THEORY OF CHANGE
INSPIRE WALWORTH
EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY
INSPIRING FUTURE GENERATIONS
CONTEXT & CHALLENGES - WHO + WHY (Evidence-based assumption)
Walworth is a vibrant and diverse community facing significant socio-economic challenges, including:
- A high proportion of families navigating child poverty, food insecurity, and unemployment.
- Disruption and displacement caused by the large-scale regeneration project, impacting community cohesion and stability.
- Limited availability of positive role models and opportunities for young people to engage in structured activities that foster their personal and social development.
- Increased risks for young people, including exposure to anti-social influences, exploitation, and involvement in criminal activities.
- Widespread feelings of loneliness and isolation, often stemming from disrupted family environments, lack of safe social spaces, and difficulties in accessing community support.
TARGET GROUPS BENEFICIARIES - WHO + WHY (Evidence-based assumption)
Our target group includes young people aged 11–25, with a focus on those aged 11–18, who are at risk of:
- Anti-social behaviour, involvement in criminal activities, school exclusion, or becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training).
- Experiences of loneliness, isolation, social anxiety, and fear of crime.
- Restrictions on socialising due to cultural or familial barriers, particularly for those struggling with low self-esteem.
Needs: Structured and unstructured activities, positive role models, safe social spaces, and opportunities to build confidence, skills, and resilience.
ACTIVITIES & INTERVENTIONS - HOW
Youth Development (Inspire Youth)
Creative, recreational, and social activities (arts, sports, media, etc..
Holiday programmes for structured free-time support. Workshops on life skills (e.g. financial literacy, communication).Football coaching and youth clubs to enhance teamwork and social connection. Youth forums and partnerships for mentoring and amplifying young voices.
ACTIVITIES & INTERVENTIONS (continued...) HOW
Employability Support (Inspire to Work)
Tailored support to young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), helping them to overcome barriers to employment and build sustainable career paths.
- 1-on-1 casework and personalised action plans.
- Job coaching, including CV writing, interview preparation, and professional development.
- Work placements and apprenticeship opportunities to provide practical experience.
- Post-employment support to ensure sustained success and career progression, offering guidance and advice as they transition into the workforce.
IMMEDIATE IMPACT - WHAT WILL THE INTERVENTION ACHIEVE
EVIDENCE-BASED SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES
- Increased engagement in positive activities, reducing time spent in unstructured or potentially harmful environments.
- Improved confidence, self-esteem, and social skills through participation in youth clubs, activities, and workshops.
- Enhanced employability skills, including CV writing, job readiness, and practical work experience.
- Improved physical well-being and teamwork skills.
- Strengthened relationships and social connections, reducing loneliness and isolation.
- Improved mental health and emotional resilience.
INTERMEDIARY IMPACT - WHAT WILL THE INTERVENTION ACHIEVE
EVIDENCE-BASED MEDIUM-TERM OUTCOMES
- Increased sense of belonging and community engagement, reducing the risks of anti-social behaviour and criminal involvement.
- Greater access to positive role models and mentors, encouraging personal growth and the development of healthy coping strategies.
- Enhanced social cohesion, especially within the youth community, reducing isolation and fostering support networks.
- Improved educational outcomes, with more young people engaged in education or training, and fewer at risk of exclusion.
- Better mental health outcomes, with young people demonstrating improved emotional regulation and reduced feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
ULTIMATE GOAL
EVIDENCE-BASED LONG TERM OUTCOMES
A thriving, resilient, and inclusive community in Walworth.
Young people equipped to navigate challenges and achieve their full potential.
- Reduced levels of anti-social behaviour, crime, and social exclusion among young people.
- Increased numbers of young people successfully entering the workforce or continuing with further education or training.
- Stronger community resilience, with empowered young people taking leadership roles and contributing to positive change within Walworth.
- Sustained mental health improvement across the youth population, with young people developing lasting coping mechanisms, resilience, and emotional well-being.
INDICATORS OF SUCCESS
- Increased participation in structured youth activities and reduced drop-out rates.
- Positive feedback from participants, showing increased self-esteem, confidence, and personal development.
- Improved educational outcomes, with more young people staying in school or re-engaging in education.
- Successful placement rates for work experience, apprenticeships, and employment.
- Decreased levels of anti-social behaviour, crime, and disengagement from the community.
- Measurable improvement in mental health, with young people reporting reduced anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.