Your Community

If you took a poll of organisations that work with youth, perhaps only few people would mention The Salvation Army.

Raven playing pool during youth club

In the summer of 2007, The Salvation Army began a partnership with The Lighthouse Group, a Christian-based educational charity, to help youth who are at risk of being excluded from school.

A brighter future

Many of the local youngsters supported by the charity have been excluded or are at risk of exclusion from school. They're now being given a second chance to develop their learning skills and look forward to a brighter future.

Raven (aged 14) and Ryan (aged 15) explain in their own words how working with The Lighthouse Group has transformed their lives.

Raven’s story

“I’m in Year 9 and I spend two days a week here and the rest at my secondary school in Birmingham. This started about eight months ago. I was always getting into arguments before I came here, also missing a lot of school. I didn’t really want to work but I’m doing a lot better now.

Raven back in class

“I also come to youth club here about three times a week. I also look after the tuck shop and referee the seven-a-side dodge ball games. That’s a lot of fun!

“The teachers here are really alright, and are different from normal school. They are more relaxed and have more time for us. Everyone here is OK so it’s easy not to get into trouble here. Still, I would hate to be a teacher myself!

“I’m getting ASDAN credits now, working towards my GCSEs. I am not sure what I want to do when I leave school. Maybe I’ll be a youth worker because the ones here have really inspired and helped us a lot.

Ryan with his long time pal Hassan

“I would say to anyone having problems at school to tell someone who can help. Do your best not to get into trouble which won’t help you.”

Ryan’s story

“I want to be a soldier when I finish my education, although that probably wouldn’t have happened before. I was hanging around with the wrong crowd, fighting a lot and getting into arguments with teachers when I was in school.

"Now I come to classes at The Lighthouse Group and youth and church events at The Salvation Army. I was one of the first kids to come here when it first opened. I was surprised that The Salvation Army would be working with young people – I thought it was just about giving out clothes or feeding street people.

Ryan studying hard now

“I’ve learned lots of new things here about being polite, appreciating other people and listening to them more. It’s nice being here but funny too. Lots of people say that I look like Matt Damon, the film star, which is kinda nice!

“I’ve made good friends here and I’m in Year 10 but I can’t wait to leave and join the military. I wanted to do since I was very young.”

More about partnership

The partnership between The Salvation Army and The Lighthouse Group in Aston is staffed by qualified teachers and youth workers using a mix of academic, social and moral education.

Visit the websites below for more information about The Salvation Army and The Lighthouse Group.