2006 – SOS begins.

On 2 October 2006, Junior Smart was released from HMP Rochester. The following day, he began working with St Giles, supporting young men leaving custody and returning to communities affected by serious violence and gangs. Drawing on his recent experience of the justice system, together with the professional skills he had developed as a St Giles Peer Advisor, Junior provided intensive, credible one-to-one support to young men who often found it difficult to engage with mainstream services.

The work quickly developed into the SOS Project. In its first year, the caseload reached capacity and none of the young people supported reoffended. The model had initially been met with some doubt, but these early results demonstrated what could be achieved when lived experience was combined with professional training, persistence and trust.

2007 – Awareness of SOS and Junior’s work grows. At a time when London is experiencing a concerning rise in gang-related stabbings, the project responds with practical support and prevention work. A small group of volunteers with lived experience joins Junior as the team begins to expand.