Partner with us to make real change

Since 2010, Drive Forward Foundation has enabled thousands of care-experienced young people across London to move from care to career.

Our trauma-informed model combines one-to-one support, employability training, counselling, and mentoring with direct access to employers and exclusive opportunities.

In 2024–25, we supported over 700 young people on our flagship employment programme. 45% of them achieved tangible employment, education and training outcomes, including over 200 jobs.

More than just a job

Building strong partnerships

The most important measure for us is sustainment, as it’s consistency, stability, and progression that truly change an individual’s life. Last year, over 80% of young people who entered employment or education sustained for at least 13 weeks.

Drive Forward doesn’t just help young people find jobs — they help them build futures they can be proud of.

Russell Winnard, CEO

Behind every statistic is a person whose life trajectory has changed — and a ripple effect that strengthens families, communities, and workplaces.

We collaborate with trusts and foundations that believe in our mission, and seek evidence-based, measurable impact. Dedicated to continuously improving our offer, sharing our learning, and contributing to a growing evidence base, we champion transparent reporting and robust evaluation.

Your grant could help us

• Deliver trauma-informed employment programmes for 16–26-year-olds.
• Expand specialist counselling and wellbeing services.
• Develop and trial bespoke pre-employment programmes for those furthest away from employment including refugees, ex-offenders, young parents, and those lacking baseline qualifications.
• Train and match professional mentors.
• Strengthen national advocacy so care-experienced young people’s voices influence policy.

We provide all funding partners with

• Detailed outcome and impact reports.
• Stories from young people like Kelsey, Sammy, and Derin, demonstrating lived experience and change.
• Regular learning updates and opportunities to visit programmes in action.

Download our Trusts & Foundations pack

Coming soon!