Communities and Local Government
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REACH
Black boys and young Black men face serious challenges in every sector of society. They are less likely to do well at school, more likely to be unemployed and much more likely to become involved in the criminal justice system than their peers.
REACH is a key Communities and Local Government's project aimed at raising the aspirations, attainment and achievement of Black boys and young Black men, enabling them to reach their potential.
REACH has been driven by an independent group of 25 members of the Black community with direct experience of working with young Black people. They include members drawn from the police, local authorities, schools and community groups, including leading voluntary organisations.
The group had an in-depth understanding of the realities of the lives of Black boys and young Black men and the barriers they face to success. When they reported in August 2007, REACH drew on this experience to highlight the problems Black boys and young Black men in England face. Compared to their peers, they under-achieve at school, are less likely to find a job and are much more likely to be involved in the criminal justice system.
In a report last year they made five recommendations to improve the futures of Black boys and young Black men.
The Government is taking action, pledging to:
- Improve the visibility of positive Black role models
- Create stronger links between Black families and schools
- Improve the way Ofsted reports on race equality in schools
- Ensure strong ministerial oversight of action to support young Black men
- Encourage third sector organisations that support young Black men to share their efforts, creating greater impact
For further enquiries on the REACH project, please contact the Race Equality Unit:
If you are interested sharing your views on raising aspirations and achievement of black boys and young black men please visit our discussion forum.
To express an interest in the REACH role modelling programme please send details of your name and contact details to the following email address: REACHrolemodels@communities.gsi.gov.uk. For further information visit www.direct.gov.uk/REACH (external link).
In this section
Related publications
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REACH: An Independent report to Government on raising the aspirations and attainment of Black boys and young Black men - Government response
- Published: 5 December 2007
- Site: Communities and neighbourhoods
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REACH Report
- Published: 9 August 2007
- Site: Communities and neighbourhoods
