Natwest

Ablaze, a independent charity in the West of England, provides a vital bridge between businesses and young people, facilitating meaningful connections and opportunities. We champion learning and professional development, targeting young people who are: - Under-served - Under-estimated - Disengaged - Lacking social collateral Within these groups aspirations are typically low and we help these young people make sense of school and widen their future horizons. All our programmes utilise the skills and commitment of volunteers from our partner businesses to provide essential support, insight and guidance to young people. We are working to mitigate the crisis in skills, attainment and confidence currently facing our young people especially following the pandemic and the growing cost of living crisis. Interventions range from one-day projects designed to inspire young people to consider a range of different job possibilities and begin to develop transferable skills through project-based challenges, to longer term, individual and small group support with reading and maths for younger pupils. Interventions for older students focus on empowering young people through access to real role models and relevant career information to increase confidence and skills, making sense of school and inspiring young people to achieve both academically and in the workplace. For those that are not in education we provide practical employability workshops to boost skills and confidence as well as mentoring to support them into successful employment. Our Reading and Number Partners are trained volunteers from local businesses and are targeted to support schools with a high percentage of pupils with English as an Additional Language, a high percentage of BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) pupils and on pupils who receive Pupil Premium Funding (PPF) and Free School Meals. Our Career Mentoring programme offers a unique group mentoring model where a minimum of six in-depth sessions take place for targeted student groups. Students work with a team of trained business mentors to work on a programme of employability and life skills, delving into career pathways, recognising barriers and overcoming challenges in their personal development.

Storehouse is run by Melton Vineyard church and supported by Churches Together in Melton Mowbray. We put together food bags for those who are most in need; for example, those who are waiting for a benefit payment to arrive or struggling to survive on a very low income. The items we give away are as a result of referrals we receive from local organisations such as Melton Borough Council, Brooksby Melton College, Childrens Centres, Myst Lodge & Westbourne House, Latham House Medical Practice, Social Services, Supporting Leicestershire Families, Melton Furniture Project and others.

Every young person should have the chance to succeed. At The King’s Trust, we believe that every young person should have the chance to succeed, no matter their background or the challenges they are facing. We help young people from disadvantaged communities and those facing the greatest adversity by supporting them to build the confidence and skills to live, learn and earn.