The issues facing our young people LIFEbeat addresses a number of issues disadvantaged young people face when attempting to thrive in education. Many young people from low economic backgrounds struggle to reach their potential in mainstream studies. There are high levels of exclusion and many do not access further level education at all. Students who were eligible for or received free school meals in Year 11 were less likely to have progressed to advanced level studies post-16. Class Differences: Ethnicity and Disadvantage, (10 Nov 2016), Philip Kirby and Carl Cullinane, The Sutton Trust Disadvantaged young people face hardship and other challenging issues and often struggle with emotional and behavioural challenges: many increasingly suffer with mental health issues such as depression and self-harm. Life skills, founded on self-esteem, emotional intelligence and resilience, are increasingly recognised as essential to both positive health and wellbeing and the ability to do well in academic studies. As stated by another Sutton Trust report, these soft skills are vital to future success and happiness: There is wide recognition of the importance of such life skills, with 88% of young people, 94% of employers and 97% of teachers saying that they are as, or more important than, academic qualifications. In fact, more than half of teachers (53%) believe that life skills are more important than academic qualifications to young people’s success and 72% believe their school should increase their focus on teaching life skills. Life Lessons, (Oct 2017), Carl Cullinane, Rebecca Montacute, The Sutton Trust How LIFEbeat helps LIFEbeat supports young people to address the issues they face and to develop life skills via its Summer Camps, working with selected partners to deliver ongoing aftercare and community support. The Camps bring together disadvantaged young people with different needs, educating and nurturing them to develop personal qualities and values, improve emotional intelligence, confidence and self-awareness, and build personal resilience and aspiration. An independent evaluation of our work has confirmed that LIFEbeat effects profound transformation and development in all these key areas. The full evaluation report is available on request. Young people are referred to us by many organisations serving different demographics of disadvantaged young people. Our model offers a strong ongoing support system and a sense of belonging as both participating youth and staff become part of our network and community. The LIFEbeat community connects with young people who have attended Camps to consolidate their learning and development. Who will benefit from the LIFEbeat Community Fund? We serve the following youth groups – all of whom will benefit directly from The LIFEbeat Community Fund: Gangs and Youth Violence London has seen a surge in youth street violence and murders. Young people are particularly affected by postcode loyalties and the threat of violence. Many carry knives as a misguided but understandable means of ‘staying safe’. Children as young as 14 are losing their lives. There are many influencing factors. Gangs and drugs are a strong influence, however the underlying social issues are more complex. Racism and bias negatively effects this population and many feel culturally displaced. “It has made me happier with who I am… I feel more secure. I used to hate everything about myself but that has changed. LIFEbeat has definitely helped me.” LIFEbeat beneficiary, aged 17, 2017 “I’ve witnessed a significant increase in young people’s resilience and self- esteem as well as the ability to create genuine connections following their time at LIFEbeat. They tend to be much better at articulating themselves. LIFEbeat provides a platform for young people to express themselves and gives them an opportunity to be heard. They’ve all said that it was a life changing experience.” Leo Greicius, Youth Leadership Co-ordinator, Fight for Peace, 2018 2 3