Enhance opportunities for young people's personal and social development  Enable young people from deprived areas to participate and improve the life of their communities  Ensure young people can access support to help them achieve their aspirations

For the past three years, Elevate has worked throughout London to directly address the issues that affect young people today, supporting them to tackle social exclusion on inner city estates.  Since September 2007 we have been running a pilot project in North East Hackney, using a combination of detached youth work and applied drama.

Detached Youth Work

In detached youth work, the worker goes out to meet young people on their territory, gradually building up trust and relationships with both young people and the community around them.  It enables workers to support young people in voicing their needs and wishes and provides a neutral space in which to constructively challenge young people about their behaviour, attitudes and perceptions of self and others.

Applied Drama

Applied drama is a form of dramatic activity that exists mainly outside mainstream theatre institutions.  It provides a safe platform where young people are able to communicate their views, creatively explore their relationship with others and make a positive contribution to their local community.

Using a combination of detached youth work and applied drama we are now working with over 200 young people in Hackney. These methods are particularly appropriate for Elevate as they allow us to develop locally relevant and participatory projects. Through its activities, Elevate is gradually building long-term relationships with young people and their communities,  helping to create positive opportunities, develop confidence and high aspirations for the future regardless of background, income or postcode.