Data released by ONS early in 2025 suggests that the number of young people aged 16-24 who are not in work or education has reached 987,000 – an 11-year high. That’s almost 1 in 7 people in that age range.
This month, we spotlight the work of grant recipient ReachOut, a charity working to transform the outcomes of young people by developing their socio-emotional skills.
Their IICF grant helped deliver a programme for secondary students in Greater Manchester, building their academic and social confidence and preparing them for a world of opportunities. ReachOut ran 12 after-school projects across five schools across Manchester, led by trained Project Leaders and supported by a team of volunteer mentors.
As part of the programme, mentees built relationships with mentors, developed socio-emotional skills and confidence through group activities on various topics, and took part in creative and sporting challenges. They also visited workplaces, heard from a career speaker, and had a chance to become ReachOut reps and join the organisation’s Youth Panel.
“We work with amazing young people who need some additional support to reach and be confident in their potential.” – ReachOut employee
Among participants, 84% of mentees reported an improvement in either character or social confidence and 90% of teachers and 94% of mentors reported a positive change in their mentees, relating to their character, social confidence and/or emotional wellbeing.
“The main impact has been seeing their confidence grow within themselves. They’ve blossomed as young adults.” – Teacher at a ReachOut partner school
This month, we spotlight the work of grant recipient ReachOut, a charity working to transform the outcomes of young people by developing their socio-emotional skills.
Their IICF grant helped deliver a programme for secondary students in Greater Manchester, building their academic and social confidence and preparing them for a world of opportunities. ReachOut ran 12 after-school projects across five schools across Manchester, led by trained Project Leaders and supported by a team of volunteer mentors.
As part of the programme, mentees built relationships with mentors, developed socio-emotional skills and confidence through group activities on various topics, and took part in creative and sporting challenges. They also visited workplaces, heard from a career speaker, and had a chance to become ReachOut reps and join the organisation’s Youth Panel.
“We work with amazing young people who need some additional support to reach and be confident in their potential.” – ReachOut employee
Among participants, 84% of mentees reported an improvement in either character or social confidence and 90% of teachers and 94% of mentors reported a positive change in their mentees, relating to their character, social confidence and/or emotional wellbeing.
“The main impact has been seeing their confidence grow within themselves. They’ve blossomed as young adults.” – Teacher at a ReachOut partner school