london links
During school holidays, weekly drama workshops and martial arts training were provided free for local under-18s. Drama to encourage freedom of expression, empathy and imagination. Martial arts to teach self-control, anger management, fitness and flexibility. Learning about themselves in a positive way, making new friends, being challenged and rewarded; the essence of London Links.
When Pete*, aged 16, first became known to TIC trustee Leonora, he had not been to school in 4 years having been excluded for violence. London Links gave him the confidence to pursue his martial arts skills and with befriending and mentoring from trustees he is now studying music and impressing crowds in the West End with his Magic and Illusion acts.
London Links finished in 2007 when government put more funding into local youth clubs and Connexions and the project was no longer required. It reflects TiC’s aims of, where possible, filling a need if it is not being met.