SkyWay offers a wide range of free-to-access opportunities at youth clubs, community venues, parks, estates, schools and on the streets. Some of the sessions focus on developing new skills, learning or participating in sport, but SkyWay recognise the most important things are to provide safe, welcoming spaces where people can relax, socialise and have fun. The organisation supports people to tackle challenges through projects, giving them access to sports, youth clubs, alternative education, employment support, life skills and mental wellbeing sessions, positive role models and leadership development and mentoring and skills development.
The SkyWay Transition programme is a holistic initiative designed to support the successful transition of students from Year 6 to Year 7. It integrates multi-sports and physical activities with targeted mentoring sessions led by dedicated youth workers, all thoughtfully planned within the context of the Skills Builder Universal Framework. This project is funded by London's Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), supported by the Mayor of London, and delivered by SkyWay as the delivery organisation.
SkyWay recognises that physical health and teamwork are vital for a smooth transition to secondary school. The programme includes a range of multi-sports and physical activities to engage participants and promote physical well-being. These activities not only enhance fitness but also develops their essential skills.
SkyWay Transitions programme uses the Universal framework to help structure the sports and mentoring sessions. These activities and sessions are aligned with all eight essential skills. Young people are supported to reflect on these skills using tools created by SkyWay youth workers. The frontline team has created a mentoring toolkit which includes goal setting tools, emotional regulation worksheets and check-in resources. Surveys are used to capture the impact of the young people's progression on the eight skills.
The mentoring sessions provide young participants with a supportive and structured environment to discuss their concerns, set goals, and build the skills necessary for a successful transition. The programme is designed with the Skills Builder Universal Framework as its foundation. This framework focuses on nurturing the essential skills central to personal and academic growth, which are listening, speaking, problem solving, creativity, staying positive, aiming high, leadership and teamwork. Sessions are intentionally aligned with the framework to ensure participants acquire these valuable and transferable skills.
This programme represents a valuable investment in the future of our young people, empowering them with the skills and confidence needed to thrive as they navigate this important educational transition.