Overview

Southwark is a borough characterised by both wealth and poverty, where life chances are unequally spread. One of the groups most affected by the inequality is young people, with a shocking 40% growing up in poverty. Young people from poorer communities too often cannot access the opportunities that others take for granted. One Southwark has been set up to level the playing field by finding ways for Southwark’s resources and opportunities to be shared. The programme is currently being managed by United St Saviour’s charity and is driven by a coalition of community stakeholders (businesses, funders, charities and residents) who believe that the status quo can be challenged, and that Southwark can become a fairer place. One Southwark will transform the lives and opportunities for young people through collective action. The principles of the programme are that: • We can all do something. Whether a local resident, a business, or a charity, everyone in Southwark can play their part by ‘giving’ money, in-kind support (e.g. time, skills, connections) and being advocates for change. • Everyone is different. We will put young people and their individual experiences at the heart, working around their very specific needs and aspirations. Change also takes time, which is why we will be flexible, patient and supportive as young people define their pathways to success. • The systems need to change. The problem doesn’t sit with the young people themselves but with the systems. We are advocating for changes in the behaviours and practices of local institutions in support of young people. We want to bring young people and local institutions together, to learn from each other and find new and pioneering ways to remove barriers that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds find are in their way, and thereby create a true ‘One Southwark’.