WeMindTheGap has published its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing that 200 young people were supported to move into, or remain engaged in, education, employment or training (EET) during the year, representing 39% of the 514 young people actively engaged across its programmes. The charity says the results demonstrate the importance of relationship-led support and meaningful opportunities at a time when almost one million young people nationally are not in education, employment or training.
The report highlights another year of positive outcomes for young people across North East Wales and Cheshire, with WeMindTheGap reaching 1,115 young people through its programmes, partnerships and community engagement activities, while supporting hundreds of young people to build confidence, develop skills, improve wellbeing and access opportunities.
For some young people, particularly those experiencing social isolation or facing significant barriers, progress may begin long before they are ready for employment or further education. WeMindTheGap says building confidence, forming relationships, taking part and developing a sense of belonging are important steps that can help young people become ready to take future opportunities.
The charity’s work is rooted in a simple belief:
“It takes a village to raise a child, but a system to mind their gaps.”
Through collaboration with employers, schools, funders, communities and supporters, WeMindTheGap continues to break down barriers and create opportunities for young people, recognising that every young person starts from a different place and that progress does not look the same for everyone.
Key achievements from 2025/26 include:
- 200 young people supported to move into, or remain engaged in, education, employment or training (EET).
- 514 young people actively engaged across WeMindTheGap programmes.
- 1,115 young people reached through programmes, partnerships and engagement activities.
- 129 young people supported in education through WeInspire.
- 36 young people accessed work experience opportunities.
- 75 young people reported a stronger sense of belonging.
- 26 young people progressed onto another WeMindTheGap programme.
Behind every statistic is a young person with their own story.
From securing a first job and gaining work experience, to remaining engaged in education, building confidence, improving wellbeing or finding a greater sense of belonging, the report reflects the courage, resilience and potential of the young people WeMindTheGap works alongside every day.
Ali Wheeler, CEO of WeMindTheGap, said:
“I’m proud to share this year’s Impact Report and the difference that WeMindTheGap continues to make alongside young people, employers and communities.
At a time when around a million young people are not in employment, education or training, we are particularly proud that 200 young people were supported to move into, or remain engaged in, education, employment or training this year, representing 39% of the young people actively engaged in our programmes.
We also saw around 70% of young people on our flagship WeGrow programme progress into employment, demonstrating what can be achieved when young people are given consistent support, meaningful opportunities and access to people who believe in them.
But we also know that not every young person is ready to take that step straight away. Some of the young people we work alongside have become socially isolated or disconnected, and for them having the courage to turn up, build a relationship, try something new or begin to feel that they belong can be a significant achievement. We celebrate those steps too, because they can be the foundations that help a young person become ready for the opportunities ahead.
We often say that it takes a village to raise a child, but a system to mind their gaps. Our experience tells us there are no simple answers, single solutions or one organisation alone that can address the barriers many young people face today.
That’s why we remain guided by our values of constancy, commitment and curiosity, being honest about what works, open about the challenges faced by young people, employers and organisations like ours, and always willing to learn and work collaboratively with others to connect young people with opportunities and people who believe in them.
In a rapidly changing world, we believe those qualities are more important than ever if we’re to create opportunities for every young person to thrive.”
Edward Greening, Head of Impact, Digital & Comms, said:
“We are delighted to share our 2025/26 Impact Report, marking the first year of our Five-Year Plan and an important milestone in how we demonstrate the difference WeMindTheGap makes alongside young people. This year, we reached 1,115 young people, achieved an engagement rate of over 50%, and supported 200 young people to move into, or remain engaged in, employment, education and training, but the real story goes far beyond the numbers.
Thanks to significant improvements in our data and impact systems, we are now able to better understand and evidence the journey young people take with us. Every programme at WeMindTheGap is underpinned by our COM-B Theory of Change, which recognises that lasting change happens when young people are supported to develop the capability, opportunity and motivation to achieve their goals.
This report celebrates not only those who progressed into work, education or training, but also the many young people who grew in confidence, built stronger relationships, developed new skills, improved their wellbeing and found a greater sense of belonging. These outcomes are often the foundations that make future success possible.
We’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved alongside young people, colleagues, partners and supporters over the past year, and we’re excited to continue building on this evidence as we work towards our ambition that every young person has the opportunity to thrive.”
Throughout the year, WeMindTheGap continued to strengthen its programmes and expand its reach across North East Wales and Cheshire, ensuring that more young people could access the support, relationships and opportunities they need to flourish. The charity’s impact is made possible through the dedication of staff, volunteers, employer partners, schools, funders and supporters who share a belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed.
While celebrating the year’s achievements, the organisation recognises that significant challenges remain. Too many young people continue to face barriers to education, employment, wellbeing and social mobility. Through its programmes, partnerships and the growing Power of 10,000 movement, WeMindTheGap remains committed to creating opportunities, breaking down barriers and ensuring young people have the support they need to flourish.
The full 2025/26 Impact Report is available to read here.
