Case studies
The participant
Jaffer Baloch, 17, Southwark, SE London
Jaffer has seen firsthand the negative impact gangs and estate rivalries can have on young people and communities. He used to hang around with troublemakers and his life could have taken a very different path had he not become involved with StreetChance...
The coach
Perry Sophocleous
After leaving school Perry had little focus to his life - moving from one to job to another with no direction. He started mixing with unsavoury characters with a similar lack of focus. During a chance opportunity to do some work experience on the StreetChance programme in London, Perry discovered a previously untapped talent...
The estate
Priory Court Estate - Waltham Forest, NE London
Priory Court’s residents had not always had the most positive attitude towards police - their youngsters had only seen police when there was trouble and there were rivalries between Priory Court and other local estates. So when StreetChance brought in uniformed police to sessions to break down barriers with participants there was a surprising reaction...
The volunteer
Khaled Ahmed - Stepney Green, London
Khaled first became involved with StreetChance as a participant, keenly joining the Stepney Green sessions. His natural leadership skills started to shine through and he was encouraged to take more responsibility; first taking his coaching qualification and then being offered paid employment as an assistant coach, Khaled now sees his future in cricket thanks to StreetChance.
The community project
Brent, West London
Having built strong links with local schools, StreetChance in Brent soon developed a strong and diverse core of youngsters who have formed a strong bond despite all their differences. Local police play a key part in sessions, which has not only helped participants gain an understanding and respect for everyone involved but also to feel more relaxed in their presence.
Police Engagement
PCSO Sean Herdman, Hounslow, London
Knowing the local area and its demographic, PCSO Herdman had no hesitation in getting behind StreetChance. At sessions young people and police are on a level playing field and this feeling of solidarity has helped to build trusting relationships where young people can talk about local crime and anti-social behaviour.
The girls’ project
Sutton
As the first girls’ only StreetChance project, Sutton’s StreetChance sessions have seen a remarkable transformation in many of its female participants. Not only have girls from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures formed a strong team - and a strong bond - but they have also been given the opportunity to learn important life skills...