One Southwark
We’re a new programme ready to level the playing field for underrepresented young people.
Southwark has been called a ‘borough of two halves’. We launched the One Southwark programme in March 2022 to give underrepresented young people a level playing field from which they have a better chance to succeed.
We work with businesses, funders, community groups and residents to do this.
We’re supported by a coalition of local partners who are the guiding force behind our programme, helping us to design the best support possible for our young people. We also work with a growing wider asset network who offer time, money, networks or influence. No contribution is too small and everyone can bring something to the table to make a difference.
Young people are at the heart of our programme and we strongly believe in their ‘guided potential’. That’s why we support people between the ages of 16-25 with two years of financial support, mentoring, events and training. We also offer access to our full asset network of local organisations and individuals with specialised skills and opportunities.
This work would be impossible without our supporters and we’re always looking to partner with those organisations and individuals which want to make an impact in their community.
One Southwark is driven by three key principles:
We can all do something. Whether it’s money, time, resources, influence, information or advice, your contribution is what will help us create One Southwark.
Everyone is different. Young people and their experiences are the heart of One Southwark. We know change takes time, so our support is flexible and person centred as young people choose their paths.
The system needs to change. Southwark has great potential. We are advocates for change in the behaviours and practices of local institutions and believe that the best way to create long-term impact is through collective action.
Finally, our support programme is just the start of our ambitions as One Southwark. As we grow, we also want to influence the long-term practices of local government, businesses, charities, funders, statutory agencies and local residents to improve opportunities for young people from underrepresented communities.
How you can help
No action is too small as we create circles of support for young people in Southwark. The more organisations and individuals we can partner with, the greater the potential for lasting change will be in this borough. Our asset network is consistently growing and we look forward to working with new partners.
Ways you can change a young person’s future:
· Offer opportunities for young people in your organisation (paid or voluntary)
· Offer individual mentorship
· Broker connections for young people
· Join our Coalition of partners
· Make a financial contribution
· Become an advocate for change by supporting future campaigns and initiatives.
If you have any further questions please do get in touch: Will Cole, Programme Director – wcole@ustsc.org.uk
Find out more about the programme here.