Finding each other
Find other families, young people, groups and community spaces. This chapter is about building connection before things reach crisis point.
The village, named honestly
I genuinely think it takes a village to raise children, and I don't think we have the village as much anymore.Parent, our family focus group
Peer mentorship is, I see you, you see me. Even though we're from different areas, we're not enemies... maybe an annual youth club where everyone comes together and we start to recognise that these are not your enemies. They look like you and I.Parent, our family focus group
Families asked for places where children, young people and adults from different areas can meet before area lines, mistrust or isolation become harder to shift.
This chapter is clear about what is available now and what families have asked to create next. Some ideas need funding before they can happen.
What is available now
Real routes you can use this week. Tap to expand.
London Youth is a membership network for youth organisations across London. It supports youth clubs with programmes, training and opportunities to work together across areas.
Ask your local youth club whether it is a London Youth member and whether any cross-club events, trips or programmes are coming up.
Every South East London borough has a parent carer forum. There are also Black-led parent networks across South London.
Find local groups, including Black SEN Mamas and the National Black Parents Association UK, in the directory in Chapter 17.
For a longer programme where families meet over several weeks, explore Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities. It is an established group programme for parents and carers that covers relationships, parenting, culture, wellbeing and community connection. See Chapter 17.
Families described Saturday and supplementary schools as important community spaces. They can give children opportunities to learn about their culture, meet trusted adults and build relationships with other young people.
In those Saturday schools, I would learn about my culture, or be taught by people of my culture, which I feel like contributed to me being who I am today.Serving teacher, our co-working session
Find local Saturday and supplementary schools in the Chapter 17 directory.
For home-educating families, Chapter 22 includes routes to Education Otherwise, the HE Exams community and local groups.
What families want next
Families shared two ideas that are not yet funded. They are included here because they are clear, practical ideas for prevention and connection. The case for funding community connection sits in Chapter 15.
Families from across the six boroughs meeting around food, activities and conversation, rather than only when there is a problem.
This is prevention: building relationships before support is urgently needed.
A regular event where young people from different areas can meet each other as people, not as rivals.
London Youth and community delivery partners could be well placed to host or support this kind of gathering, if funding becomes available.