The Change Foundation and The Berkeley Foundation won ‘Best Mid-term Partnership’ for the Street Elite programme at the Third Sector ‘Business Charity Awards 2020’. In its ninth year of delivery, Street Elite is now a multi-award-winning programme and continues to engage some of London and Birmingham’s most disengaged young people. For every £1 invested, Street Elite generates over 10 times the amount in social value over 3 years, according to an independent study by Bean Research in 2019.
“We’re incredibly lucky to have such supportive partners in The Berkeley Foundation, it’s much more than simply a funder-charity relationship, it’s very much a true partnership in every essence of the word. Our team of Coach Mentors on the front line are inspirational and it’s their continued dedication to create positive change in the young people we work with that makes the programme so successful”
said Henry Glynn, The Change Foundation, Head of Programmes.
“We’re really passionate about what we do and in Street Elite, we continue to unearth so much raw talent that just need an opportunity to shine”
said Ross Defoe, The Change Foundation, Community Programmes Manager.
The Third Sector judging panel made the following remarks about the programme:
“A true strategic partnership which the people at Berkeley have wholeheartedly embraced. This partnership is very clearly changing lives on a personal level, and Berkeley are a prime example of the changes that business can enact themselves – e.g. employing people who have graduated from the Street Elite programme.”
“This is a thoughtful and impactful partnership. By working so closely together, the change being created for young people is astonishing. And to create a toolkit to share for others demonstrates the legacy the two organisations are seeking to achieve. By completing an SROI, the impact is verified. And I like that the business is seeking to lead the way for other employers to support young people, building capacity for the future. Simply a wonderful partnership and testament to the commitment of both teams.”
“Using sport to engage young people, and offering real potential employment for our their futures, whilst reducing incidents of violent crime is to applauded. A great pathway in what can be an otherwise inescapable culture of youth crime and unemployment.”
“This is an excellent application and a very innovative, inspiring partnership.”
“Very impressive from The Berkeley Foundation. This partnership is so impressive because I believe it requires a lot of commitment from both The Berkeley Foundation and the Change Foundation. In addition the 80% employment rate for graduates and the 1 to 10 Social ROI are very compelling stats. The fact that Berkeley is doing so much more than funding the project including offering coaching and employment is really great. Keep up the great work!”
Since lockdown and social distancing measures were introduced in March, we have been unable to continue any physically delivery, however we have been able to adapt quickly and utilise technology to deliver the programme remotely. Online communication platforms, instant messaging app’s and video calls have been used to facilitate group activity as well as 1 to 1 mentoring and support. Creative and engaging learning workshops and exercise programming has meant that our retention rate has remained very high through lockdown. Now in the NEET to EET transition phase of the programme, our coach mentors are currently working with young people to commence work placements, apprenticeships, training courses and secure jobs.
