One Southwark

We are proud to launch our exciting new programme for Southwark young people. One Southwark will transform lives and opportunities for young people in the borough. It will do this through collective action that responds to the lived experiences of disadvantaged young people. It will mobilise businesses, funders, community groups and residents to give their time, money, networks and influence to level the playing field.

The Problem

Southwark is a borough characterised by both wealth and poverty, where life chances are unequally spread. One of the groups most affected by the inequality is young people, with a shocking 40% growing up in poverty. Young people from poorer communities too often cannot access the opportunities that others take for granted.

One Southwark has been set up to level the playing field by finding ways for Southwark’s resources and opportunities to be shared.

With 4 years of confirmed funding from the City Bridge Trust, the programme is currently being managed by United St Saviour’s Charity and is driven by a coalition of community stakeholders (businesses, funders, charities and residents) who believe that the status quo can be challenged, and that Southwark can become a fairer place.

One Southwark will transform the lives and opportunities for young people through collective action.

The principles of the programme are that:

• We can all do something. Whether a local resident, a business, or a charity, everyone in Southwark can play their part by ‘giving’ money, in-kind support (e.g. time, skills, connections) and being advocates for change.

• Everyone is different. We will put young people and their individual experiences at the heart, working around their very specific needs and aspirations. Change also takes time, which is why we will be flexible, patient and supportive as young people define their pathways to success.

• The systems need to change. The problem doesn’t sit with the young people themselves but with the systems. We are advocating for changes in the behaviours and practices of local institutions in support of young people.

Solution

Often, young people lack the knowledge, networks and resources to take advantage of opportunities.

One Southwark will equip young people with these critical components so they can progress with their lives. It is a pioneering programme being driven by a Coalition of businesses, residents, charities and funders.  We will be supporting cohorts of young people from Southwark who are ready to move forward, for a minimum of two years.

They will get the following:

• Financial Support – Up to £3,000 to tackle often simple things which hold them back
• Personalised Support – Monthly one-to-one or group sessions focusing on their personal development and progression using experts and professionals
• Circle of Support – Utilising the members of the Coalition who will leverage their contacts, networks and resources to provide opportunities.

Current Coalition members are: United St Saviour’s Charity, Peabody Housing Association, Southwark Council, Good People, Community Southwark, Team London Bridge, The Sainsbury Family Charitable Trust, Norton Rose Fulbright, London Funders, Merchant Taylors Foundation and Womble Bond Dickinson. One Southwark is part of a wider ‘giving’ movement across London. To find out more about other giving schemes in London please visit London’s Giving | (londonsgiving.org.uk)

How you can help