Our programmes continue to make a huge impact
Breakout. Shifting mindsets
T, attended Breakout from Stephenson Academy. The school selected him for the programme to build resilience and increase his awareness around risky behaviours.
He faced significant challenges including learning difficulties, speech and language impairment, and social-emotional needs. Social services were involved with his family. T often sought affirmation and struggled with understanding consequences making him vulnerable to manipulation. This was demonstrated when playing out a hypothetical scenario: deliver a suspicious bag in exchange for a PlayStation 5. He immediately said yes, highlighting his susceptibility.
He engaged in sessions on emotional resilience, drug awareness, healthy relationships, and hearing lived experiences from ex-offenders. T showed positive growth.
There was a remarkable shift in a final role-play, he was theoretically offered £100 to deliver a parcel and confidently said no. T had learned to recognise danger and assert boundaries, a vital skill that will help him make safer, more informed choices in the future.
Mentoring. Isolation to independence
S was referred to our 1-2-1 mentoring programme by her mum, who was concerned about her daughter’s growing anxiety and social isolation. Having left school in Year 10, S had been out of formal education for over three years and was struggling to re-engage.
To ease her into the process, Holly began their sessions in S’s home, allowing her to build trust and rapport at her pace. Over time, Holly gently progressed the sessions to the garden, then short walks around her estate, and eventually into town. Each step was celebrated as a milestone in her growing confidence.
They set weekly SMART goals, reviewing and adapting them during each session. One of the key achievements was helping S shape her CV and supporting her to hand it out in her town, an empowering moment that marked a turning point.
Holly advocated for S at the NEET monthly panel, which lead to a referral to a specialised college. She worked closely with S to ensure she felt heard and supported in communicating her concerns before starting.
Today, S attends college three times a week, where she’s thriving in career skills training and working towards her Maths and English.
From the parent “Thank you so much. You are a true angel. S thinks the world of you too. I am so happy. It’s all your amazing work with her to be honest”
Mentoring is a 12 week programme for secondary aged young people. The programme is available across Aylesbury Vale and Milton Keynes.
Welcome to our new trustees
We warmly welcome three new trustees to our Board who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge.
Itay Haber
Itay brings a wealth of leadership experience gained as a startup CEO, the chief revenue officer of a number of European technology and AI based scaleups and as the manager of a number of teams at Google. Prior to working at Google, he also worked with Colt Technology Services and OC&C Strategy Consultants and received an MBA from INSEAD.
“As a trustee, I aim to bring my experience as a commercial leader and as a parent, to help realise Action4Youth’s admirable aspiration to create exceptional experiences for young people, with a life-long impact.”
Giles Harvey
I have worked in retail and telecommunications for the past 30 years and I have gained extensive experience in supply chain and operations leading large teams to deliver strategic initiatives and change programmes. I have volunteered for a number of organisations that have been focussed on improving the lives of young people. I am also a trustee of a local Toy bank.
Having lived in Buckinghamshire for the past 25 years and am married with two adult children. I was keen to get involved with Action4Youth as I have witnessed first-hand the power of providing experiences to young people in fulfilling their potential.
Nick Stinton
I was born and brought up in Bucks, growing up on a small farm near Aylesbury. After time spent in London and France, I moved back with my wife and then young children almost 20 years ago. I’ve spent the last 30 years in venture capital, investing in and working with entrepreneurs to help them build their businesses.
I was lucky enough to have outdoor activities and sport as a major part of my upbringing and believe in the power that these can have on young people’s lives. The work that A4Y does in this area and the programmes are making real differences to young lives and the choices open to those that benefit from them.
Partnership going from strength to strength
NHBC have had a long standing relationship with Action4Youth, supporting us to make a huge difference.
In 2025 they have;
- Continued to contribute as a Lead Funder which this year we will use to fund free mentoring sessions in Milton Keynes, as well as activate a new BOOST! programme in the region
- Supported the Big Challenge event as the headline sponsor
- Had two teams participate in The Caldecotte Xtreme, one of whom won the event!
- Fundraised through a runner in the MK Marathon
- Carried out numerous volunteer days at The Caldecotte Xperience
Thank you NHBC!
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