Meet the Grantees

15billionep is a charity committed to ‘transforming young futures’ through promoting social mobility and raising aspirations among young people. They work closely with employers, local authorities, European agencies and education institutes to understand the labour market and prepare young people for today’s workplace, boosting their job prospects and the calibre of candidates available to potential employers.

Using their grant funding, 15billionebp will provide a range of support to 90 young people at local secondary schools to reduce the number of school exclusions. Each school within the London Borough of Newham will identify a cohort of young people using the Risk of NEET Indicator (RONI) system and school knowledge of the individuals. The project will be delivered to young people from BAME/socio-economically disadvantaged communities who will be enrolled on the project for two years.

1625 Independent People support young people aged 16-25 who are at risk of becoming homeless or are already homeless through a range of specialist projects and services.

The grant will fund a programme which will support 156 young people aged 16-24 who are care leavers or homeless/at risk of homelessness. The young people will receive 1-2-1 support from ‘Coaches’ over a period of 2-3 years. The frequency and type of support will vary during that period but is based on a youth version of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, called DNA-V.

Abbey Access Training aims to contribute to the economic, social and environmental regeneration of the Abbey Ward and its surrounding areas. They deliver this by offering programmes that develop voluntary, training and educational skills and community activities.

With their funding, Abbey Access will support 200 young people aged 16-24 in Lincoln facing a range of barriers, including criminal convictions, mental health issues and most with no Level 1 qualifications. The participants will be provided with wrap-around support on a 12-week course focussing on construction skills and training.

Action for Race Equality Infrastructure Organisation Grant will be used to build on existing work to become the “Go To” BAME-led infrastructure organisation for BAME organisations supporting young people in England. Through its Action for Race Equality programme to strengthen the sector and BAME communities, Action for Race Equality will deliver work inc: – Peer to peer learning workshops along with Action Learning – Implement a “Systems Leaders” knowledge transfer programme to share their ‘know how’ with the sector – Organisational development support; 1:1 consultancy and masterclasses – Provide and support partnership brokerage – Deep Dive work with 10 organisations to co-design a potential programme for funders – Develop a quality framework to ensure consistent, high-quality provision across the BAME-led sector – Create a Youth Panel, led by young people to embed the youth voice throughout our programme – Have a strong comms focus to use effectively for policy influencing and e-learning updates.

AELP is a national membership organisation that represents the interests of organisations that deliver apprenticeships, employability support and vocational learning. Their main purpose is to lobby for government funded skills and employment programmes that increase workforce productivity and improve social mobility.

This grant will support the organisation in moving its activities online to support member engagement and knowledge of policies, and programmes to address youth unemployment.

Amaze is a charity that gives information, advice and support to families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Brighton & Hove and Sussex. It also supports young people with SEND up to 25.

This project will provide information and guidance to disabled children and young people regarding employment. It will help raise aspirations and increase confidence.

Ansbury Guidance provides expert independent careers and employability information, advice, guidance and training to benefit young people, adults, the economy and community.

This grant will provide support to access volunteering and work experience for a range of disadvantaged children and young people who are impacted by Covid-19. The support will help improve their employability skills.

Artcore is a visual arts charity with a group of professional artists working within communities locally, nationally and internationally. It endeavours to operate as a culture hub; fuelling active engagement for a diverse range of communities in Derby, East Midlands and beyond.

This grant will fund STEM visual arts sessions and employability support for young people experiencing local deprivation due to Covid-19. Sessions will increase life skills, self-esteem and equip young people for employment in the creative industries.

Aston Mansfield is an organisation that wants to see more children, young people and families in Newham and east London leading happy healthy lives, realising their potential and unlocking their ambition.

This project will offer 1-1 coaching, workshops and placements to young people predominantly from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities who have experienced increased unemployment/poverty as a result of Covid-19, to raise their aspirations and to help secure employment.

The Aston Villa Foundation is a registered charity that delivers the community and social responsibility work of Aston Villa Football Club.

This grant will fund a sports-based employability programme working with young people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage impacted by Covid-19. The project aims to improve their mental well being, confidence and employability skills.

Autism Bedfordshire’s services help break down the barriers to social participation for autistic people and their families by providing places where they can go and feel comfortable, accepted and not judged by society.

This grant will fund a series of skills courses for young adults aged 18-24 in Bedford who are autistic, further impacted by Covid-19. Outcomes include increased confidence, improved communications skills and improved opportunities to gain qualifications.

AutismAble is an autism-friendly organisation focusing on learner engagement and employment opportunities. All of its staff are qualified tutors and support workers who have vast experience with working with ASC / Autism and other learning differences.

This grant will fund tutors, support staff and an employment coordinator who will support Autistic children and young people to engage in school, increase their skills and aspirations to enable them to access employment in the future.

Babbasa believes that though talent is evenly distributed across the globe, opportunities are not. It works with young people, businesses, and the community to address inequalities and produce a fairer city.

This project will provide a programme of employability skills for young Black, Asian and minority ethnic young people who have had their job prospects impacted by Covid-19. The project will increase levels of work experience, confidence and employment.

Basingstoke Voluntary Action has a vision of a strong, vibrant, creative and diverse voluntary and community sector (VCS) meeting the needs of Basingstoke and Deane’s local communities that choose the organisation as its main provider of development services.

This project will provide a skills development and work placement programme within the third sector for young people with experience of the care system. Young people will improve their confidence and voluntary sector leadership skills.

BEAP Community Partnership is focused on meeting the needs of the local community in Manningham, Bradford.

This project will deliver sports and employability activities for young people from Bangladeshi communities. This will result in improved confidence, increased aspirations and access to employment.

Bradford College is an award-winning education institution in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire.

This project will deliver an employability programme for young refugee and asylum seekers who have been unable to access learning and development due to Covid-19. This will result in improved employability and leadership skills and reduced isolation.

