Our Story
A life can change in an instant and someone's behaviour can dictate another person's life. “I woke up one morning and decided I wanted to make a difference. Certain situations made me realise more had to be done. Why sit back and just watch it happen? Are we then as bad as those that do bad things if we do nothing at all?”
In 2016, Co-Director David Simmons was working in a primary school in Dagenham where he has approached and threatened by a 6 year old with a knife. Moving away from teaching in London, he met Co-Director Ben Doyle at Kingsmoor Academy in Harlow where they both taught PE.
Due to an influx in crime in Harlow, particularly preying on the youth, they curated Changing Lives Community Services with the aim of reducing youth crime across Harlow. They set up a singular program, using sports and physical activity as a hook to get these young people off the street, mixing in youth mentoring and workshops from local providers such as Essex Police and the NHS.
if you believe you can make a difference,
be proud and go for it!
“This instantly made me want to do something.”
-David and Ben
Our Mission
"Our objective is to create social, sporting and work experiences that will install confidence and motivation for children providing them with opportunities and pathways towards a positive future."
Changing Lives is an early intervention and prevention project aimed at raising children's awareness about the dangers of gangs and gang activity to prevent children getting involved in criminal activity.
'Our Why' We believe everyone has the right to grow into the best version of themselves they can be and some times this requires some nurturing in the right environment.
We love seeing the potential in every child become a realisation.
That's our 'Why'.
“I feel very strongly that this service is not only vital for those young people who attend but also for our town. We have seen an increase in anti-social behaviour and gang related activity and those who are involved getting younger and younger.”
Chris Vince -Councillor for Harlow council
“They have a transformative effect in our community and they are really committed to helping our young people.”
Robert Halfon -MP for Harlow
“Changing lives is an early intervention community interest company that works to support the most vulnerable young people in society ensuring crime is prevented and young people are educated about keeping safe and healthy.”
Will Quince -MP for Colchester