XLP stands for ‘The eXceL Project’.

Our mission is to engage in long-term relationships that empower young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to complete their education, avoid anti-social behaviour and ultimately become independent and confident contributors within their communities.

XLP was set up in 1996, in response to a stabbing in a school playground, the school’s headmaster asked a local church-based youth worker to come into the school, work with their students and teachers and help with difficult behavioural issues.

We now operate across nine inner-city boroughs around London, working with 3,000 young people each year through education, mentoring, sport and the arts. You can see our theory of change, as well as the journey on which we hope to take each of our young people.

XLP’s nationally recognised mentoring programme matches an at-risk young person with a trained mentor who encourages them to make positive life choices. Meeting every week for 30 weeks of the year, our mentoring focuses on ensuring young people aged 11-18 stay in education, aren’t involved in gang culture or antisocial behaviour, and work hard to achieve the goals they set.

“My mentor has helped me to build my confidence, choose the right ways and believe in myself.
She has helped me so much”
Chloe from Greenwich