From Harm to Hope:
A Model for Real Change

Our Appropriate Intervention Plus Model empowers and equips young people to disrupt cycles of harm and rebuild their future - stage by stage, phase by phase. Until equipped to do so, independently of us!

Welcome to Streets of Growth

Where Targeted Intervention and Employability Transform the Life Trajectories of Harmed Young Lives

Founded in 2001, we are a dynamic grassroots charity at the pioneering forefront of youth intervention in London’s East End. Our crucial work and focus of attention are underserved young people aged 15-21 who are engaged in criminal harm and are stuck. We strategically deliver longer-term transformative support to young people caught up and affected by serious youth violence, child criminal/sexual exploitation, gang affiliation, financial exploitation/debt bondage, hidden caring responsibilities and poverty. Everything we do is for the personal, social, educational and economic advancement of the young people our intervention model of approach is designed and equipped for.

A group of people seated around a circular table with a pink microphone, engaging in discussion with Princess Kate at Streets of Growth.
Alan McKinstry at the Streets of Growth Office.
A Venn diagram showing factors contributing to significant harm reduction, including outreach and intervention, lifestyle change, and employability progression, all interconnected with a safeguarding system.

Appropriate Intervention Plus Model

Drawing from three decades of award-winning youth intervention in East London and continual overseas research and collaboration, in partnership with Impetus we have refined and advanced our theory of change model of approach, launching this Autumn.

Our Appropriate Intervention Plus Model is a cohesive approach where our Intervention Coaches significantly reduce harm through appropriate outreach, intervention, and cognitive behavioural skills development for creating safety and stability in a young person’s Lifestyle and lived Environment. Plus, longer-term transitional support into an Education and/or Employment outcome progression.

The Birth of the Intervention Coach

Pioneering Youth Interventionists

From the moment Streets of Growth was founded in 2001, we were determined and deliberate about coming into this highly controversial and under-resourced field with fresh eyes and solutions. Wanting to design and develop a different type of youth intervention model, centre, and intervention worker, we drew upon our pioneering work here in London’s East End and took influence from our overseas ‘best practice’ partners.

Our ambition gave rise to the multi-disciplinary role of our in-house ‘Intervention Coaches’ trained with specific strategies, skillsets and behaviours to effectively operate within and transform young people’s life trajectories in this context.

Tailored Pathways

Specific, Relatable and Stage-Based

Throughout our organisation’s lifetime, we have run a diverse range of Transition into Employment progression projects relevant and specific to a young person’s career interest, readiness, capability and ability. For example, Fashion & Textiles, Film & Photography, Music, Podcasting, Construction Industry, Furniture Upcycling, Bicycle Maintenance. These employability projects and workshops are continually evolving, and we are currently designing and developing employment pathways into the Hospitality, Heritage and Tourism sectors.

Boar logo with "The Boar's Head Theatre" text, geometric design.
Streets of Growth theatre venue with wooden flooring, yellow curtains, industrial-style exposed ceiling, and large windows

Elevate Your Next Event!

Hire our incredible EpiCentre, which sits above what was once The Boar’s Head Playhouse, has been reimagined into a cutting-edge open-spaced theatre complete with stage lighting, surround sound, and an immersive 16x10 foot projection screen. We can also provide external catering to enhance your experience. Get ready to create unforgettable moments in a spectacular historic setting!

The Boar's Head Theatre-Left Window with Murals.jpg
Streets of Growth Upstairs Office
Glass cabinet containing artifacts found during the digging at Hayloft Point

Recent News

Young Person, Roberta Crawford receiving BCyA Medal of Honour.jpg

Roberta’s Journey from Inner-City Struggles to National Recognition

At just 17, Roberta from East London has turned her life around and is now making a profound impact on her...

Eddie Marsan OBE and Darren Way sitting on graffiti-covered stairs in an urban setting.

Behind the Scenes: Actor Eddie Marsan Visits Streets of Growth

Actor Eddie Marsan - Patron of our charity Streets of Growth visited our centre in East London to see our...

A group of women engaged in a discussion around a table with various design materials and fabric swatches. They are smiling and appear to be in a creative or educational setting, with posters on the wall in the background.

Royal Visit: Catherine, Princess of Wales Visits Streets of Growth

The Princess of Wales came to see the new space for Streets of Growth, which has been provided by Unite Students...

Young People Testimonials

Silhouette of a person against a blue background

“My intervention coach really listened and took the time to learn about my life and situation. I now realise the friendships I was in were not good, and I was being used and exploited. The Cognitive Behavioural Skills coaching enabled me to see that I have choices, which led to starting a new career and joining the young influencers programme to support other young people.”

– S.R.

Silhouette of a woman with hair tied back in a bun against a purple background.

“I was making some really bad decisions, that at the time I never realised how much I was hurting and worrying my family. Engaging with Streets of Growth made me realise it was never too late to repair the damage done, and I have since moved back in with my parents and am now in the final year of my degree course in Accountancy.”

– T.S.

Silhouette of a young man in profile with teal background lighting.

“Keep up the good work. You really don’t understand what an impact you have on people. You helped me so much and made me realise there’s more to life than the streets and gangs.”

– B.V.

Funders, Donors & Supporters

At Streets of Growth, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive lasting change in communities. The support of our funders, donors and partners enables us to develop and deliver the vital work we do empowering young people to break the cycle of poverty, criminality, violence and socio-economic exclusion. By supporting our cause, you’ll be investing in innovative, impact-driven programmes that create real opportunities for personal and community transformation. Join us in building a brighter future. Together we can make a difference where it’s needed most.

Black and white logos of various organiations and foundations, including Berkeley Group, Canary Wharf Group, Charles Hayward Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Impetus, London Youth, Lloyds Bank Foundation, Mayor of London, Propel, Tower Hamlets, and Unite Students.