The Dispossessed

Last week the Evening Standard ran a special report on London’s dispossessed in a campaign to reduce poverty in the capital. Many readers were shocked at the extent of the poverty that exists on their doorstep and I was really moved and encouraged by the number of people donating money, stationary, cots, baby clothes, theatre tickets, restaurant vouchers etc.

One of the facts in the report that really stuck out was that Hackney has the highest proportion of NEET 16-18 year olds (currently 10%!) of any London Borough. I think Sir Trevor Chinn, Chair of the Mayor’s Fund for London, hit the nail on the head when he said “the best way out of poverty is a decent job. But to get them to that position they need training, confidence building and support.”

ReachOut! is constantly trying to address these issues through our mentoring projects. The generosity of our volunteers, not with money or material donations but with their time, is imperative to raising our young people’s aspirations, building self esteem and giving them the much needed one-to-one academic support which so often they aren't able to access. We are so grateful to have such motivated volunteers who give up their time to make a difference; their efforts are hugely appreciated.

Fran Blackwell