Ealing celebrates latest Street Elite graduates at The Green Quarter as results show 86% progression into employment, education and training.
Young people from across Ealing who have overcome significant barriers to employment, education and training were recognised at a Street Elite graduation ceremony at The Green Quarter in Southall on Thursday.
Hosted by The Change Foundation and Berkeley Foundation, the ceremony marked the culmination of this year ’s nine-month Street Elite programme, celebrating the achievements of its latest graduates. The Mayor of Ealing, Faduma Mohamed, joined participants, mentors and partners to recognise their success.
The event took place at The Green Quarter, Berkeley’s 88-acre regeneration of the former Southall Gasworks into a nature-rich neighbourhood. Alongside delivering much-needed new homes, green space and community facilities, Berkeley has also invested in programmes that support local people and create opportunities for surrounding communities, with Street Elite forming part of that wider commitment.
Supported by local authorities, including the London Borough of Ealing, Street Elite works with young people aged 16–25 facing significant barriers to employment, education and training, including exclusion from education, unemployment, crime, violence and other forms of disadvantage. Through sport, mentoring and employability support, the programme helps participants build confidence, resilience and practical skills to move into work or further education.
The programme comes at a time when improving opportunities for young people and tackling economic inactivity remain high on the national agenda. According to Street Elite's latest annual results, 86% of participants progressed into employment, education or training, including 58% entering full- or part-time employment, 27% progressing into education and 15% moving into training.
Piers Clanford, Chairman of Berkeley Foundation and Chief Operating Officer of Berkeley Group, said: “Street Elite is a fantastic example of how the Berkeley Foundation is working with leading charities to support the communities around our developments. Here in Southall, we are helping young people overcome significant barriers, build confidence, develop new skills and access employment, education and training. It's an important part of ensuring the benefits of regeneration reach those in greatest need of support and new opportunities.
“The achievements celebrated today show what can be achieved when young people are given the right support, encouragement and belief. We are incredibly proud of our partnership with The Change Foundation and of the lasting difference Street Elite continues to make.”
Navjeet Sira, CEO of The Change Foundation, said: “Street Elite is rooted in trust, lived experience and genuine community presence. Our coaches and graduates are at the heart of the programme, helping young people build confidence, develop practical skills and believe in their own future.
“Today’s graduation celebrates the determination and achievements of our latest cohort and the opportunities they have created for themselves. We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Berkeley Foundation, and grateful for the support of local councils and partners who help make this programme possible in communities across London and Birmingham.”
Over the past 13 years, Street Elite has supported more than 1,000 young people across London and Birmingham. Its impact extends beyond employment outcomes, with 80% of participants reporting improved physical health, 86% saying they were more open to talking about their mental health and 77% saying they felt more ready for employment.
The graduation reflects Berkeley's wider social value programme at The Green Quarter. Over the last year alone, Berkeley's community investment activity reached more than 5,000 local people through work experience placements, careers fairs and community events, helping ensure local people benefit from the regeneration of the area.
The graduation ceremony underlined the long-standing partnership between Berkeley Foundation and The Change Foundation, which has helped Street Elite grow into a long-term programme supporting young people across London and Birmingham. Coaches and mentors, many with lived experience of the same challenges as participants, play a central role in Street Elite’s community-led approach, helping young people build confidence, develop practical skills and take their next steps into employment, education or training.