Streetz Ahead Wins Prestigious BBC Make a Difference Award

 

We have won the Active Award at the BBC Make a Difference Awards 2025, recognising over 30 years of inspiring work using dance to transform young lives.

Receiving the award, Chief Executive and Founder Elizabeth Lahav said:

“It’s a chance to really build their confidence – giving them a chance to shine on stage. This moment gives them the self-esteem to be able to take this over to other aspects of their lives. These 30 years have gone so fast and it’s such an honour to receive this award.”

Streetz Ahead’s ethos is rooted in using dance as a tool for empowerment, expression, and healing, offering an alternative to competitive or graded dance pathways. Its work is delivered through three pioneering strands:

Community & Schools Street Dance: High-energy, creative sessions in schools, hospices and after-school clubs, fostering discipline, self-belief, and joy.

BASE (Body and Soul Education): An in school mental health provision providing 1:1 mentoring, teacher training, parent skills hubs and weekly dance club supporting young people’s mental and physical resilience.

Original Hip Hop Theatre for Young Audiences: Productions inspired by real-life experiences of young people. The latest show, The Shoemaker, tackled stigma around ADHD and neurodivergence and was described as “truly inspiring”, reaching 2500 school children across 8 shows at Millfield Theatre, N18.

The impact of Streetz Ahead is long-lasting, with many former dancers returning as adults to volunteer, work, or even bring their own children to the programme. Parents and young people consistently highlight the transformative effect of the organisation:

“My child has been transformed by being involved in Streetz Ahead: improved confidence, discipline and a real sense of achievement.” – Parent

The BBC Make a Difference Award shines a spotlight on this extraordinary contribution, celebrating Streetz Ahead’s mission to create inclusive, creative, and confidence-building spaces for young people to thrive.