The Knights Youth Centre annual report summarizes the organization's activities over the past year. It provides opportunities, role models, and support for young people in South London through a variety of programs and services. Notable events included trips to the Dominican Republic and Rwanda to assist partners, as well as celebrating the center's 75th anniversary. The TYLAP apprenticeship program continues to provide training, qualifications, and employment for young people to pursue careers in youth and community work.
2. Knights Youth Centre has been working
with young people for 75 years.
In 2011 we are still providing
opportunities, role models and an open
door for young people in south London.
From London SW2 to the Dominican
Republic, Knights is making a much-
needed difference in the lives of
countless young people day in, day out.
4. Contents
One. Chair’s foreword e sheet a
nd
the balanc
ith hards
hip - on ing from?
Dealing w the hope com
. Where’s
on th e streets
The
You who,
th C wha
Two. What we do
entr t, wh
e. Y
Oh,
and ou ere and
migh
it’s
our t no why of
t kn
75t
h bi ow Knights
rthd us,
ay. r i gh
t?
Three. T.Y.L.A.P. re
t TYLAP is, but we’
We can tell you wha t from the
hear it straigh
guessing you’d rather P
of our amazing TYLA
horse’s mouth. One of the
what she thinks
graduates tells you
programme.
5. Four. A year at Knights
Phew. So much has happened
in the last year.
Here’s what’s been going on in
each of our
sections, plus a special look at
gangs and girls
(yeah - girls) and how we’re hel
ping young people
make the step to secondary sc
hool.
Five. Mission: Dominican Republic if
t? And
Rwa nda, righ
trip to mania t
oo.
rd abo ut our out Ro
hea w ab
st have u’ll kno r young
You mu bout that, yo blic. Ou
rd a epu
you hea inican R hat
the Dom bout w nds.
we nt to ve a read a and frie
is year we le st uff. Ha ur pa rteners
Well, th incredib se of o
d id some rds, and tho
people our wo
happe ned - in
The mon
ey bit
Six. dotting the i’s
Seven. Looking ahead
Our hope for the future.
6. Foreword
Welcome to the Knights Youth Centre annual report
2010/11.
In our statement of purpose, we commit to providing an
‘oasis’for young people in the area. What is an oasis? It’s a
place of refreshment and sustenance. It’s a place that is
different from everything around it, offering hope within a
hostile environment.
Chris began
volunteering with Sadly, the experiences of many young people on ‘the street’
Knights in 1973 and
today can feel hostile. For others, there seems to be a
has been Chairman
disconnect with accepted societal values and aspirations.
for 23 years. In
Since we were established back in 1936, during a period of
addition to his
national turmoil, we’ve always sought to be accepting,
voluntary work, he
without prejudice, favour or stigma. We have also
is a senior manager challenged young people, and never simply accepted that
in Children’s things - or behaviour - can’t get better.
Services for an
inner London So what have the Knights been doing in SW2? (the oasis)
borough. We hope this report shows the range and quality of our
services that are designed to engage and be enjoyed, but
also to challenge.
Perhaps its this range of services that keeps young people
coming to us each week. It’s fun at Knights and it’s safe, but
it is also offers hope - an oasis.
Chris Saunders
Chairman
KnIghtS In numbeRS
75 the number of candles on our birthday cake this year
4
7. An alternative intro...
Our aim is to please This poem was
In the kids we believe written about
Knights by
each one of them can achieve
members during a
As we look from a height recent weekend at
the future is bright Woodrow.
Don’t be a quitter – be a winner
We all need unite and agree that we can achieve We thought it made
a great ‘alternative’
Whatever your circumstances there is always a chance foreword. Enjoy.
As a member of Knights your child will shine bright
Don’t conform to pressure – be your own person
Don’t give to receive
each session we run is shedloads of fun
From the peaks to DR our love runs far
As together we are KnIghtS YOuth CentRe!
We want to start communicating with our ‘Friends’ and
supporters more regularly.
Please help us to keep in touch with you by:
• Emailing us your name to
info@knightsyouthcentre.org.uk
• ‘Liking’ us at www.facebook.com/knightsyouthcentre
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9. Knights in a nutshell
What we do “Knights is clearly
Knights Youth Centre has provided a safe, fun, inclusive and integrated with the
engaging place for thousands of young people since 1936. It offers local community. It
a diverse service for all young people aged 8-24 regardless of theirhas a strategy
outlining what it
gender, race, religion, sexuality or disability.
wants to achieve
for young people. It
Where we do it can evidence how it
Knights is the largest provider of youth services in and around the is making the local
Clapham Park estate in Lambeth, an area of high social and community more
economic need. most of our members live in the area, but the sustainable.
impact of our work reaches across Lambeth.
“Knights’ work
Our members helps vulnerable
young people
between 150 and 200 young people visit the centre each week.
discover and
many young people attend three or four times per week. develop skills,
confidence and self-
Our service awareness. The
In addition to ‘standard’ activities, we provide sports coaching, skills they develop
offsite trips, regular residentials, international social action will be invaluable to
programmes, music and video production, specialised work with them in adult life.”
girls, arts and dance, and access to It equipment. Tracey Bloomfield,
JP Morgan
Crucially, we also undertake targeted outreach with young people
who, through disengagement with ‘traditional’ services, are at risk
of involvement with gangs, drugs and anti-social behaviour.
Our apprenticeships
Knights has developed an innovative youth work apprenticeship
programme called tYLAP. tYLAP provides leadership, training,
qualifications and employment opportunities for 30 young people
aged 16 – 24 in youth and community work each year.
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10. Our aims
“The leaders at We aim to:
Knights are perfect
to meet the • Offer a diverse range of activities and opportunities for young
challenges young people that are enjoyable, challenging and informative through
people face today.
