The idea
The Inspire Programme supports young people aged 14 to 25 who are care experienced, on the edge of care, neurodivergent, or at risk of being groomed by gangs or becoming involved in the youth justice system. Many have been labelled “hard to reach” and are school refusers. For some, the qualifications they gain here may be the only ones they receive.
Over 9 months, three themed projects: The Boss Experience, Flavour Lab, and The BeatStatement. Blending creative enterprise with our unique life skills curriculum. This covers personal development, housing rights, finance, entitlements as a child in care, and navigating the criminal justice system.
We teach in depth, revisit topics, and make sure young people understand and can apply what they learn.
Our bees also gain a Level 2 Employability Skills qualification, can complete a Level 3 EPQ, and take part in work experience through Staff Assured, with insight from the London College of Fashion.
What we'll deliver
- Two qualifications per participant: City & Guilds Level 2 + EPQ
- Paid work placements in hospitality, media, beauty, or tech industries
- A 9.5-month curriculum of weekly workshops, 1:1 mentoring, and personal development
- 15 fully funded Inspire Programme places for young people aged 14–25 across London
- Ongoing impact updates to backers — showing exactly what your donation achieved
Why it's a great idea
No other charity gives them what we do: at least two accredited qualifications, 12 months of one-to-one mentoring after the programme, real work experience with industry partners, and hands-on support to take their project further whether that’s into higher education, training, or a job. Every step is shaped by our lived and professional experience. We have walked the same path as many of our young people, and we know what it takes to move forward when the odds are stacked against you.
This isn’t a short-term “fix” or a token workshop. We stay the course. We build trust.
We teach real skills for life from money and housing to navigating the justice system and we do it in a way that’s engaging, creative, and grounded in the reality our young people live every day. We’re not ticking boxes. We’re unlocking futures.
Steps to get it done
- Recruitment & Referrals
- Orientation & Qualification Delivery
- STEAM Workshops & Work Experience
- Industry Guest Speakers
- Public Showcases & Enterprise Events
- Final Projects & EPQ Completion
- Career Coaching 1:1
- Graduation & Reporting
