Connected Futures, News
£2 million investment to transform opportunities for young people in the East Midlands and Lewisham
Aug 17, 26
With more than one in eight young people across the UK not in education, employment or training, Youth Futures Foundation, the What Works Centre for Youth Employment, has invested a further £2 million in partnerships in the East Midlands and Lewisham to develop and test approaches that break down local barriers holding young people back.
Delivered through Youth Futures’ Connected Futures programme, the additional investment funds and supports each local partnership to tackle fragmented services and build clear pathways into meaningful opportunities for young people facing the greatest barriers.
As recognised by Alan Milburn’s Young People and Work interim report, where a young person lives can have a significant impact on their opportunities, with those experiencing disadvantage at far higher risk of being left behind. Connected Futures local partnerships are using funding to find local solutions that build coherent and connected systems.
Delivery investment will enable the East Midlands Connected Futures partnership to scale up its ambitious vision to help young people with learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions shape decisions that affect them and access opportunities they deserve. The East Midlands Combined County Authority leads the partnership, working alongside Direct Education Business Partnership and regional councils, taking a different, more coordinated and youth-centred approach to address long-term structural barriers and create more inclusive pathways into work across the region.
In Lewisham, significant further investment will expand and strengthen the delivery of Elevate 100 in Downham – a neighbourhood youth hub designed by young people, for young people. Based at Downham Leisure Centre and delivered in partnership with Lewisham Council, Circle Collective, and Phoenix Community Housing. Elevate 100 aims to move beyond co-location towards an integrated model of support. It will bring together local mental health, housing, and employment and skills support services to provide a joined-up approach, governed by a youth-led evidence-informed local partnership.
Young people themselves will play a central role in shaping and driving both partnerships. Youth Ambassadors will lead initiatives, challenge the status quo in local systems, and design solutions, working in partnership with local authorities, voluntary and community sector organisations, statutory services, and educators to tackle the barriers young people face.
By putting youth leadership at the centre of the work, the programme will ensure that local services are shaped by the lived experience of those they are designed to help.
"We are pleased to continue our investment in our East Midlands and Lewisham partnerships to continue driving change and creating more opportunities for young people to succeed in work. By bringing together the insights of young people, local partners, and employers, along with evidence-based practice, we’re supporting areas to work differently, driving meaningful and sustainable improvements in local youth employment systems.
“As part of our commitment to understanding what works, the programme will generate learning that can shape future policy and practice. By tackling structural barriers and promoting inclusive pathways into work, we aim to deliver lasting change across the East Midlands and Lewisham, and share evidence that can benefit communities right across the country."
Nish Mayor, Director of Employer Engagement & Partnerships at Youth Futures Foundation
Abi (18) said, "I want to help young people get the right support they need," while Logan (19) hopes to "try and inspire." Joe (23) is motivated by his own lived experience: "I have a passion for it because I have been there and done it... I want to understand, listen and change the future for young people."
Connected Futures Ambassadors in the East Midlands
“Connected Futures is about changing how systems work so young people with learning difficulties and autism have a fair chance in the labour market. By bringing together education, employers and local partners, we can ensure the right support and opportunities are in place so that these young people can flourish and contribute.”
Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands
"Through Elevate 100, I've seen first-hand how powerful it is when young people are given the chance to lead and have their voices heard.
It has created a space where we can inspire one another, share ideas, and feel proud of the impact we're making together. Being involved has been such a rewarding experience as I've not only grown in confidence and developed new skills, but I've also built friendships and opportunities that will stay with me long after the programme. Elevate 100 has shown me the value of youth leadership and how much we can achieve when we're supported and empowered."
Racheal, Youth Action Board Member at Elevate 100
“Elevate 100 shows what can happen when we trust young people to help shape the future of their communities. Designed by Lewisham’s young people, for Lewisham’s young people, it puts their voices, experiences and ambitions at the heart of decision-making.
“Lasting change happens when residents, communities, businesses and public services work together. Through programmes such as Elevate 100, the Council is deepening its commitment to ensuring people have a genuine voice in shaping the decisions that affect their lives and communities.”
Councillor Shireen Asaw, Lewisham Council’s Cabinet Member for Workers, Business and Skills
