History

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

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

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.