DRIFT
The transition into secondary school is a key moment for young people, but for some early challenges with behaviour, attendance or confidence can quickly spiral into greater and more serious disengagement. DRIFT was a partnership project that aimed to catch these signs early on and intervene in a way that respected the complexity of each young person’s life.
Funded by John Lyon’s Charity through the Home-School-Community grant programme (2022–2026), DRIFT was a partnership project between West London Free School, Violence Intervention Project (VIP), Family Friends, and Young H&F (with West London Action for Children involved until 2023). Operating from its base at West London Free School, DRIFT provided targeted support for students showing early signs of disengagement, such as behavioural challenges, low attendance, or academic difficulties. The project brought together schools, youth work, therapy and family support to provide holistic, wraparound care for Year 7 pupils at risk of disengagement from education.
Support from the project included:
Group work sessions led by a Violence Intervention Project youth worker that focused on identity, resilience, and belonging
Therapeutic interventions from a VIP psychotherapist who offered one-to-one social and emotional support
Family support and befriending from Family Friends, helping parents navigate challenges and reduce isolation
Follow-on alumni groups to maintain positive momentum beyond the initial intervention
Crisis response and safeguarding coordination when urgent needs arose
Young H&F led the coordination and project management of the partnership ensuring best practice and smooth delivery across different bodies and organisations.
“Year 7 can is such a pivotal time for young people. DRIFT offered holistic support that met pupils where they were at. From group youth work to 1:1 therapy, and even support for parents, it created space for young people to regulate emotions, build friendships, and feel genuinely seen and supported. Even in the early stages of the project, we really saw that impact.”
Case studies showed that DRIFT’s holistic approach made a tangible difference. In one example, a coordinated response between DRIFT partners prevented school exclusion and enabled ongoing support for a student facing serious family crisis. In another, a young person new to the UK found a sense of safety and identity through regular group sessions, expression activities, and future-focused conversations.