which they gain knowledge, new skills and positive experiences
These people are
heroes. We learn
how to be good • Provide a secure and caring environment where young people
citizens in our who are in the transition through adolescence to adulthood
communities, and can develop self-awareness and confidence whilst developing
organisations like positive relationships with both peers and adults
Knights are at the
heart of them.” • enable young people to recognise their own skills, abilities and
Nick Wilkie, limitations and offer opportunities to develop these. Create
London Youth
possibilities for achievement, and help young people see their
potential and the contribution they can make to society
• help young people to: recognise prejudice and discrimination
both in themselves and others; challenge prejudice and
inequality when they encounter it; value difference and
promote equality of opportunity
• encourage young people to be involved in making group
decisions and develop understanding which will help them
make responsible and informed decisions about their own lives
• Offer young people advice, support and counselling in a
nurturing environment when needed
KnIghtS In numbeRS
5,474 the number of times young people have attended sessions this year
8
11. A Christian consciousness
What does it mean to be a ‘Christian’ teams who work within Knights at our
organisation in London in 2011? Woodrow weekend. this is a simple
prayer of blessing for each of the
Over the last couple of years Knights has leadership teams and the groups of
been investigating, discussing, reflecting young people they work with. muslim
and questioning the Christian ethos of leaders and trainees have joined in
our service. this process has been a • encouraging team members to pray
challenge for Knights and some of the for the young people more often
team. It has raised questions around how • Seeking to find a ‘sacred space’ within
we bring our faith to our work in a more Knights where young people can focus
practical and noticeable way, how we do on god
that whilst still being totally inclusive, • After each session the team share in a
and what our funders will think. prayer of thanks, blessing or grace
• being transparent and bold in
these questions have led Knights to work acknowledging we are a Christian
with Rev. Dr bob mayo, our youth service organisation and that what we do and
director’s supervisor. bob co-authored how we do it changes lives
‘Faith of generation Y’, a book that
focuses on young people and this approach is not seeking to ‘press
Christianity, and how or why Christian gang’ young people to become
youth work can make a difference. Christians, nor would it ever look to
undermine other faiths or religions. It is
Working with bob and other about recognising that only are faith,
organisations such as Livability has hope and love core parts of the gospels,
encouraged us to seek new ways to raise but also our work and the commitment
a Christian consciousness within Knights. that lies behind it.
As a result, we now do the following: Our ‘Christian consciousness’ work is
• An annual ‘dedication’ of the various funded internally.
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12. Knights is 75
More than 100 Back in 1936, just three years before the onset of World War II,
young men and the planet faced a time of fear and upheaval.
leaders from
Knights served in
It’s altogether different of course, but in 2011 we’re also facing a
World War II.
deeply uncertain world.
The club was
bombed five times, Knights has lived through it all, good times and bad. thousands of
but never closed. young people have passed through the centre in that time, and
hundreds of adults have given up their time to support our work
in countless ways.
thinking back through our history, it is encouraging to see how
the deep faith and vision of a few people in the late 30s has lived
on for decades, and still forms the foundation of what is now a
thoroughly modern youth centre. the people are different - and
some of the issues too - but our aims remain the same.
here’s to the next 75 years.
Five years ago we published a written history of the Knights Youth
Centre – ‘Three score years and ten’. If you would like an
electronic copy, please get in touch.
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13. 1936 Knights boys Club established in Clapham Park
1938 Knights, already working with 100 people every week, purchases its first
premises, 5 Streatham hill, for £2,000
1939 Outbreak of World War II. more than 100 young men and leaders from
Knights left for service, and the club was bombed five times, but the club never closes
1946 the Knights Association of Christian Youth Clubs is formed. many Knights
volunteers go on to work across the association
1952 balham, highways, Streatham hill, and Crossroads youth clubs join Knights to
create ‘Knights Youth Centre’ for the first time
1960s Knights runs a hostel project, leasing a large Victorian house and providing
affordable accommodation to young people in the area who need it most
1968 Wey Island is purchased by the Knights Association of Christian Youth Clubs.
Knights still uses the facility in Surrey today
1970s Knights works with as many young people as ever, with five football teams
playing every Saturday
1984 Knights opens its ‘Skills Wing’ to develop young people’s practical skills to
help them into employment
1990 the Inner London education Authority (ILeA) is disbanded. Knights, and youth
centres across the capital, face dramatically reduced funding. the economy doesn’t
help, either
1994 Knights produces its first ever Annual Report, and launches the concept of
‘Friends’ of the centre
1996 Knights holds its last ever colossal jumble sale, raising £5,500. the sales had
become community events, running once or twice a year since 1958
2003 Knights building reopens after four months extensive refurbishment to
upgrade the facilities, including full disability access. A lottery grant was critical
2004 Knights launches tYLAP, its youth work apprenticeship scheme
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15. “TYLAP is really welcoming, like a family
at the same time as a work base. The
programme sets you on the right lines
for what you want to do in the future.
For me this involves working with young
people. I currently work for Lambeth
Youth Council as a peer educator. TYLAP
has enabled me to experience youth
work on a different level”
Adedeji, year one
16. What is TYLAP?
“TYLAP is like a the trainee Youth Leader Apprentice Programme – or tYLAP – is a
family. I enjoy the unique initiative set up by Knights to develop young people aged
ways they bring 16-24 into experienced, qualified youth workers.
people together –
team building
now six years old, tYLAP has worked with over 170 trainees. the
games, trips, or
other ways to get programme has an impact across three key areas.
people talking. I
hope to achieve the Employment and education routes for young people
Certificate in Youth
Work. I like working tYLAP prioritises working with young people who are less
with children, engaged by traditional learning or struggling with their personal
putting smiles on development. It aims to help young people find an easier path to
their faces. Knights qualifications or employment, who may not otherwise get the
is where people
chance.
come to relax, it's a
second home.”
Rianna, Year 1 • A chance to explore a career in youth and community work
• Recognised qualifications in and routes to further education
• new skills and experience to support moving into employment
• Challenging, rewarding and exciting experiences
Above all, tYLAP provides a caring support network that guides
and advises - we offer housing advice, support in a crisis,
references and even food for those that need it.
ultimately, the programme leads young people towards increased
confidence, higher self esteem and a sense of purpose for the
future.
KnIghtS In numbeRS
170 the number of trainees tYLAP has taken on so far
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17. Recruits for the sector “The solutions to
many of the
tYLAP is a three year programme that produces new and dynamic challenges we face
youth workers for the future. have to be
community led.
TYLAP is fantastic.
the blend of practical and theory-based learning helps young It's the third year
people develop into qualified professionals. Working in a range of I've been here -I
environments and organisations, tYLAP trainees develop a well- know you achieve
rounded balance of skills and experience that prepares them for a great things.
career in youth work.
“The jewel in the
Role models for other young people crown of this
scheme is how the
young people are
Crucially, young people on the tYLAP programme become positive
learning to lead
role models for other young people at Knights and in the wider other young
community. people.”
Chuka Umunna MP
Working with members from similar backgrounds week-in, week-
out, tYLAP trainees set a credible example that demonstrates to
young people that they have choices and opportunities they can
feel positive about.
the tYLAP programme
Year one
Work with a local youth centre as a voluntary trainee youth leader, undertake
Introductory Studies in Youth and Community Work and attend additional training
to develop new skills
Year two
employed by Knights for 24 hours per week as an apprentice youth worker. Study
for a Foundation Diploma in Youth Work, Informal education and Community
Learning. Assist in delivering Introductory Studies to trainee youth leaders
Year three
employed by Knights as a student youth worker for 12 hours per week, mentoring
and supervising trainee youth leaders. Study either for a Diploma or a Degree in
Youth and Community Work.
