A new story for London’s youth - told by those bold enough to change it.
London is facing a crisis that cuts deep. Knife crime has surged by 38% since 2016. Over 200,000 young people are out of education, employment or training — and vulnerable to gang recruitment. In some boroughs, up to 1,000 children are referred to authorities every month. The impact is visible on every level - in trust, in trauma, in lost potential.
But what if the solution isn’t out there somewhere - what if it’s already in the community? What if we could bring together courageous leaders, trusted mentors, inspired employers, and the young people most at risk - and equip them to co-create something powerful, something lasting?
This is the Safe Life Mission:
A London Breakthrough Programme using the Bridge Institute’s Spiral Methodology to unlock change at scale - through insight, coalition, and action. At the Bridge Institute, we believe systems can change - but only if the people within them do. This work is made possible through close collaboration with partners - including our long-standing allies at Bridge Partnership, whose leadership expertise continues to support transformational change.
The Safe Life Mission brings together three powerful threads of transformation:
1. The Breakthrough Programme
We are gathering leaders across London - from the government, local authorities, businesses, youth services, and frontline communities - to work together in pioneering collaboration. Through immersive experiences and the Breakthrough Hourglass process, they will co-design bold new interventions for safer communities.
2. The Changemaker Programme
We are taking young people most at risk of gang involvement to learn the most advanced leadership techniques and apply these techniques to real challenges in their communities. Over one week, they will build trust, gain new skills, and imagine new roles for themselves. They will become changemakers: confident, resourceful and connected.
3. The Employers Programme
We don’t stop at inspiration. We will work closely with employers to create real opportunities - jobs, mentoring, and support systems - that can provide inspiring opportunities for young people as they step into new versions of themselves. Our model is inspired by pioneering models and high success rates achieved in countries in Asia-Pacific.
Our Blueprint for Change: The Spiral Breakthrough
Systemic problems don’t need plasters. They need deep redesign. That’s why we follow a four-part journey:
- See differently – uncover the real causes of violence and exclusion.
- Convene courageously – bring together unexpected allies.
- Create breakthrough events – where insight meets action.
- Sustain transformation – through changemakers and long-term support.
We’ve applied this model in conflict zones and in fragile communities and seen communities shift from crisis to courage.
A Week that Changes Everything
The Changemaker Experience
In the mountains or in South London, our Changemaker programme gives young people the space to breathe - and build. They take part in:
- Workshops on leadership, wellbeing, design thinking, and storytelling.
- Music, art, streetwear design, and creative expression.
- Outdoor skills and physical wellbeing.
- Real-world business and entrepreneurial learning.
By the end of the week, they’re not just inspired. They’re leading their own community projects - tackling challenges like mental health, school safety, substance abuse, and environmental care. And they do it together.
Join the Mission
We are building a movement - and there is room for everyone:
- Schools and youth centres.
- Employers and business mentors.
- Leaders from government, police, and local authorities.
- Community leaders and social workers.
- Artists, coaches, chefs, and role models.
Get in touch?
To learn more or explore how you can get involved, reach out to Barney Hill (The Safe Life Mission Manager) or Tina Oldham (The Safe Life Mission Director).
We’d love to hear from you.
