EastSide Story was a bold and transformative youth arts initiative that combined behavioural change coaching with creative expression. The project engaged at-risk young people from Waltham Forest in an intensive journey of self-discovery, resilience-building and artistic storytelling. Participants explored key themes such as identity, leadership, conflict, resolution, faith and culture, shaping their personal experiences into a compelling stage play.

The project was proudly led by CIC’s Robin Lockhart and Bob Singha, and delivered in partnership with RAW Academy and The Song Corporation, along with mentoring from leading creative practitioners, including A-List Hollywood actor Harris Dickinson, Mercury Music prize-winning musician and producer Talvin Singh, actor and theatre director Kwame Kwei-Armah, and cast members of the BBC’s Eastenders. It was funded by the Mayor of London and was a leading example of Waltham Forest’s Borough of Culture 2019 initiative.

The project was specially filmed as part of BBC One’s flagship arts programme Imagine, hosted by Alan Yentob, giving it national exposure and leaving a lasting impact.

Why It Was Needed?

Young people in East London face a complex mix of challenges, from social exclusion and violence to limited opportunities for creative self-expression, and many are drawn to risky behaviours, often lacking access to safe, constructive alternatives to thrive. 

EastSide Story was designed to address this by:

• Providing a space for young people to reflect on their experiences and develop strategies for overcoming challenges.
• Equipping participants with critical-thinking skills to recognise and reject harmful narratives and ideologies.
• Using theatre and film as a vehicle for transformation, enabling young people to explore and express their identities in powerful ways.
• Fostering self-confidence, emotional intelligence and resilience through an intensive programme of coaching, peer support and creative arts.

What Happened?

Over the two years, EastSide Story worked intensively with 40 young people aged 12-23 through CIC’s ReSolve programme, guiding them through workshops, creative arts sessions and one-on-one coaching. The programme covered:

• Recognising and addressing negative thought patterns.
• Developing emotional intelligence, listening skills and empathy.
• Enhancing self-awareness, self-belief and self-expression.

The young participants’ stories were woven into a gripping and deeply personal stage production, performed at Chingford Assembly Hall, capturing the raw realities of being young in East London, exploring themes of hope, struggle and resilience.

A documentary capturing the journey was commissioned and broadcast on BBC One’s Imagine, bringing national attention to the power of youth storytelling and the impact of the programme.

The Legacy

Beyond the standing ovations, EastSide Story sparked lasting change. Many participants left the programme with new-found confidence, stronger decision-making skills and a deeper sense of self-worth. The project evolved into YouMeUs.TV, a pioneering youth-led digital media platform that continues to provide creative opportunities for young people in East London and beyond.

By blending coaching with creativity, EastSide Story proved that when young people are given the tools and the platform to express themselves, they can change not only their own lives but also the communities around them.