Sally-Ann Opoku-Donkor | October 2026
As Programme Coordinator, I am responsible for the project management and operational delivery of the SFSC: Safer Lives programme. This ranges from administration and customer relationship management (CRM), to building resources and ensuring the project is delivered to schedule.
Beyond day-to-day coordination, I’ve also had the privilege to speak directly with parents and young people, and attend events to raise awareness of Safer Lives. These experiences, alongside developing an understanding of the wider social and statutory systems in which the programme operates, have enriched my perspective. As a result, I have an understanding of both the programme as a whole and the experiences of those it supports – helping me to appreciate how impactful Safer Lives can be for families.
As an adaptation of the evidence-based Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities model, Safer Lives has been developed to consider and accommodate the real-life complexities faced by the families it aims to support. Whilst this can be a challenge in the context of research study design, I find that being able to deliver within the realities of parents and young people who are impacted by youth offending is a core strength of the programme.
SFSC: Safer Lives is an ambitious project, operating across London and Greater Manchester. Delivering across different local authorities means that we often have to navigate local systems, manage relationships and overcome barriers in ways that are specific to each geography. What is successful in one area may require a different approach elsewhere – this makes it necessary to undertake considerable planning, problem-solving, and some trial and error. As Programme Coordinator, a lot of my work takes place behind the scenes, complicating the monitoring of progress across different delivery areas. However, the communicative and supportive nature of our team means that we have readily overcome any challenges.
On a personal level, I am passionate about ensuring that young people are able to have access to the skills and support systems which contribute to living violence-free, healthy lives. Growing up in a socio-economically disadvantaged area of London has made me acutely aware of the social and systemic challenges that young people and their families can face. As a result, being part of a programme funded by the Youth Endowment Fund that seeks to support young people in this way is deeply meaningful to me.
In this role, I have also been deeply moved by the commitment of my colleagues and our partners to SFSC: Safer Lives and its mission. It is a privilege to work alongside and learn from people who bring such passion, knowledge and dedication to helping young people build safer futures.
