About Us

What we stand for

Who We Are:

Making The Leap is an innovative grassroots societal change charity that aims to make a big difference. From direct delivery, to advocacy and leadership, we refuse to stay in our lane and believe passionately that those we exist to serve have the right to be anything they want to be.

1993

We were founded

We started in a small office in Harlesden, as a project to help disadvantaged unemployed people from Brent into employment.

1996

Charitable Status

We become an independent voluntary organisation and registered charity with a remit to serve people in London and elsewhere in the UK.

1999

We launched STRIVE

We launched STRIVE, a programme adapted from the American model which meant we became one of the first organisations in the UK to focus on attitude and behaviour, as opposed to cognitive skills. Our focus on follow-ups and use of therapeutic counselling was an entirely new way of supporting unemployed people from disadvantaged communities.

2002

We moved to Kensal Green

We moved to Harriet Tubman House in Kensal Green, North West London. The new premises also gave us the space to run a community centre, where we provided services to the local area, including a youth club.

2009

We gained significant recognition

We gained significant recognition from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills Making The Leap was featured prominently in The Employability Challenge report as an example of good practice.

2011

We launched our schools programme

We began delivering a new programme aimed at supporting school children. Originally preparing them for work experience, this programme now focuses on teaching pupils the skills and attitudes needed to be successful in education, a work environment, and in life.

2013

We changed our name to “Making The Leap”

We felt this better embodied our mission as an organisation: we help our Fellows take the necessary steps to progress in and transform their own lives.

2017

The launch of the UK Social Mobility Awards

We successfully launched the UK Social Mobility Awards, an initiative that recognises & celebrates the achievements of UK organisations in their work of advancing social mobility. In our inaugural year we received support from the Prime Minister and participation from many leading organisations.

Today

Today

Every month, we equip hundreds of young people with the soft skills they need to succeed. We aim to raise the aspirations and access to opportunities to over 11,000 young people this year alone.

We were founded

We started in a small office in Harlesden, as a project to help less-advantaged unemployed people from Brent into employment.

We launched STRIVE

We launched STRIVE, a programme adapted from the American model which meant we became one of the first organisations in the UK to focus on attitude and behaviour, as opposed to cognitive skills. Our focus on follow-ups and use of therapeutic counselling was an entirely new way of supporting unemployed people from less-advantaged communities.

We gained significant recognition

We gained significant recognition from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills. Making The Leap was featured prominently in The Employability Challenge report as an example of good practice.

We changed our name to “Making The Leap”

We felt this better embodied our mission as an organisation: we help our Fellows take the necessary steps to progress in and transform their own lives.

Today

Every month, we equip hundreds of young people with the soft skills they need to succeed. We aim to raise the aspirations and access to opportunities to over 8,000 young people this year alone.

1993

1996

1999

2002

2009

2011

2013

2017

Today

Charitable Status

We become an independent voluntary organisation and registered charity with a remit to serve people in London and elsewhere in the UK.

We moved to Kensal Green

We moved to Harriet Tubman House in Kensal Green, North West London. The new premises also gave us the space to run a community centre, where we provided services to the local area, including a youth club.

We launched our schools programme

We began delivering a new programme aimed at supporting school children. Originally preparing them for work experience, this programme now focuses on teaching pupils the skills and attitudes needed to be successful in education, a work environment, and in life.

The launch of the UK Social Mobility Awards

We successfully launched the UK Social Mobility Awards, an initiative that recognises & celebrates the achievements of UK organisations in their work of advancing social mobility. In our inaugural year we received support from the Prime Minister and participation from many leading organisations.

 

 

Our Mission:

Our mission is to transform the futures of disadvantaged young people in the UK by providing training to raise their aspirations and develop their skills, confidence and outlook to choose and succeed in a career. We work directly with young people in London, and we use what we learn in our delivery to raise awareness of the importance of social mobility among UK businesses and organisations and encourage them to take action to improve it.

 

Our Vision:

Every young person in our country will have the chance to succeed; and every company, organisation and institution will have a part to play in making it happen.

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