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18. A TYLAP transformation
With the help of TYLAP, Sharna Gayle honest, I wasn’t sure if it was for me at
has gone from dole office queue to first. It was just an option, something to
talented youth worker and career do.
woman. We caught up with her to hear
her story. halfway through the first year, I realised
it was. there was a great vibe from the
Sharna – tell us a bit about yourself. people at Knights, everyone was so
How did you hear about Knights and welcoming. I felt like I could connect with
TYLAP? the young people, who had been
I was sixteen, living by myself. I’d started through the same stuff I had.
a college course in childcare, but decided
it wasn’t for me after six months. to be but because I hadn’t taken the first half
honest I wasn’t up to much, and wasn’t of the year seriously, I didn’t have the
doing anything. I was on jobseeker’s greatest chance of getting onto the
allowance and had been signing on for a second year of the tYLAP programme.
year. but the team saw something in me and
challenged me to step up if I really
being on jobseeker’s allowance isn’t wanted it. I took that chance and did the
good. You feel outside of the system. I second year – it was my first real
felt like I didn’t have any support. I was employment.
on a budget all the time, and couldn’t
live the lifestyle I wanted. If I wanted to but, halfway through the second year, I
go to the cinema with friends, I couldn’t. found out I was pregnant. I completed
the year but, because I knew I was going
One day I went into the job centre and to be a mum, I chose not to apply for the
saw a tYLAP leaflet. It just asked: ‘want third year. I continued to volunteer until I
to get into youth work? Can you work was eight months pregnant, though.
with young people?’ I gave them a call.
So what did you do next?
So you joined the programme? At first, I felt like I had failed – I wouldn’t
I managed to get a place on tYLAP. to be be going to university or completing the
16
19. diploma until after I had my son. but communicate with other people, not just
when he was born, I felt a rush of love peers, but organisations, management.
and responsibility. I had to provide a my writing has improved. I now feel like
good life for him. a professional, and have a worthy cause
in changing the community.
I finished my diploma, and applied for
university in summer 2010. I wanted to tYLAP also provides role models. For me,
get back into youth work, but I wasn’t it was good to see Karis, who came
sure I’d get the chance on tYLAP. but I through the tYLAP ranks. It was great to
spoke with the team, did an interview, see a young person, not much older than
and was given the chance on the third me, doing something that I wanted to do
year. and doing well. If she had hope and
ambition, so could I.
I was a working mum about to go to
university. I took it seriously. the tYLAP tYLAP gives people a chance. It gave me
programme is flexible. I was able to work opportunities I thought I’d never get. I
with tYLAP, go to university, and be a was a bit lost in society, and never
mum. the support from michelle and Stu thought I’d go to university. now I’m in
at the Centre was brilliant. the second year of my Applied Social
Science, Youth and Community
What are the benefits of the TYLAP Development degree at goldsmiths. It’s
programme? down to tYLAP – thanks to everyone
my confidence levels were boosted. my there for all they’ve done for me.
communications skills grew – I could
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20. Young people in the area are facing Knights offers informal education – we
family breakdown, a lack of money, a communicate with and relate to young
lack of education, and negative people on a different level.
perceptions of them in the media. It’s
difficult – the quick, easy solution is What does the future hold?
turning to the streets, forming a gang or my message to young people who have
trying their best to live the lives of what been through what I have – go with your
is shown to them by ‘the media dreams, your goals. think positive at all
gangsters’. times. Ask for support, don’t be afraid to
get help. As for me, I can’t see myself in
these vulnerable people need more a career sitting behind a desk. I have so
education about how to be a better much more to give. I’m going to continue
person in society. School can’t do that - to try and change lives in youth work.
it’s just lesson, leave, lesson leave. It can
feel too structured – young people often It takes time, and it takes consistency,
need the space to sit back, reflect and but that’s what Knights does.
develop their learning, rather than being
rushed from one lesson to another.
Michelle on Sharna
Michelle Marquis-Brorson is Knights’ TYLAP
coordinator. She gave her view on Sharna’s
progress.
Sharna’s transformation has been incredible. She
had a huge year of growth, giving birth to a son and
going to university, and the change in her was
incredible. She’s a new woman – absolutely on fire.
She’s a fantastic mentor to young people, has fantastic maturity, understanding of
the programme and loyalty. Since she finished year three, she has worked with us
as trainee tYLAP coordinator and does a great job. She looks after the whole
project. She writes references, personal development plans for apprentices in years
one and two – everything.
She still volunteers at the centre, is a fantastic role model and someone we can
really count on. She has a great career in youth work ahead of her.
It just goes to show what can be done if you stick with people. We are so very
proud of her.
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22. Stu’s view: reinventing hope
Stu Thomson is Much has happened since our last Annual Report. Last year we
Knights’ youth spoke of our challenge to climb mountains. We still have
service director. He mountains to climb but there have been some serious
joined us in 2000. overhanging rocks!
We are in challenging times. however, in recent months we have
reflected on our service, priorities and how we are doing all we
can to maximise every resource we have to make sure the young
people who benefit from our service continue to do so.
I’m not going to talk about the challenges facing young people,
the community, the country and Knights - these are pretty evident
- but it is becoming increasingly clear to me that so many of the
young people we support hold little or no hope for the future.
Knights continues on a journey that will change lives. Knights has
provided a life-changing service for the last 75 years and will
continue to do so. however, we need to be more proactive in
reaching young people.
every young person who comes into contact with us needs to be
provided with tangible hope and tough love, whilse experiencing
a spectrum of positive alternatives that will provide immediate
impact with lasting, long term benefits.
Knights certainly won’t be a place for the uncommitted.
KnIghtS In numbeRS
11 the number of years stu has been with knights: our longest serving full-timer
20
23. We need to do more, and we will. this will include: “The people at
• more personalised support. that could be a mentoring Knights are true
programme, pastoral support and prayer (if wanted) for each visionaries, and
young person experts at doing
huge amounts with
• every young person knowing and feeling that they are loved
limited resources.
and beautiful, especially those who feel they don’t deserve it Its people really get
• Improved communication with parents and carers of the young to the heart of how
people. this gap is widening - we need to be more proactive to influence the
and effective lives of vulnerable
• Develop our confidence further to positively address the young people”
behaviour and lifestyles of each young person. this needs to be Tracey Bloomfield,
linked to how a young person understands not only their JP Morgan
‘rights’ but also their ‘responsibilities’
• Increase our drive and passion to communicate the story of the
Christian gospel within a recognised Christian community
(where all faiths are welcome and respected)
• the development of young people on tYLAP to be more
proactive with our young people
• Finding more training and development opportunities for team
leaders to enhance their impact
• this approach will again ask our leaders and trainees to have
big hearts and be endlessly selfless. this may appear
somewhat radical from the outside but it’s been at the heart of
the KYC for the last 75 years.
