A Groundbreaking Initiative for Youth and Families in Edmonton Green Page 3
A Message from Founder Colin Lee-Own - Page 9
DJ Dynamic’s Inspiring Path to Capital XTRA - Page 11
Vanessa Boachie: Transforming Mental Wellbeing – Page 9
Understanding Youth Violence - Page 13
Key Events and Workshops – Page 22
Saracens High AI Initiative on Knife Crime – Page 23
The Right2Thrive UK Wellbeing Hub, opening on Saturday, 6th September 2025, at 37/38 North Square, Edmonton Green Shopping Centre, N9 0HY, is set to transform the lives of young people and families in Enfield. This pioneering space addresses key challenges such as youth violence, mental health inequalities, trauma, unemployment, and family conflicts through holistic, culturally inclusive services.
This launch and project were made possible thanks to funding from the Awards for All Community Fund, which provided the vital resources to bring this transformative initiative to life.
Since May 2025, Right2Thrive UK has assisted 32 young people through:
• Work placements, providing valuable hands-on experience.
• Introduction to AI tools for career planning and skill development, preparing them for the future job market.
• Opportunities to work on live projects, assisting local businesses with digital marketing strategies to boost their visibility and growth.
• Creating the Right2Thrive Magazine, where young people share stories of resilience and triumph, amplifying their voices and inspiring their peers.
These initiatives have empowered young individuals with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to thrive in their personal and professional lives while simultaneously making a positive impact on their community.
Colin Lee-Own, founder of Right2Thrive UK and leader of 21K Digital Media, has over 30 years of experience working on community-led projects in London’s most deprived boroughs.
Colin's Story
Colin began his career with the Holloway Youth Project in the 1980s, following the Brixton riots, which exposed systemic inequalities in urban communities. In 1994, he founded AD2000 Productions in Edmonton Green Shopping Centre, a pioneering initiative that helped 300 young people gain qualifications, acc-
-ess further education, or secure employment opportunities.
After the tragic death of Julio Gomes in 2019, Colin personally funded the transformation of a derelict building in Edmonton into the Right2Thrive Wellbeing Hub a safe space for young people to heal, grow, and thrive.
Colin continues to collaborate with Beryl Little, former Head of Education and Regeneration, alongside partners such as North London Garage and Action for Race Equality, to expand opportunities for young people and their families.
Colin’s lifelong dedication to social equity and youth empowerment is the driving force behind Right2Thrive UK’s mission to create meaningful change in Enfield and beyond.
The Mental Health Challenges of Young Black Boys
Dr. Ron Dodzro’s research, “The Life of a Top Boy,” reveals the immense challenges faced by young Black boys in the mental health system. His groundbreaking study highlights:
• High Exposure to Trauma: Many young Black boys experience persistent exposure to violence, systemic racism, and socioeconomic struggles, leading to symptoms consistent with PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
• Systemic Injustices: Racial profiling and over-policing compound the trauma experienced by these individuals, leaving them distrustful of statutory services.
• Barriers to Mental Health Support: Mental health services often fail to meet the needs of young black boys due to cultural insensitivity, a lack of-
-understanding of their lived experiences, and the stigma around seeking help.
Dr. Dodzro’s work underscores the urgent need for culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health services that address the unique challenges faced by this population.
A cornerstone of the hub’s approach is its one-to-one support services, tailored to help individuals overcome their per- -sonal obstacles and thrive. By working closely with skilled professionals, participants will:
• Address the root causes of their challenges, such as trauma, anxiety, or family conflicts.
• Develop personalised action plans for healing and achieving their goals.
The Right2Thrive UK Wellbeing Hub directly addresses these challenges with a safe, empowering space for young people and families to heal and grow. The hub’s innovative model provides accessible mental health support, career development opportunities, and family-centred interventions designed to help individuals overcome anxiety, trauma, family issues, and the impact of community violence on their wellbeing.
