Why We're Focusing on Targeted Work

“One of the key reasons for focusing on young people vulnerable to violence is that we’re not just impacting their futures, but we’re also improving the overall life chances and environment for everyone in the community,” says Mark Foster, reflecting on the shift in strategy. “We’ve seen that when young people turn away from violence, the ripple effects are felt across families, neighbourhoods, and the wider community. It’s a crucial step towards building a safer, more cohesive environment.”

Mark stresses the importance of working across various sectors to make this change. “We need to involve as many members of the community as possible—grassroots organisations, statutory services, and individuals. It’s a long journey, and it won’t happen overnight, but the more people we have engaged, the greater the chance of making lasting change.”

To support this ambitious goal, Ecosystem Coldharbour has developed a robust training and capacity-building programme. “We’re working to upskill our partners so they can engage with high-risk young people in the most effective ways. This isn’t easy work and it requires a lot of trust, local knowledge, and strategic thinking. Our training is designed to prepare everyone—whether they’re a small community group or a larger organisation—to make a real difference.”

A vital part of the strategy is the newly launched Targeted Grants Programme. “The grants are designed to provide financial support to organisations that are already trusted within the community and have the local intelligence needed to work with these young people,” Mark explains. “We’re looking for innovative, small-scale projects that can reach those who aren’t visible to other services or who might be disengaged from traditional approaches. This local, tailored approach is what gives us the best chance at creating long-term change.”

In closing, Mark reiterates the long-term vision of My Ends 2. “This work isn’t about quick fixes. We’re building something sustainable—supporting young people now so that they can lead the way in a safer, more supportive future. It’s a community effort, and we need everyone on board to make it happen.”

Mark Foster is the new Development Lead and Project Manager for Ecosystem Coldharbour

mark@mlcommunity.co.uk | 0208 001 2188