ABOUT
STARTYOUNGUK

In 2020, a group of like-minded individuals in East London recognised the pressing need to support local schools and the children who attended them. As we engaged with schools in the area, we were confronted with a harsh reality: many children were living in poverty, lacking even the most basic necessities. While numerous charities focused on providing toys during the Christmas season, the schools we worked with expressed a dire need for essentials like clothing and food. It was heart-wrenching to learn that some children were attending school with socks on their hands in place of gloves and without proper undergarments. This was a powerful wake-up call for us.

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​That same year, we launched our first Christmas Gifting Initiative, providing over 400 parcels and food hampers to children in need. These care packages included underwear, socks, hats, gloves, and scarves items that would bring warmth and dignity to those who needed them most. This was the beginning of something much larger, and from this initial effort, Start Young UK was born.

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As we continued to support these children, it became clear that their families were also in desperate need of assistance. Many were struggling financially, and the impact of COVID-19 had only exacerbated their difficulties. Our mission evolved: we expanded our efforts to include not just the children, but their families as well. We prioritised those living in poverty, understanding that long-term solutions were necessary to truly make a difference. The challenges we encountered were greater than we had anticipated, but they only strengthened our resolve to offer sustained support and meaningful change.

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Start Young UK was born.​