Lifeline Projects has been awarded funding from the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) through the Girls and Young Women Local Groups Fund to deliver the Reclaimed Project in Barking and Dagenham, as part of 15 organisations working across London.
The year-long programme is designed to support girls and young women affected by violence, exploitation and harm by creating safe and supportive spaces where they can connect with others, build confidence and access support shaped around their lived experiences. The programme will support up to 30 girls and young women through weekly group sessions, positive activities, and our VIP Mentoring.
Supporting girls and young women across London
Girls and young women affected by violence, exploitation and harm are often misunderstood or overlooked, and many existing services do not fully meet their needs.
The Reclaimed Project will provide small and supportive group sessions where girls and young women can spend time with others, take part in activities and access support in a safe and welcoming environment.
The programme is designed to help girls and young women feel safer, stronger and more confident while recognising them as more than the experiences they have been through.
Alongside weekly sessions, participants will also have opportunities to share their ideas and experiences through co-production activities, for which participants are remunerated, that help shape future services and improve understanding of the support girls and young women need.
Building confidence through peer support
A key part of the programme is creating opportunities for girls and young women to build positive peer relationships and feel less isolated.
Weekly sessions will focus on emotional wellbeing, confidence, self expression and helping girls and young women feel supported within their communities.
The programme will also support other organisations delivering services for girls and young women to connect, learn from one another and strengthen gender responsive practice across London.
Focus on safe spaces and long-term support
The programme is based on the belief that girls and young women need safe spaces where they can feel heard, build trust and develop supportive relationships.
By providing regular support over a full year, the programme aims to improve wellbeing, strengthen confidence and help girls and young women feel more connected and supported.
Over time, this work is expected to strengthen understanding across the sector and improve how services respond to girls and young women affected by violence and exploitation.
This funding gives us an important opportunity to create safe and supportive spaces for girls and young women whose experiences are too often misunderstood or overlooked. The Reclaimed Project is about helping young women feel heard, valued and supported while building confidence, connection and hope for the future. We are proud to be part of a programme that puts the voices and experiences of girls and young women at the centre of support and change.
Nathan Singleton
Chief Executive
We know that many girls and young women have experienced situations where they have not felt listened to, understood or safe. The Reclaimed Project is about creating consistent and supportive spaces where young women can build trust, feel valued and connect with others without fear of judgement. We want every young woman who takes part to feel stronger in themselves and more confident about their future.
Jenna-Marie Singh
Young People's Services Manager
What the programme aims to achieve
The Reclaimed Project will focus on improving outcomes for girls and young women affected by violence, exploitation and harm across London.
It aims to:
- Create safe and supportive spaces for girls and young women
- Build confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing
- Strengthen positive peer relationships and support networks
- Increase feelings of safety and connection within communities
- Support girls and young women to share their experiences and shape services
- Improve understanding of the needs of girls and young women affected by harm and exploitation
- Strengthen gender responsive practice across organisations and services
- Build collaboration and learning between organisations supporting girls and young women
Building stronger futures
In the longer term, the fund aims to strengthen support for girls and young women across London and improve how services respond to experiences of violence, harm and exploitation.
By investing in safe spaces, peer support and co production, Lifeline Projects will empower girls and young women, strengthen communities and support lasting change across the sector.
This work reflects a shared commitment to improving support for girls and young women and ensuring they are given the safety, understanding and opportunities they deserve.