The programme aims to offer a comprehensive support package to disadvantaged and vulnerable 11–16 year olds at critical transition points in their lives.

Helping them to develop their life skills in order to bring about positive changes for individuals who are unrepresented and residing in some of the most disadvantaged communities in London. Fit 4 Life harnesses the power that football has to positively improve a young person’s wellbeing. Young people take part in a series of workshops which run alongside a football and coaching programme over 10 weeks. Workshops are followed by a one-hour drop-in session, where those individuals identified as being most-in-need are offered further one-to-one support with our counsellor as necessary.

The programme was initially funded for two years by the Berkeley Foundation in 2018 and the programme is still ongoing, funded by UK Youth. We are currently working in partnership with Partisan CIC, a team of community psychotherapists and psychologists, delivering a programme to pupils at City Heights Academy and SMP participants.

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I honestly don’t know where I would be without SMP.

Aramide

Aged 18
I just wanted to say a big thank you for all the help and support you have given to us girls at St. Matthew’s and especially to me as an individual in my development.

Aramide

Aged 18
The St. Matthew’s Project works with young people in some of the most deprived parts of my constituency, and indeed the country.

Chuka Umunna

MP for Streatham (covering parts of Tulse Hill & Brixton)

Weekly wellbeing workshops.

At our weekly wellbeing workshops, young people receive a free meal on arrival then get the chance to talk in confidence about any issues they like with a trained counsellor and youth worker from Partisan. Free football and coaching sessions follow the workshops.
@smpbrixton