More than an opportunity - Helping young people find their next step

A young person’s future is rarely changed by one conversation, one workshop or one chance to try something new. Progress is more often built through a series of small steps; finding a place where you feel welcome, discovering what you can do, meeting people who take your ambitions seriously and having support to work out what comes next.

That is the kind of support Youth PWR Charity is working to make available to young people in Croydon.

Through safe spaces, creative media, employability and wellbeing activities, Youth PWR gives young people opportunities to develop skills, build confidence and explore routes into education, work and community life. For some, that might begin with trying something creative. For others, it might mean talking through a challenge, learning a practical skill or starting to see a future they had not considered before.

The important thing is that young people can keep coming back. A consistent space and trusted adults can help turn a first experience into a next step, and a next step into a sense of direction.

That work takes people, time and a stable base. Youth PWR has received a £50,000 multi-year award from Postcode Society Trust, made possible by funds raised by players of Postcode Lottery. The award will help the charity strengthen its capacity and sustain the people and core resources that make consistent support possible.

Dee Onigbanjo, Founder and CEO of Youth PWR Charity, said:

“Young people have ideas, talent and potential, but it can be difficult to move forward when opportunities feel out of reach or support is not there consistently. Our role is to create spaces where they can feel supported, try things out and begin to shape their next steps. This award will help us keep building that work and plan with greater stability. We’re grateful to Postcode Society Trust and to the Postcode Lottery players who have made it possible.”

For Youth PWR, the award is not an end in itself. It is support for the ongoing work of listening to young people, creating opportunities with them and helping them move towards the futures they want.

Funding was awarded by Postcode Society Trust and raised by players of Postcode Lottery.

About Youth PWR Charity

Youth PWR Charity supports young people aged 13-24 through safe spaces, creative media, employability and wellbeing activities. Based in Croydon, the charity helps young people build skills, confidence and positive routes into education, work and community life.