vie w e R al u n n A Š XLP
ts Reserved 2010. All Righ
2010
s t n e t n co 2. Founder’s Message 3. The Challenge 4. XL-R8 COMMUNITY Bus 5. Coach MENTORING 6. Child of war 7. Arts
8. stephen grace 9. Where is XLP? 10-11. fighting chance 12. x-mobile 13. Educational support 14. What makes xlp effective?
15. XLP abroad 16. Summer camps 17. fundraising 18. Financial 19. What others SAY
I refuse to believe that this is a lost generation. I am convinced that if we tackle the drivers of why kids get involved in gangs, crime and anti-social behaviour we can make a difference. This year has been incredibly exciting for XLP and for those with whom we work. We have seen the largest ever Arts Showcase programme with hundreds of young people from schools across London performing together and celebrating each other’s achievements. Youth from a variety of estates, often rival communities, went on our summer camps and established lasting friendships. Our mentoring progamme has been extended into new boroughs and a new XL-R8 Community Bus has been launched along with a special website that was designed by young people to support young people who want to be out of gangs. We’ve also launched a new project aimed at helping young people who are struggling to find work, and we are working with more young people in more schools and communities than ever before.
2 XLP Annual Review 2010
Someone once said to me, “hopeful kids don’t join gangs”. XLP will always be about hope. Our projects are about getting alongside young people living in our inner cities and helping them see alternatives to what can sometimes seem a hopeless situation. Our aim is to try to provide a holistic solution to some of the challenges young people and their families are facing. If we want to impact our communities and see change happen, we need to understand what the issues are. The best way to understand the issues is to live in the community, to build relationships with others working there, and to be committed for the long haul. This is the approach that XLP takes. We continue to work in partnership with the police, community groups, churches, and local and central government, and are incredibly grateful to those who are volunteering and partnering with us to fight poverty, support education and serve London’s young people.
Patrick Regan, CEO of XLP
E G EN L L A H C E H T
“The streets are red, flashing blue. The poor unfortunate youth, haven't a clue. One knife, one bullet that’s all it takes BANG, SLASH you’ve lost a mate Charity that’s what you need! What’s it again? oh yeah, XLP Helped 12,000 in 2009 Choose us and help stop crime!” By Ben Sanbrook-Davies, age 13, Forest Hill School
Even with the current economic challenges, London remains one of the wealthiest cities in the world. It has strong standing in areas such as the arts, transport, research and development, science, sports and fashion, and is one of the world’s leading financial centres. But the reality is that within London there are two cities.
The combination of these issues and a frustrating inability to cope and communicate are key motivators to making poor life choices – to becoming involved in gang culture.
• Three-quarters of young offenders describe their educational attainment as nil. Breakdown Britain, (CSJ, 2006) • Almost every aspect of social breakdown - crime, drugs, alcohol and unemployment - is connected to educational failure. Educational Failure, (CSJ, 2006) XLP’s work is focused on breaking the cycle of deprivation, creating opportunities for young people to make wise lifestyle choices and succeed, and enabling them to make a positive contribution to their community and society as a whole. XLP Annual Review 2010 3
There are over 1.2 million children and young people of school age in London. A significant proportion of those that live on deprived inner-London housing estates experience significant levels of family breakdown, financial deprivation, poor housing, low income, unemployment, educational failure, gangs, crime and anti-social behaviour.
• In inner London, nearly half of all children live in poverty. Monitoring Child Poverty in London (London Child Poverty Commission, 2009)
s u b 8 R the XL
“I think the XLP bus is a real good way to bring people together and give them something fun to do instead of being on the streets causing trouble and getting hurt.� John (Young person)
The XL-R8 Community Bus Project is at the heart of XLP’s work. Thanks to the East London Bus Group who provided the bus, and the Bonita Trust who provided the finance, we launched a new bus on the Aylesbury Estate in Southwark in June.
