ThinkForward (UK)
ThinkForward’s mission
ThinkForward supports under-served young people to successfully transition from school into work by providing long-term coaching, skills development and meaningful employer engagement – helping them build the confidence, independence and networks needed for sustained employment.
How will the donation be used?
This donation will directly support the delivery of the charity’s FutureMe programme in London, enabling them to reach 300 young people at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training), and supporting them to make successful transitions towards the world of work. The funding will help provide coaching, mentoring and workplace exposures to these young people over the next year.
What impact is the donation expected to have?
The charity will deliver the FutureMe programme across five schools in Islington and Tower Hamlets. Coaches will provide consistent, one-to-one support to young people building their aspirations, skills and confidence. They will also support young people to attend ready for work events with employers, connecting them with professional mentors and building their understanding of the world of work.
This grant is expected to support 300 young people across years 9 to 13, up until summer 2027. The direct impact of this donation will be that:
- Young people’s work readiness skills and confidence are improved by Year 11
- Young people will work towards completing their Ready for Work passport, which is shown to improve their chances of making a good transition from school
- 80% of the charity’s graduates will make and sustain a positive transition when they leave the programme aged 18.
In achieving the above, ThinkForward aim to help close the inequality gap for under-served young people, improving their long-term prospects and social mobility.
“This funding will make a meaningful difference to the young people we support. It enables us to provide consistent, long-term coaching and access to the world of work – helping young people build confidence, develop key skills, and take positive steps towards employment and a brighter future.”
GEMMA SHEPHERD
Director of Development, ThinkForward (UK)
“I nominated ThinkForward because their mission resonates with my lived experience. Growing up in a socially deprived area, and being the first in my family to attend university, I understand the barriers young people face without structured support and networks. ThinkForward works at the heart of these issues in Tower Hamlets and Islington (areas experiencing high levels of youth unemployment and child poverty) to empower future talent through coaching, nurturing strengths, and access to meaningful opportunities. This funding will directly benefit under-served young people and can change their life trajectories.”
SARAH JONES
Senior Associate Solicitor, Irwin Mitchell