to amplify my voice because I felt comfortable in the environment.
Stephan
I feel that HeadStart Action has given me a big boost for my future. The workshops and activities have helped my communication and leadership skills. It has also helped with my confidence and participation.
Edward
The programme has so far supported over 85 young people since February 2018 and Lendlease has provided 16 work experience placements. HeadStart Action has been awarded scale-up funding through the Young Londoner’s Fund and delivery has started in Hackney, Haringey, Newham and Westminster.