4 XLP Annual Review 2010
Young people from all over the estate attended the event with the opportunity to check out all the latest hi-tech facilities including computers with internet access, a music studio, games consoles, a chillout zone and even a nail bar! Outside the bus there was a community BBQ alongside live performances from young people and football. Now in its seventh year, the XL-R8 project travels each week to nine inner-London estate locations to host a range of drop-in sessions with 1-2-1, small group and team activities (e.g. chill out spaces, educational support, mentoring, and discussion groups). Outside the bus, sports and detached youth work is deployed using the bus as a base. Each session is staffed by teams of experienced workers and volunteers who provide strong positive role models. Through a combination of activities, games and discussion, the young people are encouraged to develop new life-skills and improved behaviours, to stay in education, and to set targets and work hard to achieve them.
c oac h COACH is a community mentoring project that has proven highly effective in supporting young people and their families who are facing emotional, behavioural and relational challenges: helping them to improve their lifeskills, relate better to their peers and community, avoid educational failure, and choose not to become involved with gangs. Our volunteer coaches provide 1-2-1 role model mentoring, equipping the young person to better cope with the challenges they face and to make wise lifestyle choices.
This year, forty 11-16 year olds (referred to XLP through relationships with schools, pupil referral units, and other agencies) have been matched with a local volunteer coach. Coaches commit to meeting with their young person faceto-face for two hours each week for the minimum of a year. All coaches are selected, trained, matched, supervised and monitored by XLP. Started in Southwark, this project has been extended into Lewisham this year and will also begin in Tower Hamlets in the Autumn 2010. Our vision is to see COACH available in all of the inner-London boroughs in which XLP operates. We would like to thank Terra Firma, Children in Need and the Home Office for their continued support of this work in Southwark and Lewisham.
XLP Annual Review 2010 5
war f o d chil Lyrics from “Child of War” You can call me a child of war But I bet you haven’t seen half the stuff that I saw There’s always fighting out on the streets Battles break out between thugs and police At the moment the crime rate is so high If we don’t do something about it now more people will die But it’s hard not to fall into that kind of life When you’re surrounded by drugs, guns and knives Joe is the rapper in East London band Mixed Opinions, who won the Youth Voice Award at the XLP Arts Showcase Final 2010 performing an original song - “Child of War”. How did you get involved with XLP? A friend introduced me to the X-Mobile studio that came to our school. Since then I’ve done a few projects on the van and three Arts Showcases. Tell us about your song “Child of War”... I wrote those lyrics after a friend of mine got stabbed last year. It’s about the things I’ve seen and experienced on the streets: young people ending up getting involved in bad stuff. I’m not excusing it; I’m just telling it how it is. I want people who hear my music to realise that what they are doing is wrong. What motivates you not to enter into a criminal lifestyle? The way I see it, very few people make lots of money out of that lifestyle, and most people end up in prison or dead. I would rather just live. If you live that lifestyle you are always going to be looking over your shoulder.
6 XLP Annual Review 2010
What has been your experience of being involved in the Arts Showcase? Before XLP I wasn’t really performing or anything like that, but the showcases have helped my confidence on stage. Plus I got to see other talented people my age from other places that you would never really know about. Would you say the Arts Showcase is useful in addressing postcode rivalry? Definitely. I met other rappers from different areas and it wasn’t a problem, because you are there to make music and you are taking it seriously. If people want to rep their endz more than they want to make music, then they have the wrong attitude and focus. Music helps people put their feelings into words without going mad about it. Why do you think XLP is effective? You really listen to young people without being judgmental. The government should listen more to people like XLP – people who actually see and listen instead of just reacting. You genuinely want to help people.
arts Now in its 10th year, the XLP Arts Showcase offers a platform for young people to articulate the challenges they face and show their talent to families, teachers and the wider community. The Arts Showcase project currently works with over 600 young people aged 11-18 across the boroughs of Southwark, Lewisham, Greenwich, Bexley and Tower Hamlets. Providing a platform for young people who rap, sing, dance, act, play instruments and even do stand up comedy, Arts Showcase allows us to reach those struggling most with behavioural and educational issues, while unearthing some incredible talent along the way. Our team holds auditions in schools, followed by rehearsals and vibrant shows that allow young people to explore their potential in the performing arts. For many it is a much needed opportunity, for some a first attempt at performing in public, and for all a great opportunity to revoke the negative coverage that urban young people so often get. For those who want to take their training further, XLP offers the Arts Award – a nationally recognised certificate awarded by the Arts Council – at Bronze and Silver level. This provides opportunities for young people to learn new skills that will help further their creative talents and avenues of expression.