Breaking Barriers enables refugees in London to acquire the knowledge, confidence and experience they need to secure stable and fulfilling jobs.

This project will provide a range of intensive support, including mentoring, to 80 young refugees and asylum seekers who have been further isolated as a result of Covid-19. It will help to engage them in further education/employment, and raise their aspirations.

Buckinghamshire Disability Service (BuDS) is a charity that focuses on fixing the big issues facing disabled people. It does this by permanently removing barriers facing disabled people and finding answers to the main issues affecting them.

This project will deliver an employability programme to disabled young people in Buckinghamshire, who have experienced anxiety due to Covid-19. It will increase their employment chances, improve workplace skills and access to flexible work.

Led by Calico Enterprise, part of the Calico Housing Group, and including Participation Works and the University of Central Lancashire. There are links to the Burnley Bondholder group of local employers.

The partnership aims to explore why young people in Burnley, especially those with Bangladeshi or Pakistani heritage, long term unemployed or with experience of the care system are not getting jobs in the town’s growing tech sector and other growth / vacancy sectors.

Carefree works with young people aged 11-25, who are in and leaving care. It aims to give young people in and leaving care the chance to do things for themselves and others.

This project will provide 1-2-1 support for young people in care and leaving care to increase employability skills. It will help improve their confidence, emotional wellbeing and build key skills to gain access to employment.

Young Carers Futures – Learning What Works Young Carers Futures-Learning What Works will build evidence behind effective practice to drive improvement across the youth employment sector and level the playing field for young and young adult carers. Working across its network Carers Trust will foster collaboration to address key challenges and amass data on programme effectiveness during different stages of transition into adulthood. The project will foster a movement mobilising the ambitions of education leaders, employers, policymakers and commissioners, while building the capacity of Network Partners to engage directly with them. Decision-makers, like the prospective All-Party Parliamentary Group on Young Carers and Young Adult Carers, will be equipped to take action for change.

Carers Trust Heart of England exists to improve the lives of family carers and the people they care for. It provides integrated services that place the needs of Coventry and Warwickshire carers and the people it cares for at the heart of everything it does.

This grant will fund a Young Adult Carers Support Worker to young carers in Coventry. Outcomes include improved mental health, increased academic achievement and greater access to employment.

CatZero is a youth development charity helping young people that are that are not in employment, education and training (NEET) across the Humber region to overcome personal challenges and lead positive lives. CatZero aims to increase the confidence and self-esteem of young people by challenging them to complete a 12 week programme focused on vocational and adventure-based activities.

With their funding, Catzero will work with 50 young people NEET or at-risk of being NEET, delivering personalised programmes, which will result in 40% achieving EET outcomes. This includes the opportunity for young people to sail the charity’s challenge-class yacht, an intense teambuilding and learning experience before progressing to the move on process, facilitating entry into training and employment.

The Centre of Wellbeing, Training and Culture focuses on awareness of dementia, diabetes and mental health and improves employability skills. It works with related services to provide information and advice to deliver a holistic and person-centred approach for young, adults and older people.

This project will deliver a Supporting Young People into the Media Industry project for ethnicities facing structural disadvantage who experience increased isolation due to Covid-19. It will increase their knowledge of the media sector.

This project will offer work experience, mentoring and employability support to young people who are living in low-income households in Hackney and Lewisham, who have even fewer opportunities to secure employment, as a result of Covid-19.

Company Three is a theatre company led by the ideas of its 75 members aged 11-19. It develops practice through its deep-rooted relationships locally and shares its practice globally to impact teenagers everywhere.

This project will provide after-school sessions in drama and group work to improve employability skills for young people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to increase confidence and ambition. The sessions will help expand horizons and self-confidence.

Construction Industry Trust for Youth works with young people across England and Wales to help them overcome barriers and find work or training in the construction industry.

This grant will fund construction industry coaching to support young people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities whose job opportunities have been affected by Covid-19. Activities will widen horizons, improve employability skills and increase positivity.

Creative Youth Network is a charity based in Bristol. It enables young people, no matter what their background or circumstances, to reach their own potential.

This grant will deliver employability training and opportunities for young people who are experiencing increased marginalisation due to Covid-19. It will help improve their wellbeing, provide better opportunities and increase their employment prospects.

Cripplegate Foundation’s vision is of a society where everyone has the opportunity to live a rewarding life free from poverty and inequality.

This project will support young people from low income families to participate in a Young Grant Makers Programme. They will develop their skills with work experience and improve their self-confidence which will improve their employability.

Cumbria Youth Alliance provides infrastructure support for organisations working with children, young people and families. They provide direct support in a variety of settings, schools, alternative provision, youth and community settings.

The funding they have received will enable Cumbria Youth Alliance to support 150 young people to help them work towards achieving their career aspirations through a programme of employability support activities, including individual tailored plans. Further, access to specialist support around mental health, drug and alcohol addiction, increasing soft skills and vocational training will form part of the overall delivery package.

CXK, a youth employment charity, lead this Connected Futures partnership with Hastings Borough Council and East Sussex County Council.  

The partnership is focused understanding the experience of young people aged 14+ who are already NEET or at risk of becoming NEET, especially in wards with higher rates of youth unemployment.  A Young Person Research Group is central to the research as agents of change.

This Connected Futures partnership is led by D2N2 LEP, which supports economic growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, with Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP), a specialist education and employability provider, and Nottinghamshire County Council.

The Damilola Taylor Trust is committed to providing inner-city youths with opportunities to play, learn and live their lives free of fear and violence, and with optimism for a future where opportunities flourish.

This grant will fund a career search and skills development programme for young people affected by local deprivation who are isolated due to Covid-19. The project will improve self-esteem, communication and enhance entry to employment.

Derbyshire Autism Services is a small charity, working right across Derbyshire. It offers information, advice and guidance but above all support to children, young people and adults affected by autism – with or without a diagnosis – and their families.