We need to find beauty in the most bleak and ugly places.
We need to enable each young person to find their beauty.
We need to show love to those who feel they don’t deserve it.
I hope this resonates with you and you can support us in this.
For my girls (Ros, Ella & Megan), who give me the hope to continue.
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24. Section update: juniors
Juniors is open on Juniors continues to be a popular session with an average of 20
Tuesday and Friday young people attending each weekly session, rising to 30 during
evenings between 6 the school holidays. throughout the year, more young people
and 8pm for young have been discovering Knights on the recommendation of their
people in school
friends.
years 4-7.
We have made good use of the spells of great weather to take the
members outdoors with trips to local parks and attractions – in
addition to usual club activities like cooking, arts and crafts, sports
and games.
the team continue to build good relationships with the young
people, either one-to-one or through group work. Several
discussion sessions, often based on movies or tV shows like
eastenders, have focused attention on issues like school,
relationships, personal hygiene and other life issues.
highlights included:
• the Knights Fantastic Summer Special, funded by the Lambeth
Youth mayor Fund, which ran for the first two weeks of the
summer holidays. Our young people enjoyed a residential at
Wey Island, including canoeing, bike riding, cooking and a
barbecue; a day trip to Littlehampton; outdoor swimming at
brockwell Lido; a multi-sports and activities day at battersea
Park; a trip to London Dungeon; and a thames river boat
cruise. We also ran a special programme over the easter
holidays
KnIghtS In numbeRS
8 the number of ‘residentials’ run by Knights this year
22
25. • taking part in the London Youth Rowing Challenge, helping the “Knights is fun
team to win overall and receiving prizes for their efforts especially when we
• A brilliant half-term project break for the Juniors led by the go on trips! I don’t
Year 2 tYLAP team. the week of on and offsite activities get bored during
the week and I’ve
included cooking, a graffiti workshop, a trip to the Science
now got more
museum and a meal at the music bar in brixton friends.”
• A fantastic contribution from the Juniors to Knights’ Christmas Alex, 10
showcase, featuring artwork, t-shirt designs, dance routines
and magic tricks. Our young people received certificates for
their spendid achievements
• An activity day at Hindleap Warren for eight of our juniors,
who took on team challenges, high and low ropes, rock
climbing and an assault course
Introducing Safe T
‘Safe t’ was a targeted youth work project funded by Lambeth
Young & Safe that ran between February and April 2011. Aimed
primarily at Year six students, it worked to help young people to
make a safer transition into secondary school.
Of course, changing school can be a pretty tumultuous event. A
new uniform, a new school, can often bring with it a new identity.
Safe t looks to address some of the potential issues that come
before they come up.
We ran a series of workshops for 12 young people both from the
centre and also the local telferscot Primary School. We looked at
the differences between primary and secondary schools, the
challenges that might be ahead and how to stay safe on the “I get to see my
street. Along the way the workshops encouraged new friends and have
communications skills, confidence and team working. fun. It’s helped me
get to know other
It was great to get year seven students – again from the centre young people who
go to my school
and from a local secondary school – to come in and facilitate
better and now I
discussions and share their experiences. In many ways, their can mix with them
advice was of far more value than ours! We hope to run the more at school.”
programme again next year. Sheyann, 9
23
26. Assuring quality
If you have Assured Quality for Youth Projects (AQYP) is a dedicated
experience of programme managed by London Youth and validated by City and
working on quality guilds. It provides help and support for youth organisations like
assurance systems, ours to reach quality standards in order to:
enjoy it, and would
• Achieve lasting improvements to their practice and
like to help out,
please get it touch. management
• Provide a clear structure to plan and deliver support from
London Youth to youth organisations
• Prove quality of service being delivered to young people
• have young people, their families and funders recognise the
award as a sign of excellence
AQYP has been chosen because:
• It’s straightforward
• Progressive – through bronze and silver awards to gold
• Ideal for all kinds of community-based youth work
• Designed to show how youth work meets the key every Child
matters outcomes
• We will also need to be working to or at bronze level to
maintain our affiliation to London Youth
AQYP covers six key sections. these are:
• Safeguarding of young people and staff
• Diversity, equality and inclusion
• health, safety and resources
• Young people
• Staff and volunteers
• management and administration
We are currently working on the bronze level and it is our plan to
get assessed by the end of 2011.
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27. Knights’ community force
In September and October 2011, voting fever hit Knights…hard.
natWest had launched their annual ‘CommunityForce’ initiative,
which rewards local charities and community projects with £6,000
grants. the twist was grants would be awarded to those local
organisations that received the most votes on the natWest
website.
Knights volunteers went into overdrive, encouraging ‘Friends’ of
the centre, family, friends and local residents to vote. After the
three week voting period ended, we had received nearly 800
votes – the second highest number of votes registered by any of
the hundreds of south London organisations competing for grants.
hot news off the press: we were delighted to hear in early
november that we earned enough votes to win a grant from
natWest. thanks to everyone that voted.
It was a colossal effort to get hundreds of votes for the CommunityForce initiative.
While we were campaigning however, we realised that we would like to make
better use of our Facebook page to keep in touch with our Friends.
If you’re on Facebook, please ‘like’ us: www.facebook.com/knightsyouthcentre
We’ll be regularly posting updates from the centre, the latest from our tYLAP
apprentices, and images of past club life
from club alumni.
See you there!
25
28.
29. The Three Peaks Challenge team
celebrate at the top of a mountain.
See page 34 to read more.