PREMATURE, WINNERS OF THE 2010 ARTS SHOWCASE FINAL
Pictured: Lucy Dickson from Bexley Grammar School
XLP Annual Review 2010 7
“...Winning the final was a dream come true, but in all honesty just being part of something so special was more than enough”
e c gra n stephe
8 XLP Annual Review 2010
“There aren’t so many kids about trying to cause havoc...on the bus we are actually allowed to have fun.”
So how did you first get involved with XLP? The XLP bus came to the Milford Towers Estate. I heard about this bus project happening, so I went along a couple of times and I have been going ever since - that was five years ago. If I wasn’t on the bus I would be sitting at home doing nothing, wasting my time or getting into trouble.
Why do you think young people get involved with crime? Young people that don’t have anything to do will end up getting into trouble, they just hang on the streets. I think that often young people don’t know how to express their emotions properly, they get angry and bottle it up - they don’t really talk to people.
What else have you done with XLP? I went to their summer camp in Dorset. We did all sorts of things kayaking, rock climbing, camping. I enjoyed the opportunity to do something different, something that you wouldn’t get a chance to do if you stayed in the city all year round. These experiences have helped me to develop as a person. I am learning the things that I am good at and the things that I am not good at.
Why is XLP is important? It is good that there is a place where young people can come and talk to someone they can trust. For me, I think that is really really important. There is always someone there, someone easy to talk to, who listens, and gives me advice and stuff like that.
What do you think of the XL-R8 Bus? The equipment on the bus is amazing! It is really good fun and most importantly there are lots of people there that you can talk to. Even if you don’t want to do anything, it is a safe place to come and relax. Before the bus we used to just hang around doing nothing, getting into trouble. But now that the bus is here people go to the bus instead - the estate seems much more quiet. There aren’t so many kids about trying to cause havoc.
How are you involved with XLP now? I help out on the bus sometimes and on the football project. I enjoy helping out and I just want to give something back because of the help I’ve got from XLP. I did my two week work experience placement with XLP and I was able to find out that XLP is much more than just the bus - they do a lot more than I thought they did which is great. Stephen is now 15 years old. He started with the bus project when he was 11, and lives with his mum in Lewisham. He wants to go on to college to become a software developer.
? xlp s i where Camden
islington
hackney newham Tower hamlets
XLP is working regularly with over 1000 young people 1-2-1 and in small groups, and engages with around 12,000 young people each year. Schools
Lambeth
George Green’s School Globe Academy Haberdashers’ Aske’s Knights Academy Haberdashers’ Aske’s Hatcham College Hackney Free C of E Secondary School Harpley Inclusion and Support Centre Harris Academy for Girls East Dulwich Harris Academy Peckham Highbury Grove School Highshore School Ian Mikardo High School Islington Arts & Media School John Roan School Kingsdale Foundation School Kingsford Community School Langdon School Lilian Bayliss School Morpeth Mulberry School for Girls New River College Northumberland Park School Notre Dame C of E School Oaklands Secondary School
Lewisham
Schools Work Community Projects
Plashet School Plumstead Manor School Prendergast Ladywell Fields Raine’s Foundation School Rokeby School Royal Docks community School Sacred Heart and All Angels School Sedgehill School Sir John Cass School South Camden Community School St Aloysius’ College St Matthew’s Academy St Michael’s and All Angels Academy St Paul’s Academy St Thomas More RC School St Thomas the Apostle School St Ursula’s Convent School Stepney Green School Swanlea School Sydenham School The Academy at Peckham The Charter School Trinity School
Walworth Academy Woolwich Polytechnic School
Community Work
Abbey Road Estate, Camden Abbey Wood Estate, Greenwich* Andover Estate, Islington Atwell Estate, Southwark* Aylesbury Estate, Southwark* Briset Park, Eltham, Greenwich* Britannia Village, Newham Ferrier Estate, Greenwich* Hazel Grove Estate, Lewisham* Home Park Estate, Lewisham Lee Green, Lewisham Milford Towers Estate, Lewisham* Rathbone Market, Newham* Regents Park Estate, Camden* Woolwich Common Estate, Greenwich * XL-R8 Bus Project
XLP Annual Review 2010 9