• Receive ongoing guidance and encouragement to build resilience,
confidence, and self-belief.
The Right2Thrive UK Wellbeing Hub builds on the success of a three-month pilot programme designed to reach young people aged 16 to 24 who were unemployed or not in education or training (NEET). The pilot focused on helping participants:
• Reconnect with mainstream education.
• Enrol in vocational training.
• Secure meaningful employment opportunities. The hub aims to scale this success, providing ongoing support to help even more young people get back on track and achieve their full potential.
The success of the Right2Thrive UK Wellbeing Hub is driven by a team of highly skilled professionals with decades of experience working with young people and their families:
Mauva Johnson-Jones
With over 25 years of experience in counselling and holistic support, Mauva specializes in helping young people and families overcome trauma, bereavement, and domestic challenges.
Evette Bailey
Evette is a BABCP-accredited Cognitive Behavi-oural Psychotherapist (CBT) and IAPT Supervisor, specialising in supporting adults and young people with complex mental health needs. With over 20 years of experience, Evette has
worked in NHS mental health services, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), and Behaviour Support Services, helping individuals overcome anxiety, trauma, and depression. Her work in community mental health has been recognised for its impact on marginalised populations.
Kevin Singh
A psychodynamic therapist and behaviour specialist with 18+ years of experience, Kevin has worked extensively with vulnerable young people and their families, focusing on emotional resilience and trauma recovery.
Raveen Charles Raveen is a registered psychotherapist with over a decade of experience inmental health counselling and trauma recovery. She employs a holis-
-tic approach that integrates mindfulness, Pranayama (breathwork), and trauma release techniques to empower individuals emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Raveen has-
-worked with diverse communities, including survivors of domestic abuse and young adults struggling with depression and anxiety, helping them regain control of their lives. This team’s collective expertise ensures that the support provided by Right2Thrive UK is effective, culturally sensitive, and transformative for the individuals and families it serves.
Once the hub is officially launched, it will offer a wide range of activities and services designed to help participants overcome anxiety, trauma, family issues, and the effects of community violence on their wellbeing. These include:
• Mental Health Workshops: Addressing anxiety, trauma, and emotional resilience for young people and families.
• One-to-One Support Sessions: Personalised guidance to help individuals overcome obstacles and thrive in their personal and professional lives.
• Family Therapy Sessions: Helping rebuild trust, improve communication, and address intergenerational trauma.
• Career Development: Including CV writing, interview preparation, and AIdriven career planning tools.
• Creative and Holistic Workshops: Such as mindfulness, trauma release, and creative arts to promote healing and self-expression
• Digital Wellbeing Platform: Providing 24/7 access to resources, assess-
-ments, and progress-tracking tools.
The grand opening of the Right2Thrive UK Wellbeing Hub will feature:
• Learn About the Pilot Programme: Discover how the three-month pilot successfully supported young people aged 16–24 who were NEET.
• Meet the Team: Get to know Mauva Johnson, Evette Bailey, Kevin Singh, and other dedicated professionals who bring decades of experience in supporting young people and their families.
• Explore Upcoming Activities: Learn about the workshops, one-to-one support, family therapy, career development sessions, and creative activities available at the hub.
• Creative Performances: Enjoy music, spoken word, and dance by talented local youth.
Right2Thrive UK, a flagship project by 21K Digital Media, is dedicated to transforming the wellbeing landscape for marginalized communities. By combining culturally responsive mental health care, career development, and creative engagement, the initiative empowers individuals to thrive personally and professionally. Through projects like the Right2Thrive Magazine, young people are not just participants—they are leaders, creators, and storytellers inspiring a brighter future for their communities.
From Edmonton to Capital XTRA, DJ Dynamic shares his transformative journey of overcoming adversity.
September 6, 2025: Launch of Right2Thrive UK Wellbeing Hub
October 4, 2025: Celebration Black History Month
