Exclusive Interview: From Setback to Comeback: The Power of Purpose
Written by Sunny Unachi on 7th March 2025
“Another life lost. Another family shattered. Knife crime isn’t just a statistic—it’s a crisis.”
Across the UK, youth violence is stealing futures and devastating communities. Mothers grieve. Young dreams are cut short. And we’re left asking the same question:
What can we do?
On a recent episode of Arise with Eloho, this urgent issue took centre stage in a powerful conversation between Eloho, social entrepreneur Nathaniel Pitt, and Clifton Thomas, a man who turned his life around after serving 13 years in prison.
They explored the root causes of violence, the power of mentorship, and how even the deepest setbacks can lead to incredible comebacks.
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The Urgency of Now: A Call to Action
For nearly two decades, Nathaniel Pitt has been fighting to change the narrative. Through his organisation, The Safety Box, he has mentored at-risk youth, helped reduce knife crime, and equipped young people with life-changing skills.
But now, that work is under threat.
“We’ve lost major funding. Contracts have been paused. Local authorities are struggling to provide support,” Nathaniel shared. “This leaves young people at even greater risk—of exploitation, violence, and in some cases, death.”
The Safety Box has proven results:
✅ 96% reduction in prison violence
✅ 67% success rate in helping young people transition to education or employment
But without funding, these programs cannot continue.
“We need the community to step up,” Nathaniel urged. “This isn’t just about statistics. It’s about saving lives and giving young people a chance to thrive.”
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Clifton Thomas: A Story of Redemption
If anyone understands the power of intervention, it’s Clifton Thomas. His life is proof that even in the darkest moments, change is possible.
Clifton was born in Sierra Leone and moved to the UK at age eight. But instead of finding belonging, he felt lost and excluded. The streets became his teacher, leading him down a dangerous path.
At 22 years old, that path landed him in prison with a 13-year sentence.
“I was a good boy trying to be bad,” he admitted. “But in prison, I found God and realised I was meant for more.”
That realisation was one thing—but finding the right support was another.
Through The Safety Box’s Aspire Higher program, Clifton found mentorship, life skills, and the belief that he could build something better.
Today, he is a successful market analyst, a six-figure trader, and the founder of his own clothing brand. But most importantly, he is a mentor, guiding young people away from the same mistakes he made.
“The Safety Box gave me the missing pieces,” Clifton said. “They showed me love when I couldn’t see my own worth. That’s what young people need—someone to believe in them before they believe in themselves.”
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The Root Causes of Violence
Nathaniel and Clifton both emphasized that youth violence isn’t just about crime—it’s about trauma, exclusion, and a lack of guidance.
1. Many young people don’t feel seen. They are drawn into gangs because they offer a sense of belonging.
2. The system is failing them. Overwhelmed social workers, underfunded schools, and limited after-hours programs mean vulnerable kids fall through the cracks.
3. Crime is often survival. For many, gangs provide financial support when no one else does.
“Most services stop at 4 PM—but violence doesn’t follow office hours,” Nathaniel said. “We need to fill that gap.”
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How to Protect Our Youth
Clifton shared practical steps for parents and communities to safeguard young people:
1.Communicate openly – Create a space where children feel heard and valued.
2. Look for warning signs – Unexplained gifts, sudden secrecy, or changes in behaviour can indicate grooming.
3. Seek help early – Don’t wait until things spiral. Organisations like The Safety Box and Fearless provide support.
“Parents, don’t be ashamed to ask for help,” Clifton urged. “Early intervention can save lives.”
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The Power of Community
Both Nathaniel and Clifton agree: Real change requires collective effort.
“We’ve seen the difference mentorship makes,” Nathaniel shared. “But we need funding to keep going.”
The Safety Box is turning to us—the community—to help keep this work alive.
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How You Can Help
Donate
Every contribution makes a difference:
•£10 provides a workbook that equips a young person with vital skills.
•£50 funds one-to-one mentorship and therapeutic support.
•£100 gives access to critical mental health outreach for at-risk youth.
Will you be the reason a young person chooses hope over violence?
Donate now
Spread the Word
Share The Safety Box’s mission on social media and within your networks.
Volunteer
Mentor at-risk youth and be part of the solution.
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Final Thoughts: Turning Pain into Purpose
The conversation between Nathaniel, Clifton, and Eloho was a powerful reminder that setbacks don’t have to define us—they can be the foundation for something greater.
As youth violence continues to rise, we can’t afford to be silent. Change is possible—but only if we take action.
The question is no longer, “What can we do?” The question is: What will YOU do?
👉 To support The Safety Box, visit www.thesafetybox.org
