Exit Foundation

OUR IMPACT

Exit Foundation is dedicated to providing support to young people and adults who are caught up in gangs, streetlife, drugs addiction or who simply want help. Through our bespoke 16-week mentoring program we are committed to helping individuals to exit their old lifestyle and enter a brighter future by assisting them into education, training or employment.

See a few examples of lives that have been changed below.

Our results

Through our mentoring program, and with the continual funding of our generous supporters, we have helped build a better future for many individuals.

of our clients have entered education, training or employment following completion of the Exit Foundation mentoring programme
0 %
of our clients do not offend whilst on the programme
0 %
years of experience helping our clients discover a better future
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REAL LIFE STORIES

Here are a few examples of how lives have been changed through our mentoring program.

Rohan

Rohan Cooke was referred to Exit Foundation in 2016 after his release from prison. As someone with a history of gang affiliation, Rohan expressed a strong desire to make a significant change in his life. He sought our support to transition away from the lifestyle he had been involved in.

To facilitate this, Exit Foundation took immediate action, relocating Rohan out of London and away from the environment and peer group that had influenced him. Following his relocation, Rohan received intensive mentoring support from Exit Foundation, which he continues to benefit from to this day.

We are proud to share that Rohan Cooke has now established his own mentoring organisation, a sports mentoring programme called Young Elite Sports.

Rohan stated that:

” YEM works with young people who have a high interest to play football at a grassroots or academy (professional level), aged between 14-19. They may need general support and guidance for sport enhancement. They may also need support to speak with someone linked to our project”.

It has been a privilege to play a role in Rohan’s journey, and we are thrilled to support him by sharing his success. At Exit Foundation, our mission is to empower individuals to reach their full potential.

After serving time in prison, Michael faced significant challenges, including a lack of stable housing. He spent months moving from sofa to sofa, but as time went on, this precarious living arrangement took its toll. When he could no longer stay with friends, he found himself living in a tent in someone’s back garden.

Although Michael was eager to work, the lack of a secure home and access to proper hygiene facilities made it difficult for him to stay motivated or presentable for potential employers. This difficult situation led to a period of deep despair, during which he reached out to Exit Foundation for help.

We provided Michael with critical support for his mental health as he grappled with suicidal thoughts. Additionally, we helped him prepare for employment by providing funds for interview-appropriate clothing and accompanied him to a job fair, where he secured a new job on the spot.

During his time in the mentoring program, Michael disclosed that he was a care leaver. Recognising this, alongside his struggles with mental health, Exit Foundation took proactive steps to secure the support he needed. We provided Michael with a detailed supporting letter, referencing relevant legislation for emergency accommodation, and accompanied him to his local council offices. This advocacy resulted in Michael being placed in emergency housing.

Today, Michael continues to maintain a strong connection with Exit Foundation, regularly visiting and generously offering his time as a volunteer in any way he can. His dedication to giving back reflects his commitment to personal growth and to supporting others on their journeys.

Ben was referred to Exit Foundation by a Youth Offending Service following a 12-month intensive supervision and surveillance program. During our assessment, it became clear that Ben was not engaging effectively with the existing service providers. Recognising the need for a more tailored approach, we implemented home visits to connect with both Ben and his parents, fostering trust and building a strong foundation for support.

After about three weeks, Ben expressed his aspiration to work with motor vehicles. In response, we facilitated his enrolment in a 12-month motor vehicle apprenticeship course, aligning with his goals and interests.

Over a year later, we received a call from Ben’s parents, who shared that they were facing financial difficulties and had fallen into rent arrears due to personal circumstances. Exit Foundation promptly intervened by writing a supporting letter to the council, securing emergency accommodation for the family on the same day.

Ben continues to benefit from mentoring through Exit Foundation as he works toward achieving his personal and professional aspirations.

