Skilltrain is a UK registered charity (289137) that specialises in “barrier busting” for severely socially excluded young people under the age of 25 to integrate them back into learning. Founded in 1983 by businesses in Wandsworth, we have earned a reputation for providing creative and innovative support programmes that have a huge impact not only on the lives of our young people, but also on the community in general. 

Our ability to support young people is completely dependent on the generosity of Trusts and Foundations, local companies and individuals.  Our projects are delivered using a fantastic team of in-house coaches from a variety of backgrounds, for example, performing arts professionals who are skilled at helping young people rethink and lift their self image even when they are at their  lowest ebb.  

For more information on the history of Skilltrain and our objectives, please click here to read a message from our Chairman.

The community picture

On the surface, the boroughs of Wandsworth and Merton may seem leafy havens of elite high streets and high priced dwellings clustered around the commons.  However, the reality is that there are also neighbourhoods of extreme social deprivation.  The area has one of the highest unemployment rates in London; some of the estates are no go areas; gang culture is rife; and gun and knife crime amongst and against young people is increasing at a frightening rate. 

Fact:  Statistics indicate that more children are reaching for blades as gang culture spreads.

Fact: Some 42 percent of boys aged between 11 and 16 in state-funded schools admit to having carried a knife, according to the Youth Justice Board

This backdrop of poverty and violence, the latter often just outside the school gate, creates an impossible situation for many young people.  Some absent themselves from school for so long, because they are so afraid of the persistent violence and bullying, that the system excludes them; many have psychological and mental health problems caused by physical, emotional or sexual abuse.

This is the desperate reality for many young people who isolate themselves not only from society and its increasing culture of violence, but also from their future because they are so afraid of what might happen to them if they set foot outside.