Achievements

We are very proud of our achievements over the last 16 years. But we also have high expectations for the future. The dynamism and commitment of our members and volunteers means the sky's the limit! Here are just some examples of our past achievements:

Celebrations

• At the end of every summer term, we hold our annual Awards Ceremony, where each member is recognised for an achievement or exceptional contribution.
• Regular celebration of cultural events, including Chinese New Year, a Hawaiian evening, Black History Month, and learning French.
• The Squad organised and ran "Party in the Park", a fundraising event in Morden Park with bands and stalls to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2003.

Prizes and Recognition

• In 2008, The Squad won a friendly inter-club dance competition against Xpression, a youth club from Kingston.
• In 2007, The Squad was part of a successful consortium that applied for and was awarded funding by the Youth Opportunity Fund in order to refurbish the John Innes Youth Centre, in readiness for it to become our new home.
• Ofsted rating - In 2007 The Squad was part of Merton Council's Joint Area Review and Enhanced Youth Inspection. As a result, the inspectors concluded that The Squad was rated at between (3) Good and (4) Very Good on a four point scale.

Activities

• Regular theatre attendance, including the West End or Wimbledon Theatre and also to the Baked Bean Theatre Company, which is made up of actors with learning disabilities; including some of our members.
• In 2007 and 2008 we ran Activity Squad pilots - providing additional sessions for members in the summer and half-term holidays.
• The Squad has organised carol singing at Wimbledon station for the last 4 years, to raise money for the club whilst entertaining the local commuters.

Holidays

• Annual residential trips have taken The Squad across the UK to activity centres such as Avon Tyrrell and the Calvert Trust, to Alton Towers and as far afield as Paris: enabling the members to experience climbing, horse riding, canoeing, high ropes, water slides and thrilling theme park rides.

Partnerships

• London Borough of Merton
• Kingston & Wimbledon YMCA
• Connexions
• Merton Volunteer Centre
• Merton Voluntary Sector Council
• Merton Youth Service
• Advocacy Partners
• London Youth

Development

• In 2009, we began to develop a programme of volunteering for our older members, supporting them in running activities and helping with Flying Squad.
• In early 2009, we secured a 3-year funding commitment from London Borough of Merton, which will ensure the stability and sustainability of The Squad until 2012.
• In 2007 we moved to our new, permanent home at the John Innes Youth Centre, in partnership with Kingston and Wimbledon YMCA.
• The Squad became an independent charity in 2001, registered with the Charity Commission and Companies House, and governed by a board of trustees.