The Company chose London-based youth charity XLP to be the recipient of its 2021 major grant, to help reduce school exclusion rates and build positive futures for young people

XLP’s focus is on some of the most disadvantaged young people in London. Founded in response to a stabbing in south London in 1996, and now in their 25th Anniversary Year, they are still at the forefront of tackling the causes of knife crime at source. 

Their work aligns itself closely with the Company’s endeavour to support excluded, disadvantaged or at-risk young people as they address the challenges they face. 

XLP’s Director of Fundraising, Tim Sledge, says, ‘XLP is thrilled and honoured to receive this grant. It forges stronger and closer links between XLP and the Haberdashers for which we are grateful. More importantly will be the work this enables with the hundreds of at-risk young people we work with each week’.

The charity is mindful that they may face greater challenges in the months to come, as the social and emotional impact of Covid-19 reveals itself. But Tim is confident that through their long-term relationships and supportive mentoring they will be able to support the young people with their mental health and wellbeing. 

Project aims include: 

•    Increasing self-esteem and self-confidence to give young people the best opportunity for increasing academic attainment
•    Decreasing the number of exclusions for those at risk 
•    Addressing key gaps in early educational attainment around literacy and numeracy

The Company’s grant will help fund XLP’s works across the City, Hackney, Lewisham and Southwark, including projects with students from Knight’s and Hatcham Academies. 

For more information about XLP visit their website. For full details of their work supported by the Company contact Susan Barry, Director for Charities, on susan@haberdashers.co.uk.