Our Impact
Since 1994 we have impacted over 400,000 young people’s lives with a broad range of projects and approaches.
Our impact in the last year:
Engaged a total of 1532 people in areas of high deprivation
Delivered a total of 137 workshops
Involved 1451 young people in intensive issue-based drama and media workshops
Informed young people on key social issues with 96% of participants learning something new
Achieved an average 92% success rate on all our key performance indicators
84% of participants gained confidence through our workshop programmes
98% of participants enjoyed our projects
Worked in partnership with 27 schools and community venues in deprived areas
“Chain Reaction changes perspectives and shows young people that they can have a future […] that they can change the world…
Chain Reaction are at the centre of that with my borough… I’m really proud that in my office today I display posters that the young people made about changing their lives, about bringing hope to the borough. Hope is the home of positive energy.
In Barking and Dagenham, Chain Reaction has done that with us as partners for our community.”
— Darren Rodwell, CEO Barking & Dagenham Council | London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
Case Studies
Here are a few examples of the impact of some of the projects we are proud to have worked on over the years.
Action4Gascoigne
Action4Gascoigne (A4G) is a social action project for 11-18 year olds who live on and around the severely deprived Gascoigne Estate in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham. To find out more about the project click here, or click below to view examples of its impact.
Girls Support Girls
Girls Support Girls (GSG) is a specially devised workshop programme for vulnerable young women aged 13–16.
The programme builds self-esteem, confidence and knowledge and motivates young girls to take control of their mental, sexual and physical health. To find out more about the programme click here.
Click below for examples of the impact of Girls Support Girls.
Chain Reaction Youth Theatre
Chain Reaction Youth Theatre (CRYT) is a weekly user-led drama project that builds confidence and communication skills whilst giving young people an opportunity to explore issues that are important to them and their communities. To find out more about the project click here.
Click below for examples of the impact of CRYT.
What People Are Saying
“I have found Chain Reaction, and the work it does, to be an excellent way of reaching our pupils, giving them the space to get in touch with and acknowledge their feelings whilst addressing positively the issues in their lives.”
— Sarah Gillett, Head Teacher | London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
“A real example of where the use of drama and the use of humour can convey powerful messages in an accessible and engaging way”
– Robin Tuddenham, Assistant Chief Executive | London Borough of Waltham Forest
“I have known the work of Chain Reaction for over 15 years and in that time have seen first-hand their outstanding commitment to, and skills in, inspiring some of our most disadvantaged young people to achieve positive outcomes.”
— Erik Stein, Head of Participation, Opportunity and Wellbeing | London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
‘’One of the best events I’ve ever attended with the mix between drama and information being struck in exactly the right balance.’’
— Sgt. Nigel Dermott, Substance Misuse and Youth Co-ordinator | Essex Police
“Some of my best memories from my childhood are from participating in Chain Reaction workshops, so thank you for the memories and the confidence you have filled me with.
I'm now a qualified Primary School Teacher and without you helping me believe in myself it would not have been possible.”
— Lottie Stock, Primary School Teacher | London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
To find out more about our impact over the last year download our Annual Report
“After having tried every sort of novel PSHE communication, I can honestly say that the power, imagination and skill of Chain Reaction is one of the most effective methods of getting young people to think for themselves. Our pupils became instant fans and it takes a lot to prompt spontaneous praise and thanks from 14 year old boys!”
— Dr. Simon Thorn, Head of Biology, Radley College, Oxford