115 Pupil Referral Unit Abbey Wood School Addey and Stanhope School Agincourt House Bacon’s College Bethnal Green Technology College Bexley Grammar School Bishop Challoner Secondary School Blackheath Bluecoats C of E School Bonus Pastor RC School Bow School for Boys Brampton Manor School Conisborough college Connors Borough College Crown Woods School Cumberland School Deptford Green School Eltham Green Sports College Eltham Hill Technology College for Girls Erith School Eversholt PRU Forest Gate Community School Forest Hill School
greenwich
southwark
f
e c n ha c g n i t igh
Gangs are taking lives, devastating communities, and putting ever-increasing pressure on our police, hospitals and justice system. Talk to young people involved in gangs and very often they will tell you that they have a lack of ambition, opportunities, money and self-esteem. In many cases there will be a combination of family breakdown, educational failure, poverty and addiction. The gang provides a solution to coping with these problems - a place to belong and feel protected - an alternative family.
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Detached Youth Work on Estates
At the heart of XLP’s approach is getting to know young people and their families, listening to what they have to say and working with them to make change happen. This has to be done seriously and with long-term commitment. Our workers live in the communities they serve giving them a unique and intimate understanding. We have found most of the young people we work with do respond to people that are willing to be there week in, week out. XLP has been working with young people in inner-London for over 14 years and has established solid relationships with those who live there, including those on the verge of joining gangs, those who are already in the gangs, and those affected by gangs. XLP’s detached youth work teams are establishing safe places, facilitating gang arbitration, and reaching out to those who are in gangs or seriously thinking of joining.
Fighting Chance - The book
Reports of teenage deaths and gang violence are all too frequent in the media and there have been warnings that if we don’t act now, it will be too late. The book looks firstly to set the record straight and provide an accurate picture of the situation in the UK. Secondly, it uncovers the real drivers for young people to become involved in gangs and crime including issues of poverty, family breakdown, fear, and the need to belong. Thirdly, it explores a number of practical solutions that can help prevent young people getting involved in gangs, and help those are already involved find a way out. Interleaved with the analysis and discussion are compelling chapters that expose the life-stories of those caught up in gangs, as well as the harsh reality of being a victim.
“The gangs I joined seemed the only people in the world to offer a kind of comfort and caring. The desire to feel wanted, in a world that seems to regard me as scum, was very powerful.”
Amy (former gang member)
www.fightingchance.me
XLP’s Fighting Chance schools tour is an hour-long interactive multimedia show. Drama, music and video presentations are used to engage the young people and explore the issues of weapons, gangs, and making wise lifestyle choices. The show and follow-up workshops deal with these subjects in a highly relevant and thought-provoking way. Through these tours we aim to improve the decision making of young people and help them deal with the challenging life situations many of them face on a daily basis.
XLP Annual Review 2010 11
The Fighting Chance website has been designed by young people for young people and covers issues such as: * What is it really like being in a gang and what is the reality of gangs in London? * Advice on the complex issues around leaving a gang and who can help. * What is it like being a victim of gangs stories from young people and parents. * Uploaded music and video articulating the challenges faced by young people. * Advice and sign-posting for young people, parents and teachers.
Fighting Chance - schools Tour
e il b o m the X-
“I liked the Equipment we used. I think it’s useful because many kids find writing hard, so an opportunity to record what you’re saying makes things easier.”
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Daniel, Lewisham
Two years ago, EMI, MTV and the Met Police gave the “X-Mobile” van to XLP. Converted from an old police riot van as part of MTV’s “Pimp My Ride” TV show, this superbly equipped mobile recording studio has since been working in schools, pupil referral units and on estates, and has proven to be an excellent way to engage young people in positive activities.
