Philip Lawrence Awards Network

The Stonebridge Road Estate Youth Group aims to give a real voice to young people, raise awareness of the issues that affect them and improve their facilities whilst making the local community a safer place to live and work.

Who we are

Young people from the Stonebridge Road Estate

Where we're based

Seven Sisters, London

When we started

July 2004

How we started

Serious crime, prostitution and high levels of drug use were just some of the problems that affected the lives of people living on the Stonebridge Road Estate. The Make a Change group decided that they had to take action.

After Youth Act training sessions the group got involved in a number of different ways. Initially, they carried out a survey to find out the views of residents on the estate about safety and facilities and used this to organise a Make a Change Day on the estate, and have since been involved in a number of activities to improve their community.

Our work

Since the start of the project, young people have met regularly to discuss the high levels of serious crime, high drug use and problems with prostitution that have damaged life on the estate. These major problems have directly affected young people but through becoming involved they have helped to effect real and lasting change.

One example of this was recently holding a ’Make a Change Day’ which a variety of councillors, residents and young people attended, listening to young people’s concerns regarding issues such as crime, street lighting, the environment and improving facilities. It helped empower young people as they articulated concerns to others and showed how things could be done. Overall, the event helped promote the group’s efforts and changes are being in many areas due to the event.

Future plans

Were you part of this winning group? We'd love to hear from you about what you're up to now!

Project website

http://www.philiplawrenceawards.net

There is a sense of community pride and achievement on the Stonebridge Estate due to the group’s work. My time spent with the group has shown me that no matter what age you are, you can make a difference.

Jordan Morris