This grant will fund a Co-ordinator and Family Support Workers to provide mentoring support for young people who are autistic. It will provide tailored developmental activities that will raise aspirations, and improve life skills and employability.

Bridging the Gap will challenge the misconceptions, lack of knowledge, and understanding across society about what young adults with a learning disability can achieve when supported in the right way. DFN will seek to understand the key barriers to employment (particularly within the private sector), what needs to change, explore what inclusive recruitment looks like and what support is needed to deliver it. DFN will develop our data and insight, sharing findings with our network to improve best practice and influence policy to remove the barriers to employment for these young people.

Drive Forward Foundation supports care-experienced young people to achieve their full potential through sustainable and fulfilling employment.

With their funding, Drive Forward Foundation will support 200 care leavers across Greater London. Their employability programme is built around intensive one to one support for young people aged 16-24 with experience of care. The support is provided by Employment Consultants (EC), who work holistically with their clients to provide wraparound support on issues, including career guidance and job search, housing, benefits, and signposting to other agencies/ support.

We are partnering with Durham County Council to boost youth employment via its programme partner DurhamWorks.

The charity East London Advanced Technology (ELATT) is a learning community that helps individuals gain skills and enhance existing ones through training, mentoring and employment support.

With their funding, 150 young people aged 16-24 were provided with an individualised, accessible and holistic programme of learning, self-development, mentoring and career and employability skills development. The Connected Youth programme ran alongside ELATT’s IT Curriculum learning programme (funded separately), which the participants of the YFF-funded programme also benefitted from. The programme worked with young people with SEND, ESOL and those with educational health and care plans in East London. 

Ellesmere Youth Project is a neighbourhood-based youth project in Burngreave, Sheffield. It aims to inspire young people to value themselves and others, improve their confidence and self-esteem and encourage them to reach their full potential.

This project will deliver a range of positive activities for young people from a Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds who are facing disadvantages in Sheffield and who have been further impacted by Covid-19. Life skills and aspirations will improve as a result.

ERSA is the membership body for all organisations delivering, or with an interest in, employment support services. ERSA’s membership includes large providers, members of supply chains, smaller organisations, private and third sector, youth organisations, local authorities, housing providers, general and specialist providers.

Enhancing Youth Employment Support – The Grant will be used to fund ERSA’s work on Youth Unemployment, working with employment support providers building and maintaining communities of good practice and running collaborative events. The grant will be used to contribute to three staff members wages. These three staff will research local labour markets and youth employment data. Facilitate the communities of good practice, deliver youth employment focussed forums, collaboration events and conferences.

Family and Community Enterprise (FACE) provides a range of activities for children and young people focused on health and sport.

This project will deliver an employability programme for children and young people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities in Blackburn affected by Covid-19, developing life skills, wellbeing and hopes for the future.

Flying Futures is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that manages and delivers a range of Social programmes across Yorkshire & Humberside, the North East and East Midlands, to bring about effective change to communities.

This project will deliver employability courses for young people from ethnic minority backgrounds living in an area of deprivation who have missed education due to Covid-19. It will result in improved leadership skills, aspirations and wellbeing.

Football Unites Racism Divides (FURD) is a youth and social inclusion project and charity based in Sheffield, England, which works locally, nationally and internationally to combat racism and increase understanding between different communities.

This project will deliver an employability project for young people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds living in areas facing disadvantage in Sheffield. Life skills will improve, confidence will increase and there will be more access to employment opportunities.

Friends, Families and Travellers is a national charity that aims to end racism and discrimination against Gypsies, Roma and Travellers, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, culture or background, whether settled or mobile, and to protect the right to pursue a nomadic way of life.

This project will provide a programme of employability support activities for Gypsy and Traveller young people who have had their personal development prospects impacted by Covid-19. The project will increase confidence, digital skills and life skills.

Gateway Support Group (GSG) is a charity that supports refugees and asylum seekers in Bolton and Greater Manchester.

This project will deliver homework support, a sports club and employability training sessions for refugee and asylum seekers who have been increasingly isolated due to Covid-19. It will increase their employability skills.

Getaway Girls empowers girls and young women aged 11 – 25 to build up confidence, develop new skills and take positive risks in an environment which offers cooperation and support.

This project will deliver training and skills development for young women experiencing a range of disadvantages and are experiencing isolation and poor mental health due to Covid-19. This will result in increased confidence and skills to enter employment.

Globalmama is a social enterprise set up and run by refugee women in Sheffield to empower and support women of all backgrounds to become social entrepreneurs themselves.

This grant will provide mentoring, work experience and training to young women from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities in Sheffield who live in areas facing disadvantage. Employability skills will improve and confidence will increase as a result.

Golden Opportunity Skills and Development (GOSAD) is a charity that offers a hub providing support and access to skill-building projects, courses, advocacy and advice on a range of topics.

This project will support 100 young people of Black, minority ethnic and refugee background in Ealing who are facing disadvantages caused by Covid-19 with skills training and job coaching to ensure they are better placed to enter employment and training, with increased life skills.

Groundwork works to create stronger, healthier communities, responsible business and greater prospects for local people.

This project will deliver a creative arts programme for young people in Blackpool who are not engaged in education, employment or training, a situation worsened by Covid-19, developing life skills, confidence and hopes for the future.

HCVS (Hackney Community and Voluntary Sector) is a voluntary and community sector support agency, and a local community and voluntary sector service. They provide local voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations with the key skills training, information, and resources so they can continue with their work supporting local people.

With their network comprising over 50 organisations (primarily BAME led) which aim to develop and improve employability pathways for young people this grant will support its development. It will also help provide mentoring for the core team to develop effective solutions and monitoring systems to track the engagement of youth focused community and employment groups working with BAME 14-24 year-olds to create EET pathways.

Working within the community sector, Hamara delivers several strands of work including Youth Activities, and Education, Employment and Training Programmes. Hamara will lead a project to tackle workplace discrimination and support employment opportunities for young people with Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage living in Leeds and Bradford.

