About Us
The Young Lives Foundation (YLF) is an award winning children’s charity in the South East of England with expertise in Advocacy, Mentoring, Befriending and Activity Programmes
Our Vision
We believe that every young person in need should have access to the resources and opportunities needed for them to achieve their potential and lead fulfilled lives.
Our Mission is to be alongside children and young people in need in ways that:
Enable their voices to be heard and champion their rights and interests
Support them through times of difficulty and distress
Assist them to achieve their potential
Our Impact
34,000
voluntary hours given per year
3,500
vulnerable people supported each year
94%
of people feel listened to and supported
£300k
of fundraised income every year
We are dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of practice throughout our work. We aim to develop and enhance our services, and meet the needs and demands of beneficiaries each year whilst ensuring positive outcomes are delivered.
We are proud of the professional and positive way in which we have responded to the Coronavirus crisis.
Our Support
We support those who are:
Looked after children / care leavers
Children in need / on the edge of care
Young offenders / at risk of offending
NEET young people / disengaged in education
Vulnerable adults