Christopher was referred to Exit Foundation by his Youth Offending Service officer, who identified mentoring as the most suitable path forward. Following an assessment, it was determined that Christopher would benefit from engaging in a sports activity. After exploring his interests, he chose to pursue boxing.

Exit Foundation connected Christopher with a local boxing program, where he quickly demonstrated natural talent. Within three months, he had earned a place on the boxing team, showcasing his dedication and skill.

Subsequently, Christopher approached Exit Foundation for support in finding flexible employment that would complement his boxing training schedule. In response, we secured a zero-hour contract with a local organisation, enabling Christopher to work at his flexibly while continuing to focus on his boxing training and development.

Client A was referred to Exit Foundation by the Youth Justice Service due to his involvement with the wrong crowd and being on the edge of serious gang activity. After receiving a court order, he was placed in our 16-week mentoring program. He fully engaged and completed the program, and then volunteered with us. We supported him in enrolling in college and gaining the skills for employment. Three years later, Client A reconnected with us to express his gratitude. Two years after that, we were asked to provide a reference for him, and he is now working with the Metropolitan Police.

Client B was referred by Children’s Social Services after being relocated to London for safety concerns due to grooming and exploitation. She had been going missing and found in drug dens. After joining our mentoring program, she was assisted into a new care placement of her choice, was supported through her final school year, and went on to college. She was provided with a part time job with Exit Foundation and supported with setting up her own business. Both Exit Foundation and the other professionals involved believe that Client B has a bright future ahead.

Cayhan self-referred to Exit Foundation after being directed to us by a pastor at a church where he had sought help. At the time, Cayhan was at his lowest point, having lost everything to a severe crack and heroin addiction. He had recently lost his job and home, his relationships with family had broken down, and he felt that he had nothing left to live for.

Cayhan reached out to Exit Foundation by phone, expressing his desperation for support. During an initial meeting with one of our mentors, he shared that he was willing to “try anything,” explaining that previous attempts at recovery had been unsuccessful.

Recognizing the severity of his addiction, Exit Foundation referred Cayhan to our parent organisation, the Teen Challenge Residential Rehabilitation Centre, for comprehensive treatment before he could begin rebuilding his life.

After successfully completing the Teen Challenge program, Cayhan has made significant progress. He is now employed as a driver at our furniture reuse centre, volunteers with Exit Foundation, and is currently training for church ministry. His transformation is a testament to his resilience and determination to create a brighter future.

Listen to Cayhan’s full story on YouTube.

Sam self-referred to Exit Foundation after his sister, a previous client, recommended our services. He had been arrested on a serious charge, which resulted in severe threats to his life from a well-known London-based gang. These threats were considered credible by the police, necessitating immediate action to ensure his safety.

Following an initial meeting, it was determined that Sam needed to be relocated without delay. Exit Foundation arranged temporary accommodation for him in a hotel for two nights while securing a safe house. Sam was then relocated to a different town, away from the environment that had drawn him into gang-related activities. There, he was provided with emergency housing and support.

Sam was then enrolled in Exit Foundation’s 16-week mentoring program, which helped identify the root causes of his challenges and facilitated referrals to appropriate service providers. Upon completing the program, Sam was placed into employment, allowing him to rebuild his life and discover the self-worth and satisfaction that comes from earning an honest living.

Since then, Sam has successfully turned his life around. The serious charge he faced at the time of his referral was ultimately dropped due to insufficient evidence. Over the past three years, Exit Foundation has continued to support Sam, most recently assisting him in starting his own business.

We remain committed to standing by Sam’s side, providing guidance and support for as long as needed, as he continues to build a promising future.

At just 17 years old, Danny was sentenced to life in prison following a tragic incident that resulted in the loss of another person’s life. After serving 18 years in custody, Danny felt abandoned by the system, struggling with the lack of adequate support as he faced an upcoming parole hearing.