30. Girls and gangs
Angela Robinson, young women’s girls fighting other girls, and girls fighting
development worker at Knights, writes boys.
about an old issue receiving new
attention. Young women these days often feel
pressured to ‘shout loudest’ to be
You may have seen the trailer for a new noticed. there can also be fierce rivalry
film looking at London gang life, a movie between girls of similar age. many show
that describes itself as an urban unshakeable confidence that they can
retribution thriller. rely on force, even against men. Some
don’t realise how dangerous that could
the things you might expect are there: be.
violence, colourful language, council
estates. but there is one pretty crucial but while these young people might
way in which it differs from what you’re seem incredibly confident, so often their
probably imagining – the film is called issues can be laid at the door of deep-
Sket, and the gang members are girls. rooted self-esteem issues. Our celebrity
culture, and tabloid perceptions of
girls being in gangs, or at least indulging youth, can also chip away at self-worth.
in violent and aggressive behaviour, is
getting more attention of late. In fact, unchecked, a desire for acceptance can
theresa may and Iain Duncan Smith’s lead to some unhealthy ways of
new anti-gang strategy, launched in interacting with others, including boys,
november 2011, featured specific and is one potential driver of
proposals on the issue. involvement in gangs or other anti-social
behaviour. It can also lead to girls losing
Some might find all this surprising, but to any sense of the potential consequences
us the idea is nothing new. In fact, many of their actions, or how their actions
of the girls that come through our doors could affect their reputation. At Knights
each week are just as likely to resort to we try and break down these issues, and
aggression or violence to resolve issues having an all girls group is an important
as boys. We’ve certainly had to split up part of that.
28
31. unlike boys, girls are sometimes less We see everyone as a beautiful person,
likely to be direct about what they think and do what we can to reinforce that
and feel. they can be more subtle. with the young people we work with. We
unfortunately this means that important also encourage each of the girls to be a
issues can sometimes be less noticeable, positive influence on their friends,
and it can be more difficult to get to the talking to them and taking a personal
heart of what’s causing them. responsibility for them.
but we do what we can to strike up We do see negative behaviour from girls
relationships, and that takes time. in the area, and there are definitely girls
Running girls-only sessions allows us to who have affiliations with gangs. but if
address things from a female we continue to challenge their
perspective. Our girls @ Knights leaders perceptions, thoughts and actions, show
‘man mark’ individual girls, ensuring that viable alternatives, demonstrate worth
there’s always someone looking to catch- and offer positive role models, we can
up with our members each week. We run channel their energy into something
a mixture of group and one-to-one positive.
sessions, and keep girls who can’t get on
separate when it’s needed. You can read more about our regular
Girls @ Knights programme on page 28.
Four Girls @ Knights, not gang members!
29
32. Section update: inters
Inters is open on It’s been a strong year for Inters, with good growth in the
Monday and number of young people attending, especially girls. Members
Wednesday are growing more open to sharing and accepting our support
evenings between 7 because of the work of our young, vibrant and talented
and 9pm for young
leadership team.
people in school
years 8-10.
highlights included:
• An educational and fun weekend with Urban Nature at
Hindleap
• Five young men completing the national Three Peaks
Challenge
• three first class young men serving the poor in the Dominican
Republic
• A crazy weekend of camping on the south coast
• A groundworks-led series of sessions based on community
involvement that resulted in our funky new mural on the
building. groundworks is funded by Young & Safe
• A number of fun offsite trips to a range of places from the
West end to box hill
• An ongoing programme of Mentivation workshops
Asked to sum up Knights in two words, Junior, 14, said:
‘fun, educational’.
to describe the staff team at Knights, he said:
‘always there, caring’.
KnIghtS In numbeRS
5 the number of young people who we supported at court appearances this year
30
33. Leading in the community
Knights Senior Youth Worker Stu Thomson has been the elected “We each have a
Vice Chair of the Lambeth Community and Voluntary Sector lot to offer, to help
(VCS) Children and Young People’s Forum for two years. This role shape policy, to
provides mutual benefits for the Forum, Lambeth Council and improve children's
lives, to help each
Knights. Here’s what it’s all about.
other”
Jackie Nunns, chair,
the Forum influences the way services are delivered to young VCS Forum
people in Lambeth. It does this by:
• Advising on proposed strategic developments
• Consulting on specific issues
• Feeding back on the success of new initiatives
• Driving the agenda on effective partnership working
the Forum is open to all VCS organisations actively working with
children and young people across Lambeth. It is led by elected
VCS representatives who also sit on the Children’s trust board. It
meets six times a year, but its members stay in regular contact
with each other and form special interest groups where specific
action is needed.
the Forum aims to:
1. Act as a consultative body in the formulation of partnership
strategy and policy regarding services for children and young
people
2. Provide representatives to sit on the Children’s trust board,
Local Safeguarding Children’s board, themed sub-groups and
joint commissioning groups
3. Capacity build for the VCS
4. Offer training and networking for the VCS
5. Achieve two-way communication between the VCS and the
Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership (CYPSP)
31
34. Section update: seniors
Seniors is open on There has been a great record of young people re-engaging with
Thursdays between education this year in seniors, and positive responses to the
7.30 and 10.30pm work carried out through Mentivation and our RE:INVEST
for young people in programme.
school year 11 and
upwards.
highlights included:
• Reduction in aggressive and negative behaviour and a huge
increase in the young people taking responsibility for
managing each other’s conduct
• enthusiastic involvement and productivity with Rolling Sound,
who provided a music production course funded through
Young & Safe
• two young people winning Jack Petchey Foundation
Achievement Awards
• helen morrell, a volunteer with Seniors, being awarded a Jack
Petchey Foundation Leaders Award
• Condoms being distributed on a regular basis alongside advice
and guidance on sexual health
• A leadership team growing in confidence, ability and creativity
Asked to sum up Knights in a word, Dwayne, 14, simply said:
‘experience’.
to describe the best thing about the staff team at Knights, he
added: ‘helping with homework’.
Asked what he’d like more of at Knights, he said:
‘educational programmes. help with literacy and numeracy’.
KnIghtS In numbeRS
322 the number of onsite evening sessions delivered this year
32
35. London’s heroes
London Youth is a vibrant network of 400 I’d say the skills and lessons that we need to
youth organisations across every learn for adult life aren’t all found in the
neighbourhood in London that exists to help classroom. they often come from our
young people be all they can be, whether families, or from being a part of something.
through youth action, youth work training or
tackling youth crime. Schools can’t shoulder the burden on their
own, and education can’t start and stop with
London Youth has had a relationship with academia. After all, young people only spend
Knights for many years. We caught up with 14 per cent of waking hours in school. Youth
nick Wilkie, London Youth chief executive, for work is an invaluable part of the mix.
a quick word.
The riots have had a lot of airtime…
What are your thoughts on the importance Of course, few could say that the riots we saw
of youth work in 2011? across the capital and elsewhere aren’t
It’s a really hard, difficult time – we’ve all read related to wider issues around young people.
about the difficult economic climate, and how but causality is complex.
it’s putting a squeeze on charitable
organisations. We’ve also all read about the the mossbourne Academy, for example, is a
riots, and other reports on how young people brilliant, brilliant school, but sits near the
feeling alienated from our society. It’s not Pembury estate where we saw the highest
going to get any easier, quickly. One in ten activity in the riots. this isn’t a
young people in London have no straightforward issue, but it is clear that the
qualifications. role of youth centres is as relevant as ever.
