WeMindTheGap, the Wrexham-based charity dedicated to empowering under‑served young people, is a finalist in the 2025 Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) Awards.
The accolade recognises grassroots organisations demonstrating exceptional impact who have developed effective and innovative ways of addressing entrenched social issues, working with some of the hardest to reach people in the UK.
WeMindTheGap has been highlighted for its innovative approaches to bridging gaps in education, employment, and life‑skills pathways for young people aged 11-15 and 16–25.
“We are thrilled to be recognised as a CSJ Awards finalist,” said Ali Wheeler, CEO of WeMindTheGap. “This nomination reflects the dedication of our team, the strength of our ‘village’ of supporters, employers, and community partners, and the resilient spirit of our Gappies, young people striving for a brighter future. It’s validation that our model truly closes gaps in opportunity and belonging.”
Over the past decade, WeMindTheGap has developed and delivered life‑changing programmes across North Wales and the North West, and now includes:
- WeInspire, a supportive, nurturing programme for 11-15 year olds who are struggling with traditional education;
- WeDiscover, a 12-week virtual skills and mentoring initiative for 16-25 year-olds where young people can discover more about themselves and the wider world,
- WeGrow, a 26-week paid employability programme for 18-25 year-olds;
- WeBridge, a ‘roll on roll off’ employability programme for 16-25 year-olds who are ready to work and need nurturing and support to find the right opportunity;
- WeBelong, an alumni community for any young person who has completed a programme.
Every ‘Gappie' remains part of WeMindTheGap family, and the community provides support, care, and friendship for as long as they want or need it.
The CSJ team identifies the most outstanding, innovative, and effective charities that help the hardest to reach, inspire with their impact, and have discovered ways of scaling their work beyond their own neighbourhood. A team of judges, with a wealth of experience across a wide range of sectors, come together to select the winners.
“We look forward to celebrating alongside fellow finalists and sharing our story with national leaders,” added Ali Wheeler. “Regardless of the outcome, being selected as a finalist amplifies our voice and the voices of the young people we serve.”
