In 2001 London Borough of Hackney (LBH) was in financial crisis and Youth Service delivery was significantly cut-back. Local residents in Shoreditch expressed concern at the lack of targeted provision for young people and came together with: Shoreditch Trust, Shoreditch Police and local Housing Associations to set-up SkyWay as a Charity. Alice Phillips, who stayed with the organisation until 2006, was appointed as Development Manager to develop a tailored youth programme with local young people.

Quarterly public meetings were held to consult with and involve local young people and community members in developing SkyWay's programme of work. Needs and issues raised included: health & fitness, drugs awareness, sexual health, crime prevention, conflict resolution, literacy & numeracy, life skills and access to: services, education and employment. The following themed programmes were set up as a result of this initial work: Sexual Health, Sports and Parenting Support. All programmes also included youth volunteering and peer support and mentoring.

Young people living in the South Kingsland area in Shoreditch were initially the focus of SkyWay's work. However, we found that young people from across Hackney asked to part in our programmes. A major factor in the success and popularity of our programmes is that they are youth-focused and young people drive our programme delivery. Many young people have fed back that 'by young people for young people is the best way to get the message across'. SkyWay is the only organisation in Hackney currently operating a dedicated young father's support programme.

SkyWay continues to play a strategic role in Hackney; championing young people's needs. The public meetings which helped set up SkyWay; have since evolved into an independent body, the Shoreditch Youth Network (SYN). SYN is an umbrella group for local youth organisations, offering programme delivery, spearheading public sector negotiations and collaboration with the voluntary youth sector in Shoreditch.

SkyWay's Programme & Achievements

SkyWay's programmes are designed with and for young people; and underpinned by peer-education, volunteering, and helping young people to help themselves. Being youth-led and youth-focused has significantly contributed towards the success of our programmes; particularly in recruiting hard to reach groups and building credibility in the eyes of street-wise young people.

SkyWay supports young people to work towards playing a fuller role in their communities through giving them opportunities to develop their responsibilities as leaders and educators and mentors.

CityZEN is a partner working with SkyWay; delivering peer research and education training with young people; an integral part of our programmes. This enables young people to take part in our all aspects of our work and is essential in fostering citizenship and empowerment and developing the next generation of leaders in the local community.

SkyWay's work with young people has inspired them to achieve personal goals in education and training and make positive career choices. E.g. Two young people are now training as youth workers; 1 volunteer achieved an NVQ2 in Youth Work, and another is about to complete a BA in Youth & Community Work. Eleven young people achieved FA Coaching qualifications and two are now working locally as Coaches. Where possible we recruit and employ local young people. In 06 -07 SkyWay worked with 2,030 young people, (80% from high need BME groups).

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