JAF Spring 2025 Update

We've had a packed start to the year across all of our youth programmes, with new projects launched and plenty of support for young people. Here’s a round-up of what’s been happening in the first quarter of 2025.

Robbery Fund Project – Basketball & Mentoring

In January, we launched our Robbery Fund project - a two-year programme designed to offer safe, structured after-school activities in response to a rise in robberies affecting pupils on their way home from schools in Wandsworth. The project combines basketball and mentoring sessions each week across four sites:

• Ernest Bevin Academy (Flynn - basketball coach, Richard - mentor)

• Providence House (Simeone - basketball coach, Ross & Stacy - mentors)

• Nightingale Academy (Tony - basketball coach, Ross & Richard - mentors)

• Francis Barber Academy (Robert - basketball coach, Joseph - mentor)

Sessions run every Tuesday, except for Nightingale Academy, which takes place on Mondays.

Vibrant flyers for each venue

As with many new projects, things started quietly, but momentum soon grew as word spread around each venue. At Providence House, we made the decision to run separate sessions for boys and girls to encourage more young women to take part - this move worked well and brought new faces onto the court.

A great turnout for April's B2B Basketball tournament Photo: TSA Studios

To keep young people motivated and connected across the borough, we held a B2B 3v3 tournament during the half-term break. Open to everyone who took part in our weekly sessions, as well as the wider community, the tournament attracted 70 sign-ups, with 45 young people hitting the court on the day. You can read more about how the tournament went in our dedicated recap here. The energy and competition on display showed just how valuable these sessions are for building confidence and connections in the community.

Legacy Foundation Partnership - Mentoring & Boxing

In our last blog post, we highlighted our meeting with Marlow Morris and staff at Francis Barber Pupil Referral Unit in Tooting for a partnership project with Marlow’s Legacy Foundation. The project kicked off in January, and over eight weeks, young people at the unit took part in combined mentoring and boxing sessions, delivered by Rachel (mentor) alongside coaches Martin and Marco. The sessions offered a powerful mix of personal development and boxing training, giving the young people a positive outlet and practical life skills at the same time. It was a pleasure working with the Legacy Foundation, and we look forward to joining forces again.

Ernest Bevin Academy - Mentoring Project

Following a stabbing on school grounds at Ernest Bevin Academy, we were approached by Wandsworth Council to provide targeted support for pupils affected by the incident.  We launched Inspire, Empower, Lead - an intensive 12-week mentoring programme in January, providing a much-needed space for the young people to talk openly, get guidance, and work through the challenges they faced both inside and outside school. Much appreciation to Ernest Bevin Academy’s Safeguarding Lead Timothy Kay for facilitating the project.

JAF Founder Joseph (centre), with Ernest Bevin Alumni (L-R) Rakeem, Ewemade, Ross and Jemal

Our mentors Ewemade, Ross, Jemal, and Rakeem know the school well - as former students, they returned to give back and support the next generation coming through its doors, alongside JAF mentor Richard and founder of JAF, Joseph, who added vital experience from years of youth work in the wider community. Our team’s commitment to building trust and offering steady support made a real difference in a short space of time.  

Week 1 of Inspire, Empower, Lead - the Youth Mentoring Programme at Ernest Bevin Academy Video by On The Scene Media

Harris Academy, Merton

Harris Academy Merton - Basketball & Mentoring

From January to March, we continued our project at Harris Academy, Merton, offering mentoring support along with weekly basketball sessions, with partners Croydon Elite, Unique Talent and South West Runs. The sessions saw solid engagement from pupils who benefited from the weekly mix of sport and mentoring from positive role model Simeone.

Youth Work in Merton

We continued to provide youth workers and boxing coaches for Pollards Hill Youth Centre, Phipps Bridge Youth Centre and Acacia Adventure Playground. We thank Rachel, Obi, Tristan, Tia Doir, Rakeem, Villi and Nakieah. Also Coach Marco for delivering self-defence sessions during the half term breaks. A massive thank you goes to Carol (who we have worked with since the very start of Jimmy Asher Foundation), Sarah, and Michelle From Pollards Hill YC and Phipps Bridge YC and the two Julies at Acacia Adventure Playground.

Lastly, we'd like to give a special thank you to Jason Charles for assisting us with our funding applications, and to the Jimmy Asher Foundation team who have all contributed to a strong first quarter, with so many young people getting involved and making the most of the opportunities on offer. We’re looking ahead with big energy and optimism, creating even more safe, positive spaces for young people and building our community.

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