Introduction
Stephen Addison is a business administration graduate and social entrepreneur. He had a passion for boxing part-time while studying and decided to start a social enterprise called Box Up Crime, which aims to include people from disadvantaged backgrounds. After attending LSBU through clearing, he went on to win the LSBU Make It Happen Competition and become a finalist in Teach First’s Innovation Awards. He acknowledges the mentors who provided consistent guidance and encouragement, which is what he now aims to do for the youth.
Box Up Crime
Stephen Addison launched Box Up Crime in 2013 after witnessing the tragic loss of many close friends to gang violence and crime. Such tragedy and firsthand experience with the harsh realities of crime and violence among young people awakened something in him. This inspired him to bring about change and establish an organization that would address the underlying issues exposing vulnerable young people to crime.
Box Up Crime’s mission is to provide viable and positive alternatives to incarceration and offer meaningful opportunities that encourage personal growth, development, and empowerment. By addressing the root causes of crime, Box Up Crime supports youth in finding their path and creating a brighter future.
Challenges Young Adults Face
On a day-to-day basis, young people face challenges and struggles that make them susceptible to crime and violence, particularly in urban, metropolitan cities like London. Every year, hundreds of young people are tragically murdered there, with some victims as young as 13. However, the rise in crime and gang violence stems from a deeper issue: the lack of safe spaces and opportunities for youth to develop their social skills and strive for a successful future.
Many young people feel unsupported in their environment, believing it limits their potential or fails to help them, pushing them toward dangerous alternatives. Rising crime rates have led to more expulsions and poor-quality education, harming their future opportunities. This lack of support draws them closer to crime. Box Up Crime sees access to education and positive role models as an urgent priority. Thus, they have dedicated their mission to finding innovative solutions to amend this problem.
Box Up Crime’s Solution
Box Up Crime guides youth away from crime through opportunities and support. It runs community boxing programs with Boxing England and created “The Real Me” curriculum. With the University of the Arts London, an award-winning mentoring and leadership toolkit. This program gives young people a platform to express themselves through music. It also encourages creativity while helping them explore potential career paths. By giving young people a platform to express their feelings through music, Box Up Crime allows them to be creative and explore potential career paths.
The organization helps youth start their own social enterprises, guiding their ideas and encouraging productive creativity. It also offers career guidance to help them find a successful path. Box Up Crime provides support many might not otherwise receive. Overall, it gives young people options that prevent crime and help them achieve their goals despite limited community facilities.
Conclusion
Stephen Addison’s story and his creation of Box Up Crime remain a powerful force in the community, showing how one person’s passion can spark positive change. The organization offers comprehensive programs for at-risk youth, motivating them to take charge of their future. It provides solutions and alternatives to crime and violence. In doing so, it supports their personal growth and transformation.
Stephen’s work highlights the importance of improving the community and addressing complex social issues affecting today’s youth. As Box Up Crime grows, its impact continues to inspire. We commend its achievements as a beacon of hope guiding young people toward a brighter future.
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