49% of children in Tower Hamlets are living in poverty. This impacts on social and emotional wellbeing and academic achievement. The early teenage years are when wellbeing plummets and teenage wellbeing is a significant predictor of GCSE achievement, school engagement and problem behaviour. Make It! aims to ensure that these young people can make the most of their futures, emotionally and academically. We are fundraising to be able to reach every secondary school in Tower Hamlets.

We partner students with a mentor to build up a positive adult relationship and receive social and academic support. These one-to-one sessions provide a safe space for an exploration of self-awareness, social relationships and school behaviour. We also host group working sessions framed around attachment theory. The young people are also be taken on activity trips (1-3 days) giving them the opportunity to meet peers from other schools and create a greater sense of belonging and community.