The youth project, the schools, the community and food retailer

KYC Digital Youth Provision

Emergency support to children and young people during lock-down, including doorstep contact, online hangouts, 1 to 1 mentoring, activity packs and meal delivery.

How did the collaboration come about?

Knights Youth Centre (KYC) is long-established and trusted in this deprived area of South London. They collaborate with local schools and other community groups to identify children at risk. The infrastructure was already in place through existing relationships with schools so they switched to address the self-evident impact of isolation on young people during lock-down. This has not only supported the mental health and well-being of existing members, but also built valuable new relationships with local families, finding ways to address their needs. Meal delivery was an additional service that was provided, thanks to food retailer COOK providing free meals.

What were the most important factors that contributed to the success of this project?

Response to need

Response to COVID-19

Delivery of project

Social impact

Existing relationships

It is important that KYC has long been trusted in this community. But COVID-19 has given it the opportunity to extend its reach considerably.

Project funding

Through existing funders of the charity, plus donations in kind.

Will the project continue beyond COVID-19 lockdown?

Yes. Online support is proving a good way to maintain and extend contact with young people.

Online emergency provision is not a substitute for face-to-face contact with young people, but it is a valuable addition to the services that could be offered.