Creativity Driving Change: SAFE Taskforce-Funded Work in Newham

The SAFE Taskforce-funded Drilling Diamonds programme is already delivering measurable impact for young people across Newham. As Playing ON’s flagship youth project, the initiative brings together improvised performance, storytelling, and creative writing to help students explore challenging relationships while building community, positive connections, and wellbeing.

Sessions focus on community, trust, and self-expression, encouraging participants to step outside their comfort zones and explore new possibilities. Staff have noted growing enthusiasm, openness, and willingness among students to engage, even those who previously found it difficult to participate.

The results are striking: the average reduction in negative incidents among participating pupils is over 60%, with one student’s incidents decreasing by 86%.

As the leadership of a PRU in Newham shared:

“We’ve seen some real changes in the young people involved. Gradually, they became more open and willing to make themselves vulnerable in ways we hadn’t seen before. One pupil who previously defaulted to ‘I don’t know’ now is willing to contribute in class on occasion, and answer questions with increasing confidence. Attendance remains a challenge across the group, but on Playing ON days, every single one of them showed up — and they were genuinely excited to be there. Several students thanked us personally for arranging it, telling us the experience made them feel understood and helped them see the more positive side of what school can offer.” -

Early feedback shows young people becoming more confident, engaged, and willing to participate. It is clear evidence that creative, relationship-led interventions can unlock potential and support lasting behavioural change. As the programme continues across Newham, Drilling Diamonds is demonstrating how targeted, creative support can help young people feel understood, connected, and ready to thrive.