“Working on the van when it came to my estate gave me an amazing opportunity to get to know those in my community. The features of the van allow for an instant ice-breaker in what can sometimes be a tough place to get to know people! Seeing and being a part of the creativity at work on the van was, at times, encouraging and inspiring, but also humbling. Seeing these young people tell their deepest feelings in a safe environment where their creativity can be nurtured is nothing short of special.” JAMES,XLP VOLUNTEER, LEWISHAM
al n o i t educ a rt suppo XLP began with schools work in 1996 and it has been a key part of what we do ever since. Regular assemblies, lunch clubs, reading support, in-class support and specialist PSHE/RE lessons take place in over 60 schools in inner London, helping young people engage with a range of important issues as well as encouraging them to remain in school and succeed in their education. If a young person fails in their education, or is excluded from school, they are far more likely to become involved in crime, anti-social behaviour and gangs.
• Three-quarters of young offenders describe their educational attainment as nil. Breakdown Britain, (CSJ,2006) • One in three young people excluded from school have been involved with drug dealing. Educational Failure, (CSJ,2006)
Schools Work
“Georgio” arrived in London two years ago from overseas. His English was extremely poor and his reading and writing severely underdeveloped for his age. He had anger and behavioural problems and was failing in school. I met with him every week and gave him 1-2-1 help. It was as simple as that. When he sat his tests at the end of the year, without any support worker present to help him, Georgio not only did all the work himself but far exceeded expectations in his results. As he was able to achieve higher grades, the teachers also commented on the vast improvement to his attitude and behaviour.”
ANNA, YOUTH WORKER, ISLINGTON
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s e k a what mec tive ? xlp eff PROJECTS
SOUTHWARK
LEWISHAM
BOROUGHS
GREENWICH
NEWHAM
TOWER HAMLETS
ISLINGTON
CAMDEN
SCHOOL LESSONS SCHOOL CLUBS COMMUNITY AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS XL-R8 COMMUNITY BUS ARTS SHOWCASE X-MOBILE RECORDING STUDIO FIGHTING CHANCE SCHOOLS TOUR COACH MENTORING YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SPORTS
14 XLP Annual Review 2010
XLP’s Outcomes We want to see young people with: • A raised sense of self-worth, self-esteem and increased educational achievement, which helps them confidently and positively contribute to society. • Fresh goals and the desire to work hard to achieve them, and who are able to make wise lifestyle choices. • Positive attitudes and behaviours towards their communities: their families, peers, local residents, teachers and the police.
Central to the work of XLP are several principles and values which underpin all its work in schools and communities. Undoubtedly it is the combination of these factors that explains why the work of XLP is seen as so effective by so many. outcome focused: XLP knows what it is trying to achieve and all of XLP’s projects combine to work towards the same outcomes. inclusivE: XLP’s work embraces the diverse multicultural nature of, and creativity within, communities in the inner-city. Faith based, not faith biased: XLP is a Christian charity that is faith-based but not faith-biased: working equally with young people of all faiths and none. relevant: XLP listens to young people and their communities; we do not look to “do it to them”, or “do it for them,” but to “do it WITH them.” innovative: XLP is always seeking new and creative approaches whilst remaining committed to high-quality and effectiveness. Collaborative: XLP’s work is grounded in local relationships and partnerships and delivered in collaboration with local councils, schools, police, churches, community groups, volunteers and other agencies. sustainable: XLP recognises that tackling these issues is not a knee-jerk exercise; work needs to be sustainable and long-term. holistic: XLP knows that for maximum effectiveness it needs to work with a young person in multiple contexts: in their school, their community, through the arts, mentoring and sports.
d a o r b xlp a XLP has always been involved overseas with social action projects. For over 10 years staff and students have been visiting the people of Ashanti Akim, Ghana, about a four hour drive north of the capital Accra. There are over 95,000 people living in the area, but only three senior secondary schools catering for those over 14 years of age. Lack of education results in many working in fields from a very young age or going to the large cities to work in the markets - there is obvious poverty and a lack of opportunities. XLP and AACO (Ashanti Akim Community Organisation) now have places for 65 students at their new secondary school offering vision and hope for the future.
Patrick Regan, CEO of XLP.
