Steve - Project Zero

Steve is a Londoner who has worked with young people in his community for over 30 years, delivering programmes that promote social inclusion and prevent anti-social behaviour.

Steve previously worked as a residential social worker for Newham Social Services and later for Newham Youth Offending Team. He has also been a foster carer, taking in his first children when he was just 24 years old himself, and has led safer neighbourhood forums over the years in Walthamstow.

In 2004 Steve lost his 16-year-old cousin to knife crime, which was the catalyst that spurred him on to set up Project Zero, a community-based project delivering youth engagement initiatives to promote social inclusion, and reduce offending and anti-social behaviour.

Project Zero is a community hub with a cafe, radio station, music station, event hall and editing suite, with all activity focused on offering disadvantaged young people free stimulating and creative opportunities.  Activities offered by Project Zero include youth clubs, workshops and holiday programmes, all offered at no cost and with hot and cold meals provided. Passionate about reducing knife crime, Steve and his team also work closely with young people that may not be in mainstream education to create opportunities and support them with further education and employment.

In 2022, Steve launched Choosing Life, a new anti-knife campaign focused on building dreams, goals and ambitions for young people, helping them to imagine their future and supporting them on the way.

Eden Project Communities have been supporters of Steve’s community-led partnership approach to tackle knife crime and youth violence since 2018, when Steve took on The Big Walk. The Eden Project nominated Stephen for an RVS Platinum Champion award in 2022, which was awarded to him at The Big Jubilee Lunch in June 2022 by their Patron and RVS president, the Queen Consort. After learning about Project Zero, The King and Queen Consort then joined young people at their base in Walthamstow in November 2022.

The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out toolkit

The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out are teaming up on 5th – 8th June for a weekend of friendship, food, fun and action. The Eden Project has put together The Big Lunch and Big Help Out toolkit – a comprehensive resource for organisations to make planning and hosting community events easier and more impactful.