Health for All (Leeds) is a Leeds-based charity working to change people’s lives and transform local communities.

This project will deliver an employability programme for young people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds living in Leeds and impacted by poverty. Life skills and confidence will improve and those taking part are more likely to engage in volunteering or employment.

Hearts & Minds is the UK’s only peer-led charity and service for young people experiencing mental health difficulties.

This grant will fund a programme of support and training for young people affected by mental health issues whose anxiety has increased due to Covid-19. This is will increase self-esteem, increase access to training and entry to employment.

Highfields Community Association is a charity that provides, develops and manages a family-oriented community education and development centre and serves Leicester(shire)’s population, with a particular emphasis as a community anchor and advocacy organisation for Highfields area communities.

This grant will fund employability programmes for young people in Leicester living in a highly diverse area facing socio-economic disadvantages. They will gain confidence, employment skills and reduce risky behaviour.

Hillingdon Autistic Care & Support (HACS) is a charity based in the London Borough of Hillingdon for children and young people on the autism spectrum.

This grant will deliver the Step Up project for young people with autism in Hillingdon additionally affected by Covid-19 and support them to increase life skills, reach their goals and engage with employment.

This partnership is led by Humber Learning Consortium, working with The Warren, a youth-led charity, and Hull City Council.

The partnership is focused on understanding the mismatch between the high level of vacancies in the city and the high number of young people who are NEET.  The Thing, The Warren’s Youth Parliament has directive oversight of the project and young people will form a team of peer researchers.

InUnity is a not-for-profit organisation based in Birmingham. It develops innovative programmes to meet the needs of local people and their communities. Its programmes use a mixture of activities across sport, physical activity, creative arts, youth development, training and workshops.

This grant will fund a skills development and social action project for 150 children and young people who are experiencing mental health issues due to Covid-19. The project aims to improve relationships, improve wellbeing and reduce anxiety.

Jacari is an innovative, award-winning charity providing free, 1:1 tutoring for migrant, asylum-seeking, and refugee children aged 6-16 who have English as an Additional Language (EAL) and are struggling at school.

This project will provide a tutoring programme for children and young people who speak English as an additional language. It will increase confidence, increase English language skills and raise aspirations.

Lancashire Women is a charity working towards a Lancashire where all women are valued, treated as equals, and empowered to be able to transform their lives.

This project will deliver one-to-one, holistic support for young women and girls living in poverty in East Lancashire, whose ability to engage in education and employment is affected by Covid-19, developing resilience and employable skills.

The Lighthouse Futures Trust is a charity that partners with special schools and colleges to support the growth of employment opportunities for those furthest away from sustainable employment.

This project will deliver internships and training for young people who have learning disabilities or are on the autistic spectrum. This will result in gaining qualifications, improved team working skills and improved life skills.

Making the Leap is a London-based social justice charity that improves social mobility by raising the aspirations of, and increasing opportunities for, young people between the ages of 11 and 25.

The funding will support their ‘Career Ahead’ project. This project will offer weekly employability sessions to small groups of year 11 students in secondary schools and/or alternate provision within local authority pupil referral units to develop soft skills and readiness for employment with 100 students being supported overall.

Manchester Deaf Centre is a charity. It is the largest organisation to provide support to the deaf community and beyond in Greater Manchester.

This project will deliver the ‘I Can’ project with children and young people who are deaf, deaf/blind, or children of deaf adults and have experienced increased isolation due to Covid-19. It will improve employability skills.

MATRIX Neurological is an innovative children’s charity based in Middlesbrough, established to provide practical help and support to children, young people and their families who are living with the effects of childhood acquired brain injury.

This grant will fund a specialist support team to deliver one-to-one sessions of employment support to young people with acquired brain injury. It will lead to development of skills required for learning, improved communication and positive relationships.

Mencap Ealing is a charity that gives children and adults with learning and other disabilities the opportunity to achieve their full potential and live as independently as possible.

This project will support 60 young people with learning disabilities in Ealing and Hounslow, facing additional disadvantages caused by Covid-19, with employment support. Participants will be more confident and knowledgeable in the work environment and gain employment.

We have partnered with Merseyside Youth Alliance and The European Social Fund/Youth Employment Initiative to fund the delivery of Merseyside Youth Association’s innovative Talent Match job support programme. Over 1,600 long-term unemployed 18-24-year-olds based in Liverpool City Region will benefit from a range of services, including specialised mental health support and bespoke employment guidance. 

Money4YOU is a charity that aims to tackle inequality by supporting individuals and organisations to be confident in their financial management and helps educate on the topic of enterprise. They offer a range of activities, including financial literacy and entrepreneurship workshops for children and young people.

This grant will support the BAMER HUB which is free to BAMER led UK charities and social enterprises. This online platform provides members access to capacity building support including workshops, tools, income generation/resilience support, networking, funding opportunities and support.

National Youth Agency is a national body for youth work which encourages young people to build self-confidence and develop skills for life. Their scope of work includes, creating opportunities for young people; developing a skilled and effective youth sector workforce and influencing policy.

This grant is targeted to support 80 organisations (62% of members) identified as working with young people to support their education and employability options.

Case study:

The training we’re receiving has really helped us to better understand the very unique challenges facing young people seeking employment this year. This means we will be better equipped to use our unique, informal relationship with young people to support them through these next few steps of their development and transition to adulthood.

Being a part of and having access to the Safeguarding Hub is allowing us to refresh and update our existing safeguarding skillset, and apply it more effectively to the digital delivery of youth work that we’ve adapted to over the past year. The better quality advice and resources we can access regarding safeguarding young people, the better protected they will be by our youth work.

– A Youth Worker receiving NYA training

The New Era Foundation was established in 2013, to help young people achieve their full potential.

This grant will fund a pre-employment training course to young people who are being diverted from police custody who have lost face-to-face support due to Covid-19. The course will reduce offending, increase employability and improve wellbeing.

