2026 Summer Newsletter

A note from our CEO:

As this academic year comes to an end, we are excited to update you on some highlights from the summer term.  

In May, we launched our 2024/25 impact report. Click here to read the report, which highlights our achievements through compelling data and powerful testimonials from young people.  

We are delighted to see that one of our school partners, Leigh Academy Strood, has been judged to be working at a Strong standard across five areas in its recent Ofsted inspection, with ThinkForward’s contribution referenced in the Personal Development & Wellbeing category.  

Although the school year is coming to an end, our work isn’t over as we will be supporting 30 young people over the summer holidays through UK Youth’s Summer Jobs programme. The programme offers the invaluable opportunity of paid work placements to young people, supporting them to develop their work readiness and gain experience to add to their CVs, whilst earning a wage. 

Programme Delivery:

Our FutureMe Programme:

Supporting young people who face barriers to employment

This term, Year 10 students on our FutureMe programme took part in our business mentoring programme, where they benefit from visiting one of our business partners and being mentored by a professional. During the sessions they develop their first CVs and practise mock interviews.  One student said, “It was AMAZING, I learned how to go to interviews and I gained self-confidence.” 

Young women in London and Nottingham have benefited from taking part in our She Speaks project, attending insight days, meeting female employees and creating artwork and podcasts to raise awareness around issues that women face.  

We are delighted to have held a ThinkForward in Action event at Bluecoat Beechdale Academy in Nottingham. Young people, funders, ThinkForward staff and members of the school community came together and shared their experiences of our programmes. BBA Principal, Andy Freestone, shared, ‘If we could have 50 Freyas, we would! We really value the work that ThinkForward does, as do our families and students.’ Thank you to all those who attended. 

Our Work Forward Programme:

Supporting NEET 16-24 year olds into employment

This year, we began delivery of our new Work Forward programme, which supports 16-24 year olds who are not currently in education, employment or training and reside in low-income households. 

Young people have been taking part in group coaching sessions, travel training sessions and attending ready for work events to develop their confidence, independence and skills to help them prepare for employment. Young people have enjoyed visiting a range of businesses including in the finance, law and construction industries.  

Our Future Leaders programme:

Supporting Black young people and South Asian young women at risk of excusion

This term, our Future Leaders students have been busy taking part in peer mentoring sessions, attending a range of Ready for Work events, and attending employability workshops, to prepare them to transition from school to college and/or employment.  

Our Head of Inclusion Programmes, Patrice Etienne, featured on The Careers & Enterprise Company’s podcast to discuss how modern work experience can strengthen confidence, broaden aspirations and reduce inequity. Click here to listen. 

Youth Participation:

Our Youth Advisory Board

Our Youth Advisory Board (YAB) members have had a very productive year so far. Their main project has been conducting an evaluation project, to understand the value of our Ambassadors programme. This term, our YAB members have conducted focus groups with Year 9 students to hear their thoughts. Over the summer, the YAB will be analysing their qualitative findings. We look forward to hearing their learnings next term.  

Fundraising:

Champions for Children Campaign

We are thrilled to have achieved our Big Give Champions for Children Campaign target of £40,000. These funds will enable us to continue providing crucial coaching and work insights to young people, supporting them to develop the confidence, independence and skills they need to succeed in the world of work. A huge thank you on behalf of everyone at ThinkForward to everyone who generously donated or shared our campaign with your networks. 

London Marathon

In April, Team ThinkForward took part in the 2026 TCS London Marathon. It was an amazing, heartwarming day and we are grateful to all of our volunteers and staff who ran the marathon and collectively raised almost £30,000.  

We are delighted to have places in the 2027 TCS London Marathon. If you are interested in running to raise money for ThinkForward, please click here.