Of course, the skill and commitment of youth What’s the secret of survival for youth clubs
workers – like those at Knights – is even more like Knights?
important against this backdrop. the truth is Well, at the moment it may well come down
that good youth work works. to scrapping for every penny, and being
resilient. but the leaders at Knights are
What role do youth centres play alongside perfect to meet this challenge. these people
other services? are heroes. And we should be thankful - we
Organisations working with young people are learn how to be good citizens in our
under increasing pressure and clearly need communities, and organisations like Knights
more support. but no organisation offers the are at the heart of them.
whole solution.
33
36. Community renaissance
We woud like to J.P. Morgan partnered with Knights Youth Centre in 2010,
offer a big thank specifically providing a grant for the expansion of the RE:INVEST
you to JP Morgan programme. We spoke with Tracey Bloomfield, Vice President
for their generous EMEA Corporate Philanthropy & Sponsorship, to discuss the
funding that has successes of the partnership.
underpinned much
of our work over J.P. morgan has been investing significant time, attention, and
the last eighteen financial support in the London borough of Lambeth, identified as
months. the targeted area for the firm’s ‘Community Renaissance’
programme. this programme brings together local communities,
businesses, voluntary groups, and the public sector to partner in
an integrated way to deliver positive social change in the
community. this innovative approach has been recognised as
having the potential to help “transform communities' in the
recently launched Child Poverty Strategy, which sits alongside the
government’s broader strategy to improve social mobility.
We’ve decided to work in Lambeth because we believe we have a
responsibility to make our local communities more sustainable.
We’re a large organisation, and we need to be responsive to
what’s going on in the communities in which we have a presence.
through our philanthropic programming we have the power to do
good – for our clients, for our employees, and for people and
communities around the world. It is important to our employees
that we visibly demonstrate our contribution as a good corporate
citizen to the wider community.
J.P. morgan’s approach to philanthropic giving goes beyond sole
financial support. It is about sharing knowledge and skills, pooling
ideas and inspirations, and working together with both the
charitable sector and central/local government to identify and
support transformative programmes and innovations. Our
current philanthropic portfolio includes partnerships with
organisations who are strategically addressing worklessness. We
34
37. seek to partner with organisations who are working towards
tackling this issue in a sustainable and impactful way; our
objective is to look at holistic ways of approaching both current
and future unemployment.
We decided to partner with Knights, specifically funding the
Re:InVeSt programme because the work met all our criteria.
having been established in 1936, Knights is clearly integrated with
the local community. It has an identifiable strategy outlining
where it wants to go and what it wants to achieve for the young
people it supports. It can provide evidence to show how it is
making the local community more sustainable. In working to
prevent the alienation of young people, or the growth of gang
culture, there is huge value in empowering young people to help
others. Re:InVeSt, the tYLAP programme and the volunteering
projects that have taken young people to Romania, Rwanda and
most recently the Dominican Republic are great examples of this.
Knights’ work helps vulnerable young people discover and
develop skills, confidence and self-awareness. giving them
opportunities to become more globally aware and understand
how they can personally make a difference is such powerful work.
the skills they develop will be invaluable to them in adult life.
We support the Knights vision of providing a learning and support
centre for young people. We recognise that they are experts at
utilising their limited resources in a meaningful way. the
organisation truly understands the heart of how to influence the
lives of vulnerable young people. We are delighted to partner
with Knights in the development of the Re:InVeSt programme.
KnIghtS In numbeRS
19 the number of Certificate in Youth Work training sessions delivered this year
35
38. Girls @ Knights
Girls @ Knights is Girls @ Knights sessions have continued throughout the year
open between 6 with a variety of activities including cooking, arts and crafts,
and 8pm on fashion, beauty, dance, discussion and debate. Promisingly,
Wednesdays for there has been an overall improvement in the girls’ behaviour
young women in
and attitudes – testament to the excellent relationships
school years 6-11.
established by the team.
highlights included:
• Running joint sessions with Inters to provide a different social
dynamic and an opportunity to work on their interpersonal
skills
• A girls-only residential weekend organised by Clubs for Young
People and held at PgL grantham. eight girls attended, taking
part in cheerleading, boxing, fashion workshops and plenty
more
• girls @ Knights’ very own photoshoot. britain’s next top
model better watch out! It was a great opportunity for
members not only to dress up and experiment with make-up
“I come to KYC so I techniques, but also to discover more about how each of them
can stay of the view themselves and their friends through photography
street – it’s safe
• Cooking and eating out together. these experiences have
and there’s good
company and good
helped the girls develop their cooking skills and try new foods.
activtities. I like It has also helped the team to buid relationships, having
Girls @ Knights as it deeper conversations and bonding time. Several issues have
gives us a chance to been highlighted over a bite to eat that have subsequently
hang out.” been addressed in group or one-to-one sessions
Keisha, 13 • the young girls took over and became the youth workers for
KnIghtS In numbeRS
1 the number of films focusing on girls in gangs released this year
36
39. an evening in July 2011. they ran a cooking session, planning “I like the youth
the menu and budget, shopping for ingredients and cooking a club because it’s
meal for the staff fun, keeps me
• Recording monthly video diaries over the year to track the active when I have
nothing to do. Girls
development of their thoughts and ideas
@ Knights is like a
• One-to-one sessions, which remain an important part of what big family and it’s
we do, either during weekly girls @ Knights sessions or at an experience for
other arranged times. each staff member has been assigned all of us to have!”
specific girls to meet with on a regular basis. Although the Chyna, 13
meetings are very informal, the team have been able to build
on their relationships with the girls and support them on
various issues
37
41. Raisin’ D Republic
In the autumn of 2010, with the the challenge: reach the summits of ben
financial support of JP Morgan and as nevis, Scarfell Pike and Snowdon in three
part of the RE:INVEST programme, the days. After just a couple of training
visionary and ambitious folks at Knights sessions on the north Downs, the team
kicked in to gear. The plan was simple: gathered at dawn on April 28th and
recruit a team to raise funds by started the journey north to Fort
completing a national endurance event William. this would be tough.
and go overseas to serve the poorest of
the poor. Easy, right? the team was immense. everyone
conquered ben nevis and Scarfell Pike.
this would be the third project of its kind Only Kedeesha was unable to complete
delivered by Knights since 2007: the first Snowdon as she had fallen ill. the team
two saw us take in Rwanda and Romania. shared, supported and encouraged each
other, carrying each other’s backpacks.
