STREET
TEAM
We go to where young people are: the estates, streets and parks of Islington. We listen, build trust and help them find support on their own terms.
Meeting young people where they are
Detached youth work is where our story began 25 years ago, and it is still the foundation of everything we do. Our approach is simple: go to where young people are, listen to them, build trusted relationships and respond to the needs they identify.
Ten detached youth workers work in pairs across Islington, delivering 96 hours a week across 12 of the borough’s 17 wards. They are out five afternoons a week, around the end of the school day, and two to three evenings a week, when young people are most likely to be in public spaces.
Some young people simply want a trusted adult to talk to about home, school, relationships or their future. Others need advice about education, training or work, help to reach other services, or encouragement to try positive activities. The team also supports young people facing serious challenges, including exploitation, youth violence, unsafe relationships, substance misuse, school exclusion and the criminal justice system.
Out on the streets
conversations and engagements with young people
young people reached by the street team
of Islington’s 17 wards covered each week
of young people engaged through Kickback went on to positive activities
Figures from our Impact Report 2025–26 (PDF).
Trust, week after week
Consistent, familiar faces
Repeated contact and informal conversations let us spot concerns early, offer guidance, challenge harmful choices and connect young people with support when they are ready.
The Kickback Project
With Wipers Youth CIC, Coram Leap: Confronting Conflict and Jigsaw-GC, we help young people in Finsbury Park and across Islington feel safer, find opportunities and stay away from violence.
Into work and learning
The team has helped young people into paid work experience, mentoring, vocational courses and training, including a placement with a local motorbike mechanics.
Something positive to do
Trips, sports, climbing, boxing, residentials and community events, plus a way in to our youth hubs and studio.
“I didn’t trust anyone. Now I come every week.”
Your donation keeps our youth workers on Islington’s streets, week after week.
Donate to our street team →