The DRIFT Project

Our goal: a scalable, community-rooted model of early intervention that transforms how transitions are supported across London and beyond.

What is the DRIFT project?

DRIFT is our schools-based early intervention programme. Our 4 year grant funded programme worked in collaboration with Family Friends charity, to support children and families at key transition points — like starting secondary school in Year 7, moving into Year 10, or navigating critical family change.

The collaboration between VIP and Family Friends offered 1:1 and group work in schools and family support, befriending and advocacy in the community.

Drift worked in West London Free School, Fulham Cross Academy and Fulham Cross Girls to bridge the gap between home, school and community.

  • Students suspended in Years 7–10 are 5x more likely to be cautioned or sentenced for serious violence.
  • In Hammersmith & Fulham, 35% of children live in poverty, and many families face overlapping challenges like housing insecurity, mental health and domestic abuse.

How It Works

For Families: Reducing stress, building trust with schools, navigating systems together.

For Students: Consistent relationships, practical support, therapeutic sessions where needed.

For Schools: Relieving pressure on staff, coordinating support, and making meetings more effective.

It’s flexible, responsive, and relational. Crisis response when needed, structured reintegration plans where useful, and group sessions that build community around families.

Impact So Far

  • 87% of students remained in school
  • 50% improved term attendance
  • 40% of parents now engage in SEN peer support groups Schools report calmer meetings, clearer plans, and reduced pressure on staff

Families report reduced conflict, better co-parenting, and stronger networks

Behind the data are stories of students re-engaging, families finding stability, and communities building new connections of their own.

Why It Matters

DRIFT shows that impactful intervention doesn’t need to wait for crisis. By catching children early at key moments, we prevent escalation, strengthen ecosystems, and build lasting resilience.

Link to: Donate to The VIP

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How you can help?

As a charity, we are constantly looking for support from individuals and commercial organisations.

Your donation will help us to help more and more young people to move away from violence and build valuable lives as part of the wider community.

Please get in touch with us today to see how you can support our work.

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Phone: 0800 130 3421 | Email: contact@vip.org.uk

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