In January 2011 we recruited a team of they laughed, cried and got each other
young people and workers to participate through it. We were blessed with perfect
in Raisin D Republic, this year’s weather and majestic views at each
challenge. It consisted of two stages. summit.
national three Peaks challenge Dominican Republic
the three Peaks Challenge team Lucy, three months after completing the three
Kedeesha, Sharna, Karis, travis, Leval, Peaks in some style, the team flew out to
Ziggy, Jamarie, Callum, Daniel, Shem, the Dominican Republic to support
David, Paul and Stu (plus mountain projects working with poor communities
instructors, drivers and chefs from for two weeks. the experience was
hindleap Warren and our own Angela). delivered by mission Direct.
KnIghtS In numbeRS
3,333 the number of metres climbed during the three peaks challenge
39
42. Raisin’ D Republic At the last minute sadly Daniel, Jamarie and Callum couldn’t make
isn’t the first it, but Symon and nat stepped up to the call.
project of its kind
for Knights - back in
Whilst in the Dominican Republic, we:
2007 we took a
team of young • Painted house window frames, shutters and doors
people to Rwanda, • Shovelled mud and hard core for building foundations, and
and in 2009 we mixed and shovelled cement to lie on top of the hard core
visited Romania. • Wheel barrowed the mud, hard core and cement up and down
hills to be deposited in various houses
• Led on games, sports and activities such as face painting with
local children in two villages
• Visited two orphanages for severely disabled children
• Visited a local hospital that cares for people who can’t afford
mainstream healthcare. the team talked and prayed with
patients, and handed out ‘goodie hygiene bags’
• hand-delivered food and drink to feed 150 families in a local
village, and 300 children in two different locations
KnIghtS In numbeRS
4 the number of families moved to clean, safe houses in the Dominican Republic
40
43. • A number of the team personally committed to financially
supporting a number of children through school for a year
• Visited a project called Aqua negras (black Water) and the
locals. Aqua negras get its name from the sewage that runs
through its streets
• Prepped, sanded and painted a large workshop inside and out
which had been built to train locals in basic carpentry and
building skills
• Attended a ‘church in the woods’ service, leading songs in
english, Spanish and Creole
• tore down the old shacks of the families who were provided
with new permanent homes
• Visited two local schools to find out how they educate children
and to provide encouragement
We managed to take some time off too, using the time to take a
couple of excursions, chill by the pool, go on banana boat rides
and sample the local produce! the team deserved it.
41
44. Stu Thomson’s personal reflection
As team leader, these trips are defined by the team’s outputs and
the positive experiences of both the team members and those we
went to serve. the focus is therefore to make sure not only that
the team have a brilliant experience, but also that they give all
they can.
but against any measure this trip was excellent, and it was
excellent for a number of reasons:
• the preparation and experience of the two key partners
mission Direct and the Samaritan trust
• the level of tried and tested methods and programmes by the
crew on the ground
• A great team. not only were there the 13 from Knights, but
also another two families and two single people involved in this
two week project. It was refreshing to see the entire team gel
and respond positively to each other
• each member of the Knights team was immense. each one had
moments of pure quality and humility. this was especially
evident when the team had to be very personable with the
locals in the villages, hospitals and orphanages
• the Knights team made a special effort to look out for each
other but also give each other space when needed
• everyone was able to bounce back and put pettiness or
potential conflict to one side
• As the young people would say: ‘it was da belly’
42
46. A mission... for potential
Mission Direct supports locally-led Working with the Knights group side by
projects to help some of the world’s side in the Dominican Republic, I was so
poorest people. It leads life-changing inspired by the value of the trip to each
trips for people who want to make a of them. the way they threw themselves
difference. Tim Martindale, director of into it at 100 per cent was incredible.
overseas operations for Mission Direct,
talks through his experiences with I was particularly inspired by a visit to an
Knights in the Dominican Republic. orphanage for disabled children. this
was a totally new environment for the
historically mission Direct hasn’t young people from Knights. they were
typically worked with organisations like perhaps a little hesitant at first, but
Knights - we normally work with within two minutes they were all
individuals or families. but when Stu involved, even the ‘tough guys’. they
thomson got in touch to talk about were in there, feeding, cleaning and
taking 12-15 young people on a trip with entertaining the kids, showing
us as part of their leadership training, we remarkable maturity as they interacted
were happy to do it as the centre’s ethics with them.
fit with ours.
At the end of the visit, the two ‘tough
Our primary objective is usually about guys’ didn’t want to leave. It was a
working to help the people in the touching moment.
poverty-stricken communities that we
operate in overseas. but working with In my view, the key thing that makes this
Knights, and another youth group in a transformative experience is that, in
Leeds, has helped us to realise the other these environments, they were all put
transformative impact these trips can into the position of being a role model.
have. they were celebs and mentors, having
KnIghtS In numbeRS
7 the number of new partnerships created this year - thanks
44
47. the opportunity to show leadership if right out of their everyday experience.
they had it in them. getting away from peer group pressure
provided an opportunity to open up and
being surrounded by people who were to try new things.
so destitute, and people who were so
pleased to see them, gave them the And that’s what was at the heart of it.
feeling that they weren’t just there to here were young people that might be
learn, to do what they were told. they on the margins of things at home. but by
were challenged to make a contribution, the time the Dominican Republic trip was
and were empowered to do something over they had found new skills, self-belief
to make a difference. they received huge and understanding of how they can make
thanks when they did. a difference. they had found new
relationships, too.
I imagine that in their day-to-day lives
these young people don’t often get to I very much enjoyed working alongside
feel like that. they probably feel quite the group from Knights and, of course,
negative about society, and don’t feel Stu, who is a fantastic leader. We need
much love from it. people of his calibre working with young
people. mission Direct is delighted to
but this experience gave them an have played a part in releasing new
entirely new cultural world view. being potential for these wonderful young
away from home and among people less people.
well off than themselves, they stepped
45
48. To DR and beyond
We would like to Luca Bosatta came across Knights when he and his family were
thank Luca and his paired with us on their trip to the Dominican Republic. Luca
family for playing wrote about the experience.
such an important
and enjoyable part
of our trip.
In preparing for our trip to the Dominican Republic, we asked the
organisers who would be joining us. We were told it would be a
group from a youth centre in south London. good, interesting, we
thought.
And so it proved.
the work you do on trips like this one, the things you see, can
have a huge impact. to share the experience with others makes it
all the more significant. We had a really good time with the group
from Knights, and really got to know them.
I was so impressed with the group. I expect many of them came
back to the uK more mature people. but it was them as
individuals that I found most impressive. As I spoke to them, all
prejudices were broken down as I saw the wit, intelligence, depth
and poetry of these people.