Newcastle United Foundation uses football to motivate and inspire people to be more active, learn new skills, be more employable and to reach their potential. They coach, mentor, educate and provide opportunities to a variety of communities across the North East.

With their funding, Newcastle United Foundation will be offering a range of activities using sport to support and engage young people aged 16-24. This programme of activities includes small group work, employability skills workshops, residentials and qualifications as well as mentoring.

Nightsafe is a charity that alleviates the plight of homeless and vulnerably-housed young people in the borough of Blackburn with Darwen and surrounding areas.

This project will deliver support for homeless young people in East Lancashire who have been affected by Covid-19 and lockdown measures, improving their life skills, confidence and helping them to engage in employment, education and training.

Nightstop Communities Northwest (NCNW) CIC is a unique service offering safe and secure emergency accommodation for vulnerable young people, a suite of mental health and wellbeing services and social prescribing for the wider community.

This project will deliver the Property Pathway Programme to provide temporary accommodation, counselling, and employment skills for homeless young people and adults suffering from mental ill health.

North East Autism Society provides specialist support services to neurodiverse people, helping enhance their skills and strengths to enable them to flourish independently. They offer a variety of services, including family and residential care, resources and training for professionals.

With their funding, North East Autism will support 195 young people aged 16-19 in Tyne and Wear with autism or other neurodiverse condition. They will run intensive one-to-one and small group support sessions on a weekly basis.

North London Partnership Consortium Limited (NLPC Ltd), is a black-led, not-for-profit organisation committed to the regeneration and renewal of communities by unlocking the potential of local people through accredited training, employability support and enterprise development programmes.

Working on the Brighter Futures Project with NLPC Ltd is Mind in Haringey, Harris Academy and Haringey Council. The project will bring stakeholders across the area together, including schools, employers, providers and young people trained as peer researchers, to explore the barriers to delivery of high quality, locally relevant careers support in schools.

This project will deliver employability sessions for young people with special educational needs from deprived areas including Warrington, Blackburn, Liverpool, Wakefield, Doncaster and Essex, developing life skills, confidence and raising aspirations.

Nova New Opportunities helps people from diverse backgrounds move forward with their skills, confidence and employability.

This project will support young people from Black and minority ethnic communities in North Kensington with a range of activities promoting engagement in STEAM subjects. They will have increased opportunities, broadened horizons and improved core skills.

Oxfordshire Youth is the leading youth organisation for the youth sector in Oxfordshire.

This project will provide a skills development and work placement programme for young people who are not in employment, education or training. Young people will improve their employability skills and confidence.

PATRA Inc ACDA seeks to remove forms of disadvantage that prevent individuals from BME Groups, competing on an equal basis in the labour market.

Using their funding, PATRA This programme will support 40 young people aged 16-24 in Nottingham who are NEET and predominately from African and Caribbean communities. They will be provided with intergenerational and culturally specific wrap-around engagement, mentoring and family engagement through a 13-week, full-time ‘traineeship’ model of career planning and placements. 

Pedestrian is a leading arts organisation and charity specialising in music and arts education based in the heart of Leicester’s bustling city centre.

This grant will fund creative sessions and traineeships for children and young people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage in Leicester and impacted by Covid-19. It will improve their life skills, confidence and employment chances.

Pentreath Ltd. is a Cornish charity that supports people living with mental health and emotional difficulties. They offer support to help people believe in their own potential and achieve their vocational goals.

The grant will help develop their Re-Ignite project, which is aimed at young people aged 14-24 living in Cornwall who are experiencing mental and emotional health difficulties that are barriers to progressing towards employment, education and living healthy, happy lives. This programme will support 150 young people and activities include: one-to-one IAG, practical support with CVs and applications, confidence building and work tasters.

Prior’s Court Foundation is a charity providing education and residential care for young people with complex autism aged 5-25, helping them to build brighter, more independent futures.

This project will provide horticultural skills development and work placements for disabled children and young people negatively impacted by Covid-19. It will increase their aspirations, employability skills and positive relations with adults.

Recre8now use proven drama-based psychology techniques to creatively rehabilitate and develop young people in the justice system or who are at risk of offending.

This grant will fund a drama-based employability programme for young people impacted by Covid-19 and at risk of youth offending in Birmingham. As a result, young people will improve their educational attainment, self esteem and reduce risky behaviour.

Redcar & Cleveland Mind is an independent charity working to support the mental health and wellbeing of everyone in its local communities.

This grant will support young people who are affected by poverty and poor mental health to improve self-confidence, become more resilient and increase aspirations making them better able to access employment and training.

The Blackpool Connected Futures Partnership is led by Right to Succeed, a charity seeking to promote collective solutions for young people, and includes Blackpool Football Club Community Trust, Blackpool Council, Blackpool and the Fylde College and Business in the Community.  

The partnership is undertaking place-based research to understand local community experience of the education and employment support system in Blackpool, and to inform the transformation of services for NEET and at risk of NEET young people in Blackpool.  

Mencap is a charity that works to improve the lives of people with a learning disability. They offer a range of specialist support services that vary from round-the-clock care to helping someone join in with local leisure activities, providing employment or education advice or helping individuals transition to living independently.

The grant will help support 100 young people aged 18-24 in the West Midlands and South West who have learning disabilities, difficulties or autism. The project will offer young people the chance to be partnered with employers, and supports participants to find meaningful work.

RUFF & RUBY’ [RUBYGIRL ft. RUFF DIAMONDZ] is an award-winning youth charity that engages, energises and empowers young people to realise their value, reach their potential and reframe their world by promoting positive self-esteem and aspirations through innovative programs and services.

This grant will fund TRACTION, a project that will support children and young people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage impacted by Covid-19. The project aims to develop life skills, employability skills and employment opportunities.

Saints Foundation brings Southampton FC to the heart of the local community, using the power of the club and its passionate team to help fulfil individual potential and make Southampton a better place to live for all.

