The Stronger Edmonton project utilises a multi-agency approach to support young people in Edmonton at risk of or already involved in the early stages of criminal activity. Through a partnership of local organisations, community members and youth mentors we offer a programme of in-school and extracurricular activities that allow young people to learn new skills, express themselves in new ways and receive tailored mental health & wellbeing support.

The programme offers a range of creative arts workshops delivered by The British DJ & MC Academy, Blingwear Arts and Platinum Performing arts, encouraging children and young people to express themselves through graffiti, music and drama. We also offer chess clubs in our schools enhancing their strategic planning, cognitive abilities and memory utilisation.

The purpose of the project is for the young people to learn skills and lessons that they are able to take with them beyond the 20 week provision, our aim is for longevity in the lessons learnt. Extra curricular clubs funded by the project like functional cooking and chess club are imperative for this mission as these are skills and discipline young people are able to apply to their lives even when the programme is over. We feel young people need the best quality support when planning their career, so we offer in-depth video production or journalism sessions and football skills sessions.

As part of the provision, ECP’s two Youth Mentors work in schools to deliver tailored 1-2-1 and group mental health and well-being workshops, where they touch on topics like anger, peer pressure and transitioning into Secondary School. We know how difficult it can be as a young person to navigate these feelings which is why our mentors endeavour to equip children with the tools needed to deal with adversity and challenges in a nurturing and engaging environment. This safe space enables young people to reflect on their behaviour and decisions and how these may impact their lives in the future.

Right now, there are high levels of deprivation and serious youth violence in Edmonton and beyond. With the addition of a reduction in extracurricular youth work throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, the need for projects like Stronger Edmonton has increased. The importance of young people engaging in activities and being provided with specialised wellbeing support is hugely overlooked when it is desperately needed. Stronger Edmonton’s main aims are prevention and intervention and we hope that through the work in schools, with our partners and youth mentors that a change is being made for those who need it the most.

Contact Selina at [email protected] if you have any enquiries about this project.