Through his mother, Danny learned about Exit Foundation and the work we do to support ex-offenders. Determined to make a change, he reached out by writing a letter requesting our assistance. Moved by his story, Exit Foundation promptly responded, arranging a visit to Danny at HMP Warren Hill.

From that point on, Danny received monthly mentoring sessions, during which his commitment to transforming his life became clear. He shared his deep desire to prevent young people from becoming involved in gangs and street violence, expressing heartbreak over the increasing number of children entering prison for serious crimes committed in the name of postcodes.

Exit Foundation supported Danny’s parole application by preparing a detailed report that highlighted his progress and determination to change. In 2019, Danny was granted parole, with his solicitor and the parole board acknowledging that Exit Foundation’s report and mentorship played a significant role in their decision.

Since his release, Danny has remained an active participant in our mentoring program and is currently training to become a mentor himself. We are confident that Danny has a promising future working alongside Exit Foundation, helping young people steer away from destructive paths and turn their lives around.

Watch Daniel’s story

TESTIMONIALS

Hear from our clients and other service providers about how we’ve been able to make a difference.

  • “It has been a pleasure working with Exit Foundation and in particular Paul. The energy, enthusiasm and dedication that Paul has for his clientele are astounding. I have lost count of the work opportunities that Paul has offered to young people. Paul’s determination to overcome any problems or obstructions that may be a barrier for young people accessing the workplace is endless. And, despite young people on occasions not making the most of such opportunities Paul would always be the first to try and engage them on another occasion.

    The young people I have spoken to have nothing but the utmost respect for Paul. One young person that had recently been released from custody was in awe that Paul had managed to get him a job within weeks from release.

    I would love to work with Paul and Exit Foundation in the future and would not hesitate to sing Paul’s praises and recommend him to any organisation that could benefit from his ethos and work ethic.”

    PC Murray Youth Offending Team
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  • “Exit Foundation have been a valuable partner, assisting us in keeping young people safe by building excellent and meaningful relationships with often complex and difficult young people.”

    Lynne James Team Manager, Youth Offending Service
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  • “We are very and eternally grateful for organisations such as Exit Foundation who go the extra mile. Thank you.”

    Social Worker CSC
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  • “Exit Foundation have worked with young people in safeguarding them and have a vast knowledge of how gang affiliation works. They are proactive in preventing further negative behaviour in view of their extensive knowledge thus providing what is needed to further safeguard young people.”

    Jeanette Hunte Project Manager, Unique Support
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  • “Thank you for all of your support and for helping me get to this point. If it wasn’t for Exit Foundation, I wouldn’t be doing this training and all of these good things. I really do appreciate the help and support you have given me! If it wasn’t for you, I would probably be back in prison by now. You have given me all of these great opportunities, helped me think differently and change everything around. Thank you, Paul, I am grateful for everything”

    T.G Client
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  • “Paul and his team have delivered one to one and group work interventions to the YOS on a consistent basis. I have remained impressed with their tenacity, dedication, professionalism, and commitment, not only to the young people but also to the workforce. Paul always demonstrates the value of the importance of working together and the impact this has on what we deliver collectively and upon our young people, and their parents/carers. Exit Foundation always manages to engage those young people, where others have been met with difficulty. They seem to be able to effectively demonstrate what is effective engagement and communication, and continue to go above and beyond, and the extra mile, particularly when this is most needed. Exit Foundation is an asset to any service. They know how to complement bespoke tailored approaches and are able to provide dynamic, creative methods that young people appreciate and understand.

    It is with sincere gratitude and appreciation, that I endorse Exit Foundation, as they continue to develop and contribute to the lives of children, and adults that require support and guidance from trusted adults.”

    Michelle Edwards Head of Youth Offending, and Strategic Adolescent Lead
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Your support enables us to continue funding our mentoring program and transforming the lives of individuals like Cayhan, Danny, and Rohan. By donating, you can help us provide vital assistance to those ready to break free from a life of crime, gangs, and violence. Click the button below to make a difference today.