This project will provide an employability skills development programme for young people who are not in education, employment or training, impacted negatively by Covid-19. As a result, young people will improve their work-related skills and emotional wellbeing.

Salmon Youth Centre has been reaching out to young people in inner city London for over a hundred years. It inspires young people to reach their potential and contribute positively to the community in which they live

This grant will fund homework clubs and employability workshops for young people facing local deprivation who have been isolated due to C-19. Activities will increase confidence, enhance employment prospects and boost community cohesion.

Society for the Advancement of Black Arts (SABA) is a charity focused on the education and development of society using Black artforms as the basis of its activities, and supporting individuals from all backgrounds to be able to use these art forms to attain their true potential.

This grant will fund employability skills training and mentoring for young people from the Black community who have been isolated and lacked education support due to Covid-19. Activities will increase soft skills, entry to employment and confidence.

Soft Touch Arts is an award-winning Leicester charity using arts, media and music activities as a tool to engage with and change the lives of young people facing disadvantages.

This grant will fund an arts-based employability programme providing work experience and mentoring for disengaged young people who are impacted by Covid-19. They will gain life skills, build positive relationships and increase their aspirations.

Sound Connections is a charity that enables and empowers young Londoners through high quality music-making opportunities.

This project will provide training sessions, 1-1 support and work placements within the music industry to young people who are experiencing greater financial and mental health issues as a result of Covid-19, to develop life skills and employment options.

Sport 4 Life works with young people aged 11-29 to support them into sustained education, employment and training through their sports programmes, mentoring and structured group-based training activities.

Using their funding, Sport 4 Life will help 910 young people aged 14-24 who are NEET or at risk of NEET through a mentoring programme which focuses on progression into work. The programme will engage them though sport whilst improving life skills and employability skills. As well as this, partner organisations and employers will support the young people through mock interviews and employability workshops.

Sport 4 Life UK is a West Midlands-based youth employment charity that helps young people (aged 11 to 29) move into sustained education, training and work through sports-themed personal development.

This grant will fund a sports-based employability programme for 150 young people who are experiencing socio-economic disadvantage due to Covid-19. This project aims to improve skills and improve access to employment and training.

St Giles Trust is a charity that provides specialist support for vulnerable individuals and communities, enabling them to overcome the adversity they face.

Grant funding will help run a programme which aims to support young people age 16-24 at risk of, or with experience of, the criminal justice system to overcome disadvantages in accessing education, skills development and employment. Intensive one to one casework support will be delivered on a weekly/fortnightly basis with 150 young people per year being supported of which 70% are from BAME communities.

Step by Step is a charity that supports young people who are going through hard times. It takes a unique step by step approach, providing accommodation, personal development opportunities, and specialist support services. Its approach helps young people to identify and fulfil their aspirations.

This project will provide employability skills and work placement opportunities to homeless young people further impacted by Covid-19. Young people will better engage with employment, education or training, improve their independence and aspirations.

This programme will support 102 young people aged 14-24 in Nottingham/Nottinghamshire who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET, and who experience a range of barriers to their employment. A majority of young people supported are from BAME communities.

The project will provide a range of mentoring, counselling, physical fitness (boxing) activities, employability support over typically 12 weeks (although this can vary depending on the young person’s level of need).

Team Dominica is a Brighton & Hove-based social enterprise charity that helps young people with learning disabilities find and retain meaningful employment

This project will provide employability training for learning disabled young people who have had their employment prospects impacted by Covid-19. It will result in the achievement of qualifications, increased confidence and employment skills.

The Amber Foundation is an independent charity that supports homeless and unemployed young people. Amber provides a temporary, safe place to live with up to 90 other young people at one of three residential centres in Surrey, Wiltshire and Devon. There provide a mix of support, structure, new experiences and training that builds their motivation, confidence, self-discipline and skills.

With their grant funding, Amber will work with young people to explore how their work can encourage positive changes to young people’s lives. They will embed a new data system that will enhance their referral process, improve casework management and help measure and evaluate the outcomes that young people achieve.

The Centre for Youth Impact brings together practitioners, funders and policy makers to improve services and support for young people across the UK. They offer a range of support services, including training and coaching, resources and information, and facilitate a place to debate change.

The grant will be used to co-develop guidance, tools and resources and to deliver training that is responsive to local needs, with a specific focus on developing young people’s life skills for employability. The funding will also support licences for online meeting software for its nine Regional Networks, which are digitally disadvantaged and have not been able to benefit from the increased delivery of virtual training, and online meetings to share and reflect on practice.

The Diana Award is a charity set-up in honour of Diana, Princess of Wales. The charity continues Diana’s legacy by awarding young people for their positive contributions to society, humanitarian or activist work.

The grant will be used to enhance The Diana Award’s Mentoring and Development programme; it will fund the development and delivery of their 15-18 year-olds age group programme, working with at risk NEETs in Birmingham, Leeds and London. The programme consists of a 12-month experience made up of an initial 12 week programme of support, ordinarily in a school setting, with additional support from a mentor. This is followed by nine months of further mentoring support, a week’s work experience, and the opportunity to join ‘career lounges’ where the young people can engage with a range of employers.

The Diana Award is the only charity set up in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales and promotes the belief that young people have the power to change the world.

This grant will fund a structured mentoring and employability programme to young people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities experiencing poor mental health and emotional needs, due to Covid-19. It will increase educational engagement and career skills.

The English Football League runs a variety of community initiatives focusing on raising people’s aspirations and quality of life. Their work spans several areas, including: education and employability, health and wellbeing, participation and community engagement.

Using their funding, The Football League will develop their ‘Training Ground’ project, a multi-region employability programme for 50 vulnerable NEET 18-24 year-olds each year, delivered via Club Community Organisations. They will each provide a tailored 20 hr per week 6-month programme to move participants closer towards and 30% into employment.

