25 years of empowering young lives
As we reflect on 25 years of LifeLine Projects, it is impossible to ignore the incredible journey of our SW!TCH programme. It began with SW!TCH ID back in 2009—a series of positive actions to challenge the negative stereotypes about young people. From humble beginnings, it soon grew and evolved into a range of programmes that continue to support and shape young lives.
I often think back to the early days of SW!TCH and how we set out to change the public perception of youth culture. When we began, there was a commonly-held belief that young people—especially those wearing hoodies—were more likely to be troublemakers. So SW!TCH ID was about letting young people redefine how they were seen. The fingerprint and the exclamation mark became our symbols of resilience and identity—a message of strength to the young people who found their voice within the programme.
Looking back, I realise how much the success of the programme has meant to me personally. My own relationship with youth work, mentoring, and community engagement is deeply tied to SW!TCH. There is no greater joy than seeing a young person grow, overcome their challenges, and achieve what they once thought impossible. I’ve witnessed that joy multiply endlessly through the lives of countless young people involved with our programmes.
Recognition and achievement
As we mark this milestone, I can’t help but think of the words shared by Prime Minister David Cameron in 2013, as he recognised the impact of our work with young people with a Big Society Award:
LifeLine Projects has grown to take on a huge range of projects to transform communities. Its work to not only do the most it can, but also to help other social enterprises grow is impressive. Engaging young people in their local communities is vital in ensuring they are empowered to be active members of that community. From litter picking to community fun days LifeLine Projects have given hundreds of young people the chance to get involved and give something back and this Big Society Award recognises the difference they have made to the whole community.
- 2009—SW!TCH ID wins a CYPNow Volunteering and Participation Award for its young people-led approach to transforming communities
- 2010—SW!TCH ID wins a Philip Lawrence Award for outstanding achievements in good citizenship by young people
- 2012—SW!TCH ID received the Mayor of London’s 2012 Olympics Inspire Mark, celebrating its contribution to the London 2012 Olympics.
- 2013—SW!TCH ID was recognised with the Royal Society of Arts Innovation Award for its innovative approach to engaging young people in social change
- 2013—SW!TCH ID was given a Big Society Award by Prime Minister David Cameron for the differences young people have made in their community
It’s moments like these that remind me of the importance of our mission.
Transforming lives
The true heart of SW!TCH is, of course, far more than just winning awards. It’s about the moments of change we don’t always see—the quiet victories, like when they land their first job, or first realise they’re able to shape their own future. It’s about the young people we’ve mentored, the communities we’ve reached, and the resilience we’ve helped nurture.
When I reflect on the journey of SW!TCH, I am extremely proud of everything we’ve done. Yet, I am also deeply aware of how much more there is that we can achieve. Today, SW!TCH stands as a testament to what’s possible when young people are given the tools, support, and encouragement to thrive. Our programmes—whether mentoring, career development, mental health support, or leadership training—are built on a foundation of care and understanding, exactly as they were when we first started.
In these 25 years, we’ve grown, we’ve evolved, and we’ve learned. And with that growth comes an even greater responsibility: to ensure that we continue to meet the changing needs of young people across London. Our team continues to listen, adapt, remain present, and show compassion.
Transforming communities
One of the first activities born of SW!TCH ID were flash mobs—a bold and creative way of showing the community that young people are more than their labels. These moments still stand out for me.
I can still vividly remember our community clean-up and litter-picking—spearheaded by local young people, it ended up attracting so many residents to join in and take ownership of their environment. It was through activities like these that young people were encouraged them to take leadership roles in their community—organising events, running campaigns, and building relationships with local businesses. Over the first years of SW!TCH, these amazing young people ended up involving over 900 residents in their community efforts in total.
Hannah's story
Hannah was one of the first young people to be a part of SW!TCH ID back in 2009, joining when she was 15 years old. Here she looks back on her time with the programme and how it affected her.
It was a while ago now, but being on SW!TCH ID was a turning point in my life. I learned valuable skills that helped with my education and career. It opened many doors, helped me connect with my community, and taught me the importance of empathy. I also gained confidence in speaking in public and talking to strangers, which helped me move forward in life. The programme taught me the value of giving back to your community.
Read more of Hannah's story
What were some of the most memorable moments during your time with SW!TCH?
I remember doing flash mobs to clean streets and knocking on doors to chat with people. A big highlight was going to Downing Street for the Prime Minister’s Big Society Award. Coming from a working-class background, this was a huge opportunity that opened many doors for me.
How did SW!TCH help you with your personal development?
Many of the friends I made through LifeLine are still some of my closest today. The programme helped me build confidence, learn how to be a good friend, and be accountable in healthy relationships.
Do you think SW!TCH influenced your career or life choices today?
Yes, definitely. The programme, and LifeLine more broadly, shaped my belief in the power of community. I studied politics at university, worked on NCS, and now work as a project manager at UCL. I believe in bringing communities together to solve problems and empower people to create positive change.
Do you feel that the work of LifeLine Projects with young people is still relevant and impactful?
Yes, the work is still highly relevant and impactful. Community-led initiatives are more important than ever.
How would you like to see the programme evolve in the future?
I hope the programme continues to grow alongside the community. It should adapt to changes, especially in areas like LBBD, which has a large youth population. The programme should continue to positively impact the community and empower young people to be forces for change.
Is there anything you would like to share about your experience that might inspire participants in SW!TCH?
Get involved and give it your all. Don’t come in with preconceived ideas. There are many skills you’ll learn that will help you later in life. Reflect on your achievements and remember that the connections you make will last a lifetime.