“Going to Trenchtown has changed my life, when you see hope being worked out in a community like that, it inspires you to keep going”, Patrick Regan CEO of XLP. XLP has other overseas projects and looks to support them by raising awareness and support, and by sending teams of young people to work in their schools and communities.
XLP Annual Review 2010 15
“Going to Trenchtown has changed my life, when you see hope being worked out in a community like that, it inspires you to keep going”
Trenchtown in Jamaica made the news early this year as a community torn apart by gang culture, drugs and killings. In the midst of such tragedy, Ms Lorna Stanley saw education as a way of breaking the cycle of poverty and violence amongst young people and established a school in Trenchtown. The challenge of wiping out illiteracy, hunger, poverty, crime and violence in the community is immense, but this year we have seen many of the school’s young people graduating with some even going on to university! For XLP, it is a privilege to work with Ms Lorna and her team.
s p m a c r e m m u s
Summer Camps have become part of XLP’s community work alongside sports coaching and tournaments, and estate-based detached youthwork. Young people from five different estates went with XLP youth workers and volunteers on an outward bounds adventure week in Dorset that included camping, tunneling, kayaking, night walking and even a trip to Monkey World!
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For many young people, growing up in inner-London can mean few, if any, opportunities to experience life outside their own postcode; family situations and cost mean that holidays are often just not possible. But for 40 young people engaged in XLP projects, this summer was different. Young people from estates all over inner-London in areas that are often in conflict with one another spent time together and became good friends. Many of those who came on the camp had rarely, if ever, been out of London! At the start of the week members of the group were paired with individuals they did not know to work on several activities. On the last day of the camp, the teams were involved in discussions to see what they had learnt from the experience. One member of the group said to another boy, “When I first met you, I thought you were a waste man, but after we led that activity together, I think you’re alright”. Summer Camps are a way of bringing people from different cultures and backgrounds together, and teaching them that they can get along.
g n i s fundrai
Some amazing people have done some incredible things to raise financial support for XLP this year. A few are mentioned below. CITY BASKETBALL 2010 In August XLP hosted its second XLP City Basketball Tournament. An energetic and highly competitive three days of 3-on-3 street basketball matches were combined with exhibition matches in the centre of the City of London: Broadgate Circle by Liverpool Street Station. With live musical performances from some of XLP’s young people accompanying the matches, the sixteen teams raised over £10,000 for XLP. Thank you for all your support and encouragement. Fun Runs Thank you to the five members of XLP staff who took part in the London 10k earlier this year. There are numerous fun runs you can enter and make XLP your sponsored charity. What about your youth group or company doing a fun run for us? Creating an online sponsorship page makes it easy for people to donate and for Gift Aid to be collected. Mount Toubkal During the Summer eight XLP supporters climbed the highest mountain in North Africa, Mount Toubkal, to raise money for XLP. The five-day trek stretched everyone but they all completed the trip within the allotted time. Thank you Team Toubkal! Would you or your company like to try it? ALi’s half-marathon Thank you Ali Marchant for running a half-marathon in September to raise funds for XLP and increase awareness of our work. We are really grateful - well done!
HOW CAN YOU HELP XLP?
us financially but is also incredibly encouraging to the XLP team to know that there are those who share our passions and concerns. We can provide performers and speakers if needed.
those who may need our help, and a lot of ideas and manpower come from our vounteers. Their time and effort is vital to the work of XLP, and enables XLP to reach a wider range of people.
Corporate Social Responsibility Most companies have a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team that works with charities. Why not introduce us to your CSR team or one of your Senior Executives? Past introductions like this have resulted in some amazing long-term relationships and support.
