The Winning Harts initiative, part of our SW!TCH Communities programme, is focused on making Harts Lane Estate and its surrounding area in Barking a safer and more positive place for young people, families, and residents. The programme began in 2024 as part of the Mayor of London’s MyEnds programme, which supports local neighbourhoods to develop their own approaches to tackling youth violence.
When Linda† first came to one of our sessions, she carried a lifetime of challenges with her. Having spent much of her childhood in care, she arrived in her early thirties with no family support network in the UK and very few people she could rely on. Years of abandonment and disappointment had left their mark—she often struggled to trust others and would sometimes push potential friendships away before they had a chance to grow.
Quiet and withdrawn, she rarely made eye contact and preferred to stay in the background. Yet despite her anxieties, she took a remarkable first step. After seeing one of our flyers, she found the courage to walk into a room full of strangers and ask for help.
At the time, Linda was facing an urgent housing issue that needed resolving within days. Together, we explored the support available and linked her with a local organisation that could help complete the necessary forms and applications. But, even then, she was hesitant.
“Nothing ever works out for me,” she told us. It was a reflection of the experiences that had shaped her expectations of the world—but something began to change.
By her second visit, there were small but noticeable signs of progress. Linda’s body language was different—she started making eye contact, seemed more comfortable in the space, more willing to engage in conversation. Those small shifts marked the beginning of a much larger journey.
A turning point came after a particularly meaningful conversation. As we talked, Linda thanked us simply for listening. For perhaps the first time in a long while, she felt heard.
We had already noticed something about her. Although she was quiet, she was always looking for ways to help others. At the end of sessions, she would offer to tidy up or support fellow attendees. It was clear that beneath her lack of confidence was a genuine desire to contribute.
Recognising this strength, we asked whether she would like to try volunteering. Her answer was immediate—“Yes!”
Volunteering gave Linda an opportunity to build confidence, develop relationships, and discover just how much she had to offer. Over time, she went from receiving support to helping shape opportunities for others. One of her proudest achievements was becoming a member of our grant decision panel, helping assess funding applications and contributing her lived experience to decisions affecting local residents, entrepreneurs, and community projects. Her perspective proved invaluable, and her voice carried weight.
For someone who once struggled to enter a room, she was now helping make decisions that could positively impact the lives of others. Although Linda was never a person of many words, one comment has stayed with us—“I’m so glad you guys are here.”—simple words, but ones that spoke volumes about the importance of belonging, connection and support.
Today, Linda is looking towards the future with greater confidence and ambition. She has expressed a desire to find employment and continue developing her skills. Further training and experience will help her take the next steps towards her goals, but she has already come a long way.
Linda’s journey reminds us that transformation does not always begin with a dramatic breakthrough. Sometimes it can start with a flyer, a conversation, and a room where someone feels welcome enough to walk through the door.
It also shows us that, sometimes, the person who arrives needing support becomes the person helping others find their way forward.
Aimeshinim Watson
Families Support Coordinator