The Juno Project is a charity that empowers vulnerable teenage girls to achieve their goals in spite of their challenges.

This project will provide individual support to young women experiencing significant challenges, further disadvantaged by Covid-19. Young women will improve their confidence, engage better with education and improve employability skills.

The Melton Learning Hub is an alternative learning facility that offers young people a wide variety of exciting and practical courses. This modern and unique facility engages young people who find traditional educational settings challenging.

This grant will fund weekly additional support with school work and vocational courses to children and young people in Melton Mowbray affected by Covid-19. Young people will gain accreditation, employability skills and confidence.

Mustard Tree is a family of projects seeking to be a voice for the unheard. It aims to support and empower the misunderstood or overlooked in it’s community and is committed to enabling social action to bring about positive change.

This project will provide a mentoring support programme to young people facing disadvantages across Berkshire, further impacted by Covid-19. As a result, young people will increase their aspirations, confidence and employability skills.

The Platform Project is a not-for-profit youth development scheme that helps young people develop confidence and employability skills through a range of different enterprise activities.

This project will support young people from low income households through a programme of employability and enterprise skills. It will increase their level of qualifications and improve entry into work experience and employment.

The Prince’s Trust is a charity Charles, Prince of Wales, to help vulnerable young people get their lives on track. It supports 11 to 30-year-olds who are unemployed and those struggling at school and at risk of exclusion.

Their grant funding will support the delivery of the Future Skills Academy Alliance, an alliance that combines IT technical skills training with wraparound support and ringfenced employer vacancies. It will operate in the IT sector and work with five digital sector employers (Google, Facebook, Amazon Web Services, Service Now and UiPath) and their partners such as Generation and Coursera. The aim of this programme is to improve young people’s social mobility, bring them closer to the labour market and unlocked entrepreneurial potential, ultimately supporting them on a journey to economic independence.

The Proud Trust is a life-saving and life-enhancing organisation that helps LGBT+ young people empower themselves, to make a positive change for themselves, and their communities. It does this through youth groups, coordinating national and regional LGBT+ youth work networks, managing a LGBT+ Centre for Manchester, delivering training, running events and campaigns, undertaking research and creating resources.

This project will deliver an employability programme to young people, identifying as LGBT, whose mental health has been affected by Covid-19. It will support them to improve their life skills, confidence and situation in life.

Established in 1799 as the first school for young blind people in the south of England, SeeAbility now provides specialist support, accommodation and eye care help for people with learning disabilities, autism and sight loss.

This project will provide a supported employment programme for learning disabled young people with visual impairments. They will develop increased resilience and confidence and improve their employability skills.

The Skillsbuilder Partnership is a not-for-profit company set up by a team of teachers which aims to equip young people with the skills, aspirations and experiences they need to succeed in life through programmes to help teachers.

This grant will be targeted at building employability skills among young people in SEND provision and young people supported by employability organisations. It is focused on those who are NEET, or at risk of NEET and young people from BAME communities. This will see the creation of two collaborative networks – one focused on SEND organisations and one on Careers and Employability organisations. Each collaborative network will bring together over 20 youth-impact organisations within that specialism and support them to work together to create assessment tools, training resources and learning aids.

The Traveller Movement is a national community charity promoting inclusion and community engagement with Gypsies, Roma and Travellers. The Traveller Movement seeks to empower and support Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities to advocate for the full implementation of their human rights.

With their grant, the core team plans to develop a youth employment strategy in response to the increased need to tackle high unemployment rates among Gypsy, Roma and Traveller young people and help communities to adapt to opportunities in potential employment sectors and engage with local and regional stakeholders to improve engagement and outcomes in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller employment.

Ubele is an African Diaspora led intergenerational social enterprise. It supports a wide range of communities, community-based organisations and groups with their community assets (people and physical spaces), though social action, community enterprise development and next generation leadership initiatives. They design and deliver local, regional, national projects and international programmes as well as being involved in London regional policy initiatives and campaigns.

Funding will be used establish and support a series of project teams across six London boroughs to affect change in their local youth employment ecosystems. These teams will consist of key stakeholders from each region and will work together to identify and trial solutions to root causes of youth unemployment in their area through a social lab approach. The intended outcomes are for each project team to access learning about informed practice through Ubele, and then for Ubele to disseminate learning from across the overall project to their network and the wider sector.

Toranj Trust is a non-profit organisation linking students from the University of Hull with child and adult learners, to tutor, guide and inspire them.

This project will deliver employment-focused group mentoring, English lessons and work experience for unaccompanied refugees and asylum seekers . This will result in improved employment skills, awareness of prospects and work experience.

Transform Training is a charity that delivers evidence-based programmes and training to support vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in the local communities. The foundation of its work is emotional education and all activities promote emotional literacy, emotional resilience and emotional intelligence.

This grant will fund training and workshops for learning disabled children and young people who are isolated at home due to Covid-19. The project will support them to work in teams to increase their self-confidence and independence.

Trelya is a Penzance-based charity thar provides positive interventions into the lives of the hardest to reach children and young people in West Cornwall.

This project will deliver sessions to children and young people from low income families facing a range of complex needs and are impacted by Covid-19. It will help improve their employment skills, raise aspirations and increase motivation.

UK Youth is a charity that exists to ensure all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered at every stage of their lives. They work with others to ensure that the youth sector is strengthened, supported, and that provision is youth-led, evidence-informed and delivers high-quality outcomes.

This grant will fund online engagement, toolkits, and activities for member organisations to deliver targeted education, training and employability support to young people residing in the 10% of most deprived households in England.

UpRising is a UK-wide youth leadership development organisation with a mission to open pathways to power for talented young people from diverse and under-represented backgrounds.

With the funding, 400 young people aged 18-25 will be supported by the existing ‘Fastlaners’ programme through an online programme. Young people will benefit from connecting with a trained business mentor to strengthen their competitiveness in the labour market. Specifically, the project will address inequalities exacerbated as a result of COVID-19. The target cohort are BAME and white disadvantaged young people.

