The Spark2Life programme based in Wandsworth borough, London, has proved very successful in tackling the issue of youth crime in the area. The initiative is led by Dez Brown, a reformed offender who is now a youth pastor. He is supported by Lorraine King, a specialist teacher from Wandsworth Council. The project goes into schools and community centres, targeting children with bad behaviour and high levels of absenteeism. Through the programme Dez recounts his own experiences of crime, challenging how teenagers within the Borough perceive knife, gun and drug culture.

The result of the scheme has been an immediate and unprecedented fall in youth crime in Wandsworth and a greater confidence in the Criminal Justice System. It has personally altered the lives of many people, and in the case of one school, helped lift it out of Special Measures.

Dez Brown says, ‘It's great to be recognised for the contribution Spark2life has made in tackling youth crime. It confirms its effectiveness as a programme and adds credibility to the project. The award will help us achieve our goals of developing the programme wider and gaining financial support so there can be sustainability. It’s a needed resource in our generation as Spark2Life has clear Christian values running through every session - it’s a great opportunity to be salt and light in a way that’s relevant and accessible to many young people. We thank God for what the programme has achieved thus far.’