Since 2002, Eastside Young Leaders Association has been working with disadvantaged children and young people in London susceptible to participating in anti-social behaviour and violent crime. 43% of the young people they work with have been or have a family member or friend who has been the victim of a knife crime, and 40% have participated in local gangs, with their exposure to alcohol and drugs being all but daily. EYLA specialises in steering children and young people vulnerable to anti-social and criminal behaviour towards a life based around learning and leadership. They currently work with 300 boys and girls at their centre in Newham and a further 500+ through the in-schools programme.

The ALMT are supporting EYLA to deliver a project that provides crisis intervention and intensive holistic support to boys and girls in Newham, including: Supervision and mentoring by a specialist youth worker; Access to mental health services; After school educational projects, music, sport and career development (3 nights per week and Saturdays); Tutoring support during term time to improve educational attainment; Leadership training; Access to work and volunteering opportunities; Weekend residentials; On call emergency response for participating boys and their families.

The project aims to halt participants involvement in anti-social and criminal behaviour including membership of gangs and participation in violence; improve mental health and emotional wellbeing; improve life skills and employability. 80% of participants will exit the programme positively, either staying in education or entering employment. The University of Greenwich will work with EYLA to establish an evaluative framework. They will gather qualitative data on the efficacy of this model of intervention, which will be used to inform future development and delivery.