A Brief History

Since February 2008

To read about our work since February 2008, click here.

February 2008:

Pilot Year started
Moved into Skylight Centre office
First trainee signed up

January 2008

Validated strong relationship with Crisis - detail of partnership agreed
Won Londonation Award from Barclays/Metro Newspaper/Capital Community Foundation and UnLtd* grants for social entrepreneurs
Successful fundraising of over £100,000
Voted Charity of the Year by Business in the Community London office

December 2007:

Agreement with third partner prison confirmed (HMP Rochester, HMP YOI Chelmsford and HMP YOI Reading)

November 2007:

Registration with Charity Commission
Gained the pro-bono support of Allen & Overy and Saffery Champness

October 2007:

Moved into temporary office in Dellow Centre

September 2007:

First monthly Research and Development Steering Group Meeting

August 2007:

Recruited a committed Steering Group for the Research and Development Phase
Began work on Research and Development Phase
Started fundraising for 2008

July 2007:

Switchback model designed at the kitchen table
Partnership concept agreed by Crisis Skylight Café manager
Established unincorporated association and opened bank account
Received pledge for £25,000 for Research and Development Phase budget

Read more about us:

"I’ve been a couple of months with Switchback now and things are great. They helped me find a job in a restaurant and they give me a lot of support in what I want to do and I get a lot of good advice."

ML
Switchback Trainee

"I knew him before he went in and he wasn’t this motivated. It’s Switchback that’s finally brought him out of his shell."

Liz
Probation Officer

"I don’t know what I’d be doing if I didn’t have Switchback. Nothing. I’d be doing nothing"

MC
Switchback Trainee

"He seems to be loving his work with Switchback. It’s really nice to have someone being very enthusiastic and committed, not something we often see."
Helen
Probation Officer