Project Zero is a community-led youth organisation based at The Outset Centre, Community Youth Hub, in Waltham Forest. Our mission is to engage young people in positive activities, promote social inclusion, reduce anti-social and offending behaviour, and strengthen community cohesion. Our overarching ambition remains to see a year in which there are ZERO deaths of young people as a result of knife crime or youth violence. We believe that preventing youth violence requires more than responding to incidents. It means investing in young people's futures, providing trusted relationships, safe environments, meaningful opportunities and pathways into education, training and employment. Throughout 2025, Project Zero continued to strengthen its position as a community-based organisation delivering integrated youth engagement, early intervention, mentoring, education, employability and wellbeing programmes. Our work particularly supports children and young people experiencing disadvantage, educational exclusion, additional learning needs, mental health challenges and barriers to employment. A significant focus during 2025 was strengthening the connection between our engagement programmes and progression opportunities, enabling young people to move from participating in positive activities towards developing skills, gaining qualifications, accessing work experience and securing employment. Key Activities and Community Benefits During 2025 1. UK Youth Summer Jobs Programme – Second Year 2025 marked Project Zero's second consecutive year participating in the UK Youth Summer Jobs Programme.The programme continued to provide opportunities for young people to develop employability skills, gain experience of professional working environments and access paid employment. Working with employers and corporate partners, Project Zero supported young people through recruitment preparation, workplace expectations, mentoring and employment-related development. Particular emphasis was placed on young people experiencing barriers to employment, including those from disadvantaged communities, young people not in education, employment or training, and those lacking professional networks or previous workplace experience. The programme contributed to improved confidence, financial independence, workplace readiness and future employment prospects. It also strengthened relationships between employers and young people who may not otherwise have access to these opportunities. 2. Employment, Work Experience and Career Development Project Zero continued to expand its employment and opportunities programme during 2025, connecting young people with businesses, employers and training providers. Our programme included short work experience placements, employer Insight Days, careers events, employability workshops and individual progression support. We worked with young people to identify their interests, understand barriers to employment and explore appropriate education, training and career pathways. The programme was particularly valuable for young people who had experienced educational disengagement, lacked confidence or had limited access to professional networks. Our wider work experience and employment model also supported local employers in developing relationships with young people from diverse backgrounds and contributed towards creating a more inclusive future workforce. 3. Building Communities – Construction Industry Partnership During 2025, Project Zero delivered the Building Communities Programme, developed in partnership with The Hill Group and construction industry partners. The programme was designed to introduce young people to construction careers while promoting positive engagement, confidence, teamwork and social inclusion. 64 individual young people participated, including 56 boys and 8 girls. Delivery included five structured workshops, three industry Insight Days and two visits to The Hill Group's Priory Court construction site. Participants were drawn from Waltham Forest College, Walthamstow Academy, South Chingford Foundation School, Burnside PRU and Project Zero's Alternative Provision. Industry partners and contributors provided practical experiences in construction trades, scaffolding, plastering, dry lining, bricklaying and site safety.The programme was designed to be accessible to young people experiencing behavioural difficulties, anxiety, SEND and contact with the criminal justice system. A significant achievement was that three young people subsequently signed up for apprenticeship opportunities. Building Communities demonstrated the value of connecting youth engagement with practical industry experiences and realistic employment pathways. 4. Propel – Supporting Black Boys and Young Men Project Zero continued delivering its Propel programme, focusing on improving outcomes for Black boys and young men who experience disproportionate barriers within education, mental health provision and employment. The programme sought to reduce educational exclusion, improve wellbeing and strengthen relationships between young people, families, schools and support services. Our approach combined individual mentoring, group activities, careers engagement, personal development and opportunities for young people to share their experiences. We continued working collaboratively with schools, colleges, local authority services and community partners to identify barriers and develop more culturally appropriate support. A particular focus was placed on early intervention, recognising that young people experiencing difficulties in education may require additional support before disengagement becomes entrenched. The programme also contributed towards wider discussions around educational inequalities, representation, mental health and the importance of young people's voices in shaping services. 5. Alternative Provision and Educational Inclusion During 2025, Project Zero continued developing its Alternative Provision at The Outset Centre, providing an alternative learning environment for young people struggling within mainstream education. Our provision supported young people experiencing behavioural difficulties, anxiety, social and emotional challenges, SEND and risks of exclusion. The programme combined functional skills education with practical and creative learning, mentoring, physical activity and employability development. Activities included multimedia and filmmaking, music production, cooking, gaming and coding, STEM-related learning, non-contact boxing, wellbeing activities and introductions to vocational industries. Our approach was designed to help young people reconnect with learning by recognising their individual strengths, interests and aspirations. By combining education with youth work and practical experiences, Project Zero aimed to improve engagement, confidence, behaviour, attendance and future progression opportunities. 6. Youth Space and Community Youth Hubs Project Zero continued providing positive youth activities through our Youth Space at The Outset Centre and community Youth Hubs across Waltham Forest. These services offered safe and welcoming environments where children and young people could participate in activities, develop friendships and access support from trusted youth workers. Our activities included multi-sports, basketball, non-contact boxing, gaming, music production, creative arts, multimedia, homework support and personal development. A key strength of Project Zero's approach is that our staff have strong connections with the communities in which we work, helping to create a supportive and relatable environment. Our provision also supported young people experiencing financial hardship by maintaining accessible activities and providing food during sessions. These programmes contributed towards reducing social isolation, improving wellbeing and providing constructive alternatives to anti-social behaviour. 