Level up

Effort Over Environment Collective CIC proposes the Level Up: The EOE Girls’ Space, a year-long programme for girls aged 11–18 in Peckham, particularly those facing systemic disadvantages such as living in temporary accommodation, experiencing homelessness, low-income households, or from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds.

The project runs twice a week from January to December 2026, combining academic support, creative development, career guidance, football, and counselling access to help girls maintain academic attainment, develop confidence, and improve wellbeing.

Programme Structure

Day 1 – After-School Zone

A safe, structured space for support and growth:

• Homework & Computer Zone: Computers available for schoolwork and revision, with volunteers providing guidance and technical support.
• Careers Zone: Mentorship and workshops introducing creative, sporting, and professional pathways.
• Creativity Zone: Journaling, art, and storytelling activities fostering self-expression and resilience.
• Therapy Access: A qualified therapist will be available during sessions for girls to access confidential support, promoting mental wellbeing and guidance on personal or academic challenges.

Day 2 – Football Zone

Weekly football sessions led by female coaches, focusing on fitness, teamwork, and wellbeing. Activities include friendly games, wellness check-ins, and confidence-building exercises.

Local Context and Need

Peckham faces significant challenges related to housing instability and child poverty. Approximately 1 in 20 children in Southwark are living in temporary accommodation, a 77% increase since 2020 (Southwark News). Furthermore, 35.6% of children in Peckham live in poverty after housing costs (Southwark JSNA 2025). These socio-economic challenges contribute to higher absenteeism, disengagement from school, and mental health concerns, disproportionately affecting girls from minority ethnic backgrounds.

Outcomes

• Maintain and improve academic attainment for girls facing systemic barriers.
• Increase mental wellbeing, resilience, and self-confidence.
• Improve digital literacy through computer access and volunteer support.
• Improve physical health and teamwork skills.
• Provide consistent access to a safe, structured environment after school.
• Strengthen community connections and mentorship opportunities.

Why This Matters

Many girls in Peckham, especially those in temporary accommodation, experiencing homelessness, or from low-income or minority ethnic households, lack safe, supportive spaces after school. By combining learning, computer access with volunteer support, creativity, football, and access to counselling, this project ensures girls can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. This reflects Effort Over Environment’s principle that “effort drives transformation.”

Why It Will Succeed

EOE has a proven track record delivering impactful programmes for young women across South London. The organisation is led by a founder with lived experience growing up in south London as a young, black, female who experienced homelessness during her school years. The combination of Peckham Levels’ safe venue, qualified coaches, computers with volunteer support, a female therapist, and consistent weekly structure ensures high engagement and lasting impact.

Funding Justification

The £35,000 request covers:

• Venue hire £6,000
• Staffing (qualified coaches, facilitators, volunteers) £7000
• Programme materials (journals, SEN items, career resources,) £2500
• Computer access & volunteer academic support £2500
• Snacks and refreshments for participants £1500
• Transport bursary £1500
• Therapy support: hiring a qualified female therapist for weekly sessions £4500
• Marketing and outreach to priority communities £1500
• End-of-year celebration costs £1500
• Evaluation and reporting £1000
• Contingency for unforeseen expenses £1500