It was fantastic to learn what wonderful people they are, and
what fantastic potential they have, despite the difficulties they
face back at home. having got to know them, we felt we could ask
about those difficulties. What they told us was in their own
words. Aspirations at school. Violence. Fear.
So many times on the trip, the trainees were called upon to step
up, to make a difference. none of them flinched, they all came
through. Perhaps most encouraging however, was how they
46
49. talked about being involved in youth work. they were clearly We’re very thankful
proud of working to help others. they talked positively about for the commitment
plans for the future and applying for the next year of the and interest Luca
programme. has shown in
Knights.
We – including my three teenage children, who shared hugs and Luca has asked Stu
tears with the Knights apprentices when it was time to go home – and one of the
thoroughly enjoyed their company. apprentices to
deliver a talk at his
Weeks after the Dominican Republic trip, I joined the Knights office to members
team and all the apprentices for a discussion and development of a ‘family
weekend. I was keen to find out what goes on outside of the big network’ that
trips. maybe the Dominican Republic was a one off? promotes family
values for business
benefit. He has also
but once again, I was bowled over. Joining in with workshops, I offered to act as a
saw the apprentices greet tasks with enthusiasm and ability. mentor for one of
the TYLAP
I was really taken by Stu thomson’s leadership, which really apprentices.
demonstrated the power and potential of good youth work. Stu is
a pro, expertly taking opportunities to give the apprentices
specific feedback. he is very encouraging, but always with
constructive, genuine and meaningful praise.
‘this is what I saw in you today’, was one such comment. ‘this
was a wonderful thing you did’, was another. It seemed to be
about affirming and encouraging real strengths and talents in the
young people.
to one apprentice, the comment was ‘I saw the real man in you
today’. It was absolutely spot on, and I don’t think that young man
will ever forget it. Perhaps he doesn’t get that kind of
encouragement normally, that kind of positive statement about
who he is. It was maybe even more impressive to see his peers
nodding in supportive agreement. I think he was moved.
What great work. Some of the transformations Knights achieves –
whether on the tYLAP programme or with members attending
normal sessions – seem impossible in the face of the news we see
on our tV screens every day. I witnessed so much potential.
KnIghtS In numbeRS
776 online votes received by Knights for natWest’s CommunityForce campaign
47
50. Accounts
In 1938, Knights bought its first permanent premises for £2,000. In
1999 our annual expenditure was £35,000. But, after sustained
growth in the range of services we offer young people in the area and
the establishment of the unique TYLAP initiative, we are a very
different youth centre today.
Income
expenditure
51. As you’ve read, the world in which we maintain current service levels until
operate is increasingly challenging, with march 2012. If we don’t find new funds
far reaching implications. We enjoyed a by then, we will have to make some
surplus at the end of the last financial tough decisions, and the service we
year (2009/10), but all funds carried provide will look very different.
over were already tied up in projects
and commitments for 2010/11. It’s not all doom and gloom – we
continue to receive remarkable support.
Sadly, the Hardship Fund grant we were the Walcot Foundation continues to
given in 2009 has gone. In addition, the support the Walcot Apprenticeship
three year grant from Lambeth Council Scheme and tYLAP. they are great and
to fund the girls @ Knights and Senior much-appreciated supporters.
Outreach Project Worker posts
technically came to an end last April. JP Morgan gave us a huge grant of
Despite intentions to commission new £95,000 for a number of projects
posts by that date, we are still awaiting including the trip to the Dominican
the outcome of Lambeth’s review. It is a Republic – see our report on page 38.
difficult time for all London councils, but this has been fantastic support that has
their support is paramount. had a huge impact on our young people.
the result? We currently have a £40,000 In addition, the Henry Smith Foundation
hole in our budget, net of the surplus we and Equitable Charitable Trust provided
carried forwards. this was initially over new grants. We also received grants from
£80,000, leading to us having to let two other partners including: Home Office
members of staff go as of 1st April this RIO; Lloyds TSB, Mercers; NHS; Elizabeth
year. In turn, it also meant that Stu’s and Prince Zaiger Trust; International
planned new role – mentioned in last Bazaar; Jack Petchey Foundation; and
year’s report – has been ‘put on ice’. Clapham Park.
With significant loss of income, it goes We live in troubled times – both on the
without saying that we are making balance sheet and the streets. but this is
increased and significant efforts to cut when young people need us most. We
costs, raise funds and submit new bids. would like to take this opportunity to
Sadly, we are competing for a smaller thank the many organisations and
portion of a smaller cake, and against individuals who have supported us over
more and more other diners. We also the last year. hopefully this report
failed with bids submitted to BBC conveys the huge and ambitious range of
Children in Need and the Big Lottery. services Knights continues to provide
young people. Without your support, it
We have just enough reserves to would not be possible.
49
52. Looking ahead
It will come as no surprise to anyone that as a result of the
deepening financial crisis, the voluntary sector is really going to
feel the pinch. Small organisations will be particularly vulnerable
– that includes us at Knights!
It’s hard not to become obsessed with the financial climate, but
there’s one critical point I’d like to make: the secret of our success
is the experience and heart our team brings to the work. We have
a small hub of paid staff who are pivotal in their role to develop
and direct our wonderful volunteers, and our street savvy
trainees/apprentices (aged 16-24). If funding pressures were to
cause us to lose that hub, then our successful (and cost effective)
model of delivering our service would be at serious risk.
there can be no doubt that, as a small voluntary youth centre, we
face a bleak and worrying financial situation, and there’s no sign
that it will change much for the next three years. We experienced
a similar environment in the early 1990s and saw some
longstanding youth clubs in the area close, never to reopen.
We have to plan carefully for some lean years. We will refocus on
what we do well: building relationships, being available,
consistent and offering hope.
Our main offer has always been our heart and passion for every
young person who walks through our door.
We are here because we want to be. Interestingly, that’s what
young people seem to want and respect!
We celebrated our 75th anniversary this year, and we
50
53. have no intention of this financial crisis being the point at which
we close our doors. but it is going to be really, really hard.
this report has documented so many highs from the last year,
from volunteering in the Dominican Republic and Sharna’s
success to our work with young women and our young people
winning awards.
be assured we’ll be writing to you next year with another
selection of similar stories.
thanks, as always, for your wonderful support.
God bless.
Chris Saunders
54.
55. We would love to hear from you.
Email
info@knightsyouthcentre.org.uk
tylap@knightsyouthcentre.org.uk
Telephone
020 8674 4055
Post
27 Streatham Place, London SW2 4QQ
Online
www.knightsyouthcentre.org.uk
Facebook
www.facebook.com/knightsyouthcentre