Growing and evolving
What started as a simple initiative to change perceptions soon grew into a comprehensive programme that addresses many aspects of young people’s lives. As we further developed our work with young people, SW!TCH expanded into several different strands, each focusing on different challenges young people face today.
Mentoring
Originally started with volunteers working part-time, our mentoring has evolved into the core that underpins all our work with young people. Mentors, who are often closer in age to the young people they serve, provide guidance, confidence-building, and life skills development. Mentoring is now embedded into all of our programmes with young people as well as many of our family and community programmes.
SW!TCH Lives
Supporting young people who are engaged in or on the edge of criminal exploitation through providing role models, positive activities and alternative friendships. Young people are referred from probation teams, Youth Justice Services, social workers, and schools.
SW!TCH Futures
This programmes works in schools and in the community supporting young people to develop a positive vision for their future. Working with targeted young people through an online referral system, we provide a package of support to help young people transform their lives.
SW!TCH Minds
Mental health is at the heart of SW!TCH Minds, which offers emotional support, coping strategies, and a safe space for young people to discuss their well-being.
SW!TCH Communities
This programme focusses on hyper-local neighbourhoods, working with young people and local residents to lead change in their neighbourhoods, which promotes civic engagement, social responsibility, and leadership.
SW!TCH Ambassadors
Our SW!TCH Ambassadors programme is focused on creating new leaders, not for tomorrow, but today. It equips young people with the hard and soft skills needed to succeed in both personal and professional spheres through regular training sessions, leadership residentials, and coached leadership development.
Hazib's story
Hazib, 15, is a current participant on our SW!TCH programme. After spending time in mentoring, he’s now joined our SW!TCH Ambassadors leadership programme. Here he tells of his journey and what being an Ambassador means to him.
I first got involved with the SW!TCH Ambassadors programme because my mentor, Charlie, encouraged me to apply. Charlie always spoke highly of the positive impact the programme had, and it really sparked my interest. I was drawn to the variety of activities offered by LifeLine, which seemed like a great opportunity to be part of something that focuses on helping young people grow and make a positive difference. It felt like a chance to contribute to a cause I care about while developing personally.
Read more of Hazib's story
What does being a SW!TCH Ambassador mean to you personally?
Being a SW!TCH Ambassador means a lot to me personally. It gives me a sense of purpose by allowing me to feel more useful in my community. The role has made it easier for me to contribute to positive change, which is something I’m really passionate about. The opportunity to make a difference has filled me with pride, knowing that I am part of something bigger and actively working towards improving the lives of others.
In what ways have being a SW!TCH Ambassador helped you grow and develop both personally and professionally?
The activities have played a huge role in helping me grow both personally and professionally too. I’ve become much more social and confident, as I’ve had the opportunity to interact with different people and take on new challenges. I’ve also developed stronger problem-solving abilities, which have helped me approach situations more effectively and creatively. This growth has not only boosted my self-assurance but also made me better equipped to handle various situations, both in my personal life and future career.
What are some of the most memorable or rewarding experiences you’ve had so far?
The best experiences I’ve had as an Ambassador have been the residentials and the trips. During these activities, I had a lot of fun with the LifeLine staff, who became more like friends than just people I worked with. They’re not only professional but also act like mini-parental figures, offering guidance and support in a way that makes you feel truly cared for. These experiences have made me feel a sense of belonging and connection, which has been really rewarding.
How has being a SW!TCH Ambassador shaped your view on leadership and responsibility?
One of the key lessons I’ve learned is that there’s often more to people than what meets the eye. The happiest-looking person on the outside could be struggling on the inside, and this has taught me to be more understanding and compassionate. I’ve also learned the importance of being optimistic with everyone, as a positive attitude can go a long way in making others feel supported and valued.
What have you learnt that you use in your everyday life?
Two of the main skills I’ve gained from the SW!TCH programme that I use in my day-to-day life are leadership and problem-solving. The experience has helped me become more confident when taking the lead in different situations, whether it’s at school, with friends, or in other activities. I’ve also developed stronger problem-solving abilities, which help me approach challenges more calmly and effectively. These skills have become a part of my everyday life and have made a big difference in how I handle different situations.
How do you see your role as an Ambassador evolving over time?
I haven’t really thought too much about how it could change, but I do know that I enjoy running positive activities and helping out wherever I can. Being part of SW!TCH has really influenced how I view youth work and its importance in helping young people overcome challenges. I’ve learned to think outside the box and approach problems with a more open mindset. The skills I’ve gained through the programme—whether it’s leadership, communication, or problem-solving—will always be useful in the future, especially when it comes to adding value to my CV.
Next steps
As we celebrate this quarter-century milestone, I not only feel a deep sense of pride but also anticipation for what’s next.
The vision behind SW!TCH is not to run programmes but to host a movement that sees our society transformed with young people at the centre and the lead–our work is far from done!
But the landscape for young people today has changed immensely as well–the rising cost of living drives up poverty, the legacy of COVID is one of widespread social and mental issues, and today’s society seems more dangerous than ever with knife violence now commonplace. This all gets further compounded by impact of ever-present social media–that tiny computer in your pocket which won’t ever let you forget “just how bad things are”.
So, I ask myself and I ask you: what is our calling to follow in the years ahead?
The need remains but the challenges adapt. So too must our programmes and approaches.
How can we continue to lead in new, courageous ways, just as the young people we serve do every day?
So here’s to the next 25 years. And thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey with us.