Without people like you helping us, we could not help as many young people as we can today - over 1000 every week and 12,000 each year engage with XLP’s projects and events. SUPPORT US PERSONALLY Some ideas for supporting us: One of the most helpful ways for people to support us is to give financially on a monthly basis by standing order (with Gift Aid volunteer with XLP recovery). We would love you to commit to helping us in this way. XLP is always looking for new and exciting ways to reach out to
Find out more at www.xlp.org.uk
XLP Annual Review 2010 17
fundraising events When people arrange fundraising events - dinners, sponsored walks and runs, basketball competitions and the like - it not only helps
ial c n a n Fi
INCOME
EXPENDITURE
33% GRANT MAKING TRUSTS
16% CORPORATES
89% PROJECTS 15% CHURCHES
12% CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
9% INDIVIDUALS 8% FUNDRAISING EVENTS, INVESTMENTS & OTHER 7% PUBLIC SECTOR GRANTS
11% GOVERNANCE, FUNDRAISING & MARKETING
On behalf of all our partners and the young people with whom we work, we would like to say an enormous thank you to our supporters for your commitment and generosity – you are helping us to change lives and impact the future of thousands of young people.
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XLP’s budget is around £800,000 per annum, and as always the vast majority of that is spent directly on our projects. The increased demand for XLP‘s help coming in from various directions, coupled with the challenging economic situation, means that we need your support and commitment more than ever. Please consider supporting XLP, either by giving financially for the first time or by increasing your current level of giving. You could also encourage someone else you know to get involved in supporting XLP. If you work for a company or other organisation that could support our work, please consider helping them become a partner of XLP.
y a s s r e h t o t wha “I think it’s inspiring to see what groups like XLP can do to give these kids a sense of excitement, encouragement and esteem that they might otherwise get from a gang!” Boris Johnson, Mayor of London
"XLP are consistently making a difference on London's streets through their innovative projects. I would like to commend them as an excellent charity, and one that is well worth supporting.” Rt. Hon. Iain Duncan Smith
“XLP goes where young people are in inner London, and loves them in the most traditional, but also the most modern way. They challenge young people, engage them, support them, care for them, and encourage them.” Simon Hughes, MP
“I am very pleased XLP has extended its work into East London. I have been impressed by the people in the XLP team, and by the approaches XLP is taking to really get through to young people.” Rt. Hon. Stephen Timms, MP
“Britain has strong and proud communities, full of wonderful individuals who, sometimes, have not been given a chance to shine. I pay tribute to Patrick Regan, and everyone at XLP, for giving those people in particular a chance to express themselves positively and break the shackles.” Dr. John Sentamu, Archbishop of York
“XLP inspires me. You don’t have to look very far to find bad news stories about young people in London - but those aren’t the only stories to be told. XLP bring compassion and hope to some of the Capital’s most challenging neighbourhoods - and have a vitally important part to play in keeping young people safe.” John Sutherland, Borough Commander, Camden
“XLP are role models, who see past the negative headlines to the bright futures of so many of London’s youth. The work they do is invaluable. It brings hope, raises self-esteem and transforms lives.” Chris Siepman, CEO Liquid Capital Group
“I applaud XLP for going to the places which many others have written off. They are bold, creative and passionate communicators, who are seeing transformation in some of the UK’s most diverse and challenging communities.” Diane-Louise Jordan, TV Presenter
The work of XLP would not be possible if it was not for the businesses, trusts and foundations, police and councils, and individuals that have funded and supported us over the last year. We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all who have contributed. You have made a huge difference to the lives of thousands of young people across London. If you are interested in being part of our supporter community, enabling our work to reach even further, then please contact us on 020 8297 8284 or info@xlp.org.uk.
Urban Action Trust XLP Annual Review 2010 19
“Patrick Regan says, ‘the long-term solution is to stop children sliding into gang culture in the first place.’ ”
The Sunday Express
e l k c a t s d i k s u b “XLP Sun e h T ” e m i r c g n ga
“Youth charity is crossing the city’s gang boundaries to offer long-term alternatives to violence and crime.” The Times Thank you!
Founder
Patrick Regan
Trustees
Liz Biddulph (Chair) Richard Furze (Finance) Mike Pilavachi Tony Eastaugh Simon Thomas Doug Williams Luke English
XLP
12 Belmont Hill, Lewisham, SE13 5BD Phone: 0208 297 8284 Email: info@xlp.org.uk Web: www.xlp.org.uk
"us young people have the potential to change this world" Rachel, aged 15
XLP is a registered charity no. 1101095 and a company limited by guarantee no. 4959458