XLP

In 1996, in response to a stabbing in a school playground in Lewisham, the school’s head-master asked Patrick Regan, a local church based youth worker, to come into the school and work with their students and teachers to help with difficult behavioural issues. This was the beginning of XLP, a Christian charity that has an emphasis on being faith-based, but not faith-biased: XLP works equally with young people of all faiths and none. Those who work at

XLP share a common passion: to serve the community by meeting

the social, educational and behavioural needs of young people, and

empowering them to make wise lifestyle choices and to realise their

potential.

In 2007 XLP started working in Newham in collaboration with Transform Newham.  Tom Booker works 3 days a week with a number of secondary schools in the borough which includes:

• Assisting the work of the Behavioural Department at Cumberland School
• Supporting a PHSE project helping young people research and express views on gun and knife crime, also at Cumberland School.
• Helping teachers with a Prayer Club (fortnightly), and an informal lunch club (weekly) at Langdon School.
• Teaching Sex and Relationship lessons with Alternatives at Kingsford Community School.

Tom is hoping to start working in 2 more schools shortly, and is developing a Church and Schools Partnership Project - linking churches and schools in prayer - more information coming soon!

As well as this Tom is also involved with 'Newham Rocks' and 'Gunz Down'.

'Newham Rocks' is a showcase of existing rock bands from schools and youth groups in the borough, giving the bands experience into all that goes into preparing for a performance. more...

'Gunz Down' is a multi-media show touring schools across the country and coming to Newham in October.  The 45-60 minute performance piece incorporates music, drama and film to hammer home the importance of making good choices.  The show can then be followed up by a series of lessons on respect and responsibility, which can be incorporated into the RE and PSHE syllabus.

Tom is also a member of Newham's SACRE, representing free churches. more...

With all these pies Tom has his fingers in he's always on the look out for help!  In September some gap year students will be joining him as part of XLP's eXperience course.  If you are interested in assisting Tom practically or prayerfully please contact him at the Transform Newham office on 020 8472 6363 or email.