About YPR
About Young People Relate
YPR is a grassroots organisation from Deptford, founded in 2006 by Ibrahim Abdulai. We are the bridge between families, young people and children's social care.
Bridging the gap between families and social care
We work alongside families and young people who are already involved with children's social care. We act as a bridge between the local authority and the communities it serves, so young people with complex needs have joined-up support around them.
We know the needs and challenges young people in the borough face. Through partnerships across community spaces, our team meets young people where they feel most comfortable, whether that is our hub in Deptford or a familiar community venue.
Our mission
To empower young people, families and communities to overcome challenges and build brighter futures.
Our vision
A world where every young person has the opportunity and support to thrive, reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.
How we work
We hold the highest expectations of ourselves and of the young people we support, and we challenge every child to grow in self-awareness and confidence while keeping families together.
Time to understand themselves
Young people get time to explore their social development and understand themselves and their circumstances.
Not afraid of mistakes
We celebrate perseverance, resilience and having a go, so children welcome challenge and are not frightened to make mistakes.
Families included
We talk openly with parents, carers and specialists, and involve everyone in the young person's support network.
We support young people of all cultures, faiths and abilities. Safeguarding and welfare are extremely important to us. We want every child, family member and carer to feel listened to, and safe to talk about any part of their lives.
Our values
Our values: REACH
R.E.A.C.H. runs through everything we do. Our values were set with input from our whole community: staff, children and parents.
The thread through all of them is one word:TRY.
Respect
Every young person is seen, heard and valued. We celebrate differences and listen without judgement.
Empathy
Understanding begins with empathy. We make safe spaces where young people feel understood and never alone.
Aspiration
Every young person can reach beyond their current circumstances. We help them set goals that mean something to them.
Confidence
Confidence fuels independence. We praise progress and help young people trust their own voice and choices.
Honesty
Honesty is the backbone of every healthy relationship. We keep conversations open and truthful, even when they are hard.
Where we work
Our hub is in Deptford, south east London. We work with 3 councils:
- London Borough of Hackney
- Royal Borough of Greenwich
- London Borough of Lewisham
What we do
One-to-one key working, the AQA Unit Award Scheme, leadership and thinking-skills programmes, escorted transport and our sensory room. For Hackney, Greenwich and Lewisham we also provide out-of-hours crisis support and a Diversion from Care scheme, described in the council portal.
Work with us, or refer a young person
Councils, schools and families: we would like to hear from you.