our story
How Start Young UK Began
A group of likeminded individuals came together in 2020, in order to help and support local schools in East London. It is a sad reality of our times, that many areas in the UK are poverty stricken, with many children and young adults going without the basics. Although there are a number of excellent charities gifting during the Christmas Season, the schools we had contact with requested clothes and food, rather than toys. Children were coming to school with socks on their hands instead of gloves, and some with no under garments. This was a huge eye opener for us.
The group started with a Christmas Gifting Initiative the same year and we were able to give over 400 parcels and food hampers. The care packages included underwear, socks, hats, gloves & scarves.
Start Young UK was born.
The charity felt that in order to support these children further, we should now expand the offer to include their families. All of the families were struggling financially and the impact of COVID-19, had only made their situations worse. Our aim was to ensure those families who were disadvantaged and living in poverty, were prioritised. It was apparent that this was an even bigger problem than we had initially anticipated and although the gifts were a help, these families needed long term assistance and solutions needed to be found.
The charity felt that in order to support these children further, we should now expand the offer to include their families. All of the families were struggling financially and the impact of COVID-19, had only made their situations worse. Our aim was to ensure those families who were disadvantaged and living in poverty, were prioritised. It was apparent that this was an even bigger problem than we had initially anticipated and although the gifts were a help, these families needed long term assistance and solutions needed to be found.
Where we are today
Start Young UK has evolved into a multifaceted organization dedicated to empowering children and young adults throughout their formative years. With our flagship programs supporting children from early childhood to adolescence, we provide continuous guidance, resources, and mentorship to ensure every child has the support they need to thrive.
Our newest initiative, the ASPIRE program, in partnership with Barclays, focuses on helping 16-18 year olds transition into adulthood. Our annual Christmas gifting program has seen remarkable growth, reaching more families in need each year. The buddy system remains a cornerstone of our support network, guaranteeing children both financial assistance and mentorship throughout the year.
As we look to the future, we have ambitious plans to expand our reach and impact, with exciting projects in the pipeline. Together, we are building a brighter future for the next generation, one step at a time.
Join us on our journey of growth and transformation as we continue to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families across our community.
Read more about how you can support us
Our Promise
Start Young UK is a registered charity and as such our promise is to act as a resource for young people living in underprivileged and/or disadvantaged areas, from the age of 5 up to the age of 18. With a strong ethos of hard work and support we are engaging with schools and families to ensure we are providing a range of advice, assistance and leisure activities.
Ensuring that we are:
- Developing their confidence and skills, to enable them to participate as mature, responsible and independent members of society
- Developing their capabilities and resilience as individuals
- Advancing education
- Relieving unemployment
- Providing recreational and leisure activities for children and young people regardless of infirmity or disability, poverty or social and economic circumstances
- Ensuring that the lives of the young people and that of their families are improved exponentially