In the West Midlands, youth unemployment is one of the highest in the country. In Birmingham—the youngest city in Europe and one of the most deprived local authorities in England—the need for youth-focused support is urgent and growing. At the same time, public funding continues to shrink, and opportunities for young people are becoming increasingly out of reach.
That’s why our youth programmes exist. Born out of a major event that promised to improve the lives of young people in the region, Gen22 and Ideas Made Real were designed not just to offer support—but to create real, lasting change for young people who need it most.

Our programmes focus on 16–25-year-olds who are often furthest from the labour market—young people who are underrepresented, underserved, and too often overlooked.

What We Do

We support those with protected characteristics, living in areas of high deprivation, and facing additional barriers such as:

• being a young carer or care leaver
• having a criminal record
• struggling with mental health
• lacking the confidence to engage with education, training, or employment

These aren’t just statistics—they’re real young people, with real potential, who just need a fair chance.

Impact Where It’s Needed Most

Our approach works. Both Gen22 and Ideas Made Real are built on partnerships, purpose, and the belief that young people can be powerful agents of change in their own communities.

With our programmes:

• 44.2% of young people who took part in Gen22 or Ideas Made Real were from the 20% most deprived areas in England
• Many participants go on to gain employment, start their own initiatives, or build the confidence they need to take the next step in their journey
• Projects include everything from neighbourhood clean-ups and podcasts to community gardens and local sports leagues

In a region where nearly half of all households fall into the most deprived 20% nationally, these programmes offer hope—and practical pathways forward.

Why We Are Expanding

Despite the progress, the scale of the challenge continues to grow. Youth unemployment in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands remains far above the national average, and many young people are still slipping through the cracks.

We’re now fundraising to expand our reach, grow our partnerships, and create even more life-changing opportunities for young people across the region. Because every young person deserves a future they can believe in.

If you would be keen to support our mission get in touch!