Eastside Young Leaders’ Academy was founded in 2002 in the London Borough of Newham with a mission of social mobility and inclusion. Activities include an after-school tutorial programme and a Saturday and holiday enrichment programme to enable young people to develop their interpersonal, communication and leadership skills.
Those involved undertake community volunteering and have their aspirations and imaginations fuelled through visits to EYLA’s business partners in the City, career talks and through mentoring. EYLA’s Scholars Programme identifies especially able young people and gives them support to access bursary places at leading public schools and to succeed in boarding school life. Since 2007, over 180 EYLA scholars have taken up scholarships at schools including Rugby, Eton, Wellington and Sherborne School for Girls.
Mental health and wellbeing significantly impacts on our young leaders’ capacity to fully access our leadership curriculum, aspirational opportunities and educational support. The grant from The Fishmongers Company is enabling us to improve their emotional resilience to ensure that they do not slip through the net.
Eastside Young Leaders Academy
Newham has the 4th highest child poverty rate in the UK which, alongside other negative factors, puts young people in this area at greater risk of stress and mental health problems, and consequently lower educational attainment. To enable all of its students to achieve to the best of their abilities, EYLA takes a holistic approach, with a curriculum covering self management and health and wellbeing.
With the support of the Company, EYLA has extended its provision by appointing a dedicated Well-being Co-ordinator. Counsellor Carol Murraine is providing one to one support to young people, and to their parents and carers, and leading workshops and seminars focused on opening up a dialogue on mental health issues and providing positive coping strategies. Carol also manages a team of volunteer counsellors whose work ensures that all EYLA students are supported to reach their potential and to make a positive contribution to their community.
For more information about Eastside Young Leaders’ Academy, click here to visit their website.
© The Fishmongers’ Company 2024
