Off The Fence
Prayer Spaces in Schools
Since 2011, Off The Fence's Schools and Youth Programme has operated in schools where cuts and oversubscription have left student services badly stretched. We recognise that in the absence of intervention, young people can enter adulthood with a lack of self-worth and poor mental health which can be a contributor to impoverished living as adults.
We work throughout Brighton and Hove to provide dedicated mentoring time for young people to talk through personal issues in a non-biased, safe place. Our 5-strong team ensure young people know there is always a safe person to go to in times of crisis.
This approach to extracurricular care has been a lifesaving matter for many supported with warning signs of isolation and neglect identified and signposted. As the cost of living crisis continues to affect households across Brighton and Hove, we anticipate the demand for support for young people to rise exponentially.
Recent programme feedback received includes the following:
- Student: “It gave me time and space to think amidst busy living.”
- Assistant headteacher: “The team from Off The Fence consistently delivers invaluable mentoring and continues to make a huge impact on some of our most vulnerable students.”
The identified objectives of this project mirror Off The Fence's overarching mission of resisting poverty, empowering people and restoring hope.
These objectives include:
- To break the poverty cycle through early-year interventions.
- For young people to feel supported and heard through the Schools and Youth Project’s work.
- To see all young people thrive in society regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds.
The life-saving impact and reach of the School and Youth Programme can be seen through our website and published Impact Report.
For more information please see: https://www.offthefence.org.uk/