7. Holiday Activities, Food and Positive Experiences Project Zero continued delivering holiday activities designed to provide safe, enjoyable and enriching experiences for children and young people. Programmes included sports, creative activities, educational experiences, outdoor learning and trips. Our holiday provision was particularly important for families experiencing financial pressures, ensuring that children could access positive opportunities regardless of household income. Activities also encouraged young people to explore environments beyond their immediate neighbourhoods, develop independence, build confidence and form new friendships. Access to trusted youth workers and positive group experiences contributed towards wellbeing, social development and community inclusion. 8. Youth Champions, Leadership and Peer Mentoring Project Zero continued developing its Youth Champions Programme, encouraging young people aged 14 and above to take leadership roles within the organisation. Young people were supported to develop skills in communication, teamwork, safeguarding awareness, first aid, activity delivery and peer support. Youth Champions contributed to activities, supported younger participants and helped shape Project Zero's wider youth offer. This programme is central to our commitment to youth participation and creating positive role models within local communities. It also provides an important progression pathway, helping young people move from attending youth activities into volunteering, training, leadership and employment opportunities. 9. Young Carers and Family Support Project Zero continued providing opportunities for young carers in Waltham Forest to access respite, positive activities, friendships and emotional support. Young carers often experience responsibilities that can restrict their social lives and opportunities to participate in activities outside the home. Through structured sessions, creative experiences, trips and supportive relationships, the programme provided opportunities for young carers to relax, build confidence and enjoy time with their peers. The programme contributed towards improved wellbeing, resilience, independence and social connection. 10. Mental Health, Wellbeing and Creative Engagement Supporting young people's emotional wellbeing remained an important part of Project Zero's work throughout 2025. Our approach recognised the importance of early intervention and the role of trusted youth workers in identifying emerging difficulties and supporting young people to access appropriate help. Creative engagement programmes, including Kitch Unlocked and music-based activities, provided opportunities for self-expression through songwriting, lyrical writing, performance and creative development. Sport, mentoring, group discussions and informal youth work also created opportunities for young people to develop confidence, resilience and positive relationships. These approaches were particularly valuable for young people who may be reluctant to engage with traditional support services. 11. Partnerships and Development of The Outset Centre Project Zero continued strengthening its partnerships with schools, colleges, employers, statutory services and voluntary and community organisations. The Outset Centre remained an important community resource, supporting the delivery of youth engagement, education, mentoring, employment and wellbeing activities. Through partnership working, Project Zero was able to connect young people with specialist services, practical opportunities and additional support. This collaborative approach also strengthened the role of the centre as a community hub and helped improve coordination between organisations working with vulnerable young people. Overall Community Impact and Social Value Throughout 2025, Project Zero continued to demonstrate the importance of providing connected support across different stages of a young person's development. Our programmes contributed towards: Youth violence prevention: Providing positive alternatives, trusted relationships and early intervention for young people at risk of anti-social or offending behaviour. Educational inclusion: Supporting young people experiencing exclusion, SEND and difficulties engaging with mainstream education. Employment and economic opportunity: Creating pathways into work experience, training, apprenticeships and paid employment. Mental health and wellbeing: Providing safe spaces, positive activities, mentoring and opportunities for emotional expression. Social inclusion: Removing financial and practical barriers to participation, particularly for disadvantaged young people and families. Youth leadership: Supporting young people to become role models, peer mentors and active contributors to their communities. Community cohesion: Strengthening relationships between young people, families, schools, employers and community organisations. Project Zero's approach is based on the belief that young people should not be defined by the challenges they experience. By providing consistent support, positive relationships and meaningful opportunities, we aim to help young people recognise their potential, develop aspirations and make positive choices about their futures. Our continuing commitment is to build safer communities by investing in young people before they reach crisis point.

Project Zero remains committed to ensuring that our services are informed by the experiences, needs and aspirations of the young people and communities we support. Our key stakeholders include young people, parents and carers, schools, colleges, employers, local authority representatives, health and youth justice partners, community organisations, funders and delivery partners. Young People's Voice Youth participation remains central to our approach. Through our Youth Champions Programme, informal consultations, group discussions and regular feedback, young people are encouraged to influence the activities, services and opportunities provided by Project Zero. Our youth workers maintain ongoing relationships with participants, enabling young people to express their views in environments where they feel comfortable and supported. Young people's feedback helps inform activity planning, programme development and decisions about future opportunities. Schools, Colleges and Referral Partners During 2025, Project Zero continued strengthening relationships with schools, colleges and Alternative Provision settings. These partnerships were particularly important in identifying young people requiring additional educational, behavioural, emotional or employment-related support. The development of the Building Communities Programme demonstrated the value of collaborative referral pathways, enabling young people from different educational settings to access opportunities beyond the classroom. Employers and Industry Partners Project Zero continued consulting with employers and industry professionals to ensure that our employment and careers programmes reflected realistic workplace expectations and opportunities. Feedback from employers and participants helped inform the design of practical activities, Insight Days, work experience placements and progression support. Community and Statutory Partners Project Zero maintained engagement with local authority services, voluntary organisations and community partners to understand emerging needs and identify opportunities for collaboration. This included work relating to educational inclusion, mental health, youth safety, employment and community development. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Project Zero continued using attendance monitoring, questionnaires, feedback discussions, observations, programme reviews and case studies to understand the impact of its activities. Feedback informed programme development, accessibility adjustments and improvements to the support offered to young people. An important area of continued learning was the need to strengthen longer-term progression tracking, particularly where young people move from initial engagement into education, training, apprenticeships and employment. Our commitment is to ensure that stakeholder consultation contributes to meaningful service improvement and that young people remain active participants in shaping Project Zero's future. Further evidence can be obtained of our work via our website – www.projectzerowf.co.uk

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