Founded in 2008, UpRising addresses systemic under-representation in positions of leadership in communities and work.

This grant will fund an environmental leadership course for 50 young people who are experiencing socio-economic disadvantage due to Covid-19. The project aims to improve specialist knowledge and improve life skills.

Volunteer It Yourself combines DIY and volunteering by challenging young people aged 14-24 to help repair and refurbish youth and community facilities, whilst learning vocational trade skills on the job. They also deliver ‘early intervention’ construction sector employability skills and careers training for 10-14 year-olds in schools.

The funding will help 500 young people aged 14-24 on a programme which incorporates work experience on construction sites, careers and taster sessions leading to an Entry Level 3  employability qualification and to further education and employment opportunities. The programme usually lasts three to six months, in which young people gain hands-on site work experience on local community projects, can gain City & Guilds accreditations and have careers sessions and employability workshops with sector relevant employers. 18% of participants will achieve an education, training and/or employment progression within three months of completing their VIY experience.

Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action is the VCS Infrastructure Organisation for Warwickshire & Solihull, providing vital support to the volunteers, groups, organisations, enterprises and charities that strengthen communities across the region.

This grant will fund mentoring support and employability skill sessions for young people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage impacted by Covid-19. The aim is to raise aspirations, future prospects and support them into or towards employment.

WATCH Charity, and Community Centre is a modern, purpose-built, community centre located in Hillfields Coventry. The centre acts as space for the local community, children and young people and groups to meet and take part in a range of activities.

This grant will fund mentoring support to young people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage impacted by Covid-19. The project aims to raise aspirations by giving them simple tools to boost self-worth and increase their access to employment.

Westminster House Youth Club is a charity based in Peckham, South East London. It provides purposeful activities, both recreational and educational for young people aged 8-18.

This grant will fund tuition sessions, training and qualifications for young people affected by local deprivation who have been isolated due to Covid-19. Activities will increase educational attainment, access to qualifications and improve health.

Windsor Fellowship is a charity that designs and delivers innovative educational and leadership programmes that develop the diverse young talent within the UK.

This project will provide workshops and mentoring sessions to young people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities living in Hackney, living in low income households. It will improve their chances of securing employment and access to training.

Workwhile is a not-for-profit initiative, currently incubated and hosted the IPPR (the Institute for Public Policy Research). They exist to support employers to create more good work and to ensure everyone can access it – addressing inequity in access to good work. Apprenticeship creation is at the heart of their work, and since 2020 they have created over 1,750 apprenticeships for disadvantaged and marginalised Londoners. The Infrastructure grant from Youth Futures Foundation is enabling Workwhile to create 1,000 apprenticeships for disadvantaged and marginalised young people in London, including supporting its mission-driven levy transfer brokerage service which ensures that apprenticeship levy funds reach the businesses and individuals where it is most needed. In addition, the funding is supporting a pilot programme of training for apprentices’ line managers – DevelopMentor – and enhancing Workwhile’s knowledge sharing activities across its extensive networks.

YES Outdoors is a charity that supports young people across Islington, Camden, Haringey and Hackney. The organisation works to raise it’s members aspirations and equip them with the tools to increase confidence, build positive relationships and enable them to give something back to the community.

This project will provide a bike maintenance training course for young people facing disadvantages in homeless accommodation. The activity will improve their self-belief, aspirations and increase positive behaviour.

YMCA Derbyshire is a charity committed to helping young people. It provides a variety of support, particularly at times of need. The organisation is also a registered social landlord.

This grant will provide therapeutic support alongside volunteering and work placement opportunities to young people experiencing homelessness, impacted by Covid-19. The project aims to improve mental wellbeing and support positive pathways into employment.

YMCA East Surrey is a charity that helps vulnerable children, young people and adults to belong, contribute and thrive. 

This project will support young homeless people through delivery of a employability programme. It will increase life skills, increase their level of qualifications and improve entry into employment.

YMCA Milton Keynes is a charity and an approved social housing provider. It provides accommodation, support and wellbeing services to help young people in the community belong, contribute and thrive.

This project will provide an employability skills programme for homeless young people impacted by Covid-19. As a result, young people will improve their skills and confidence and be work-ready.

YMCA Norfolk is a charity committed to supporting young people across Norfolk, to enable them to reach their full potential.

This grant will fund an 18 month ‘Right Direction’ programme for homeless young people in Great Yarmouth, isolated due to Covid-19. Outcomes include increased confidence and independence, and greater access to training opportunities and employment.

The Flourishing Futures partnership is led by Young Brent Foundation, which supports black and community-led organisations working with young people in Brent, and includes Spark!, a youth employment charity, Brent Council and three housing associations (MTVH, Hyde and Catalyst Housing).

Flourishing Futures is focused on three estates in Brent which have a majority Black population and high levels of youth unemployment despite strong academic attainment.

Your Own Place CIC is a social enterprise providing Tenancy and Independent Living Skills (TILS+) training for people moving to independence, supporting them to feel safe and secure in their home.

This grant will fund mentoring and employability workshops for 128 10-15 year-olds experiencing local deprivation and at risk of disengaging from education due to Covid-19. As a result, young people will develop communication skills, confidence and engage in education.

Youth Access is an advice and counselling network which believes every young person has a right to access free, high quality advice and counselling. They promote the Youth Access YIACS (Youth Information, Advice and Counselling) model as part of local services for young people.

This grant will fund Youth Access’s education and training programme supporting vulnerable young people. Due to the economic impact of COVID-19, Youth Access is planning to respond to a shift in demand for increased online services offering advice and information centred on employment, skills training, self-employment.

This project will establish how Youth Employment UK’s existing Youth Friendly Employment Framework, endorsed by Goldsmiths, University of London, can be built upon. It will also provide a data collection and analysis infrastructure through which evidence can be gathered on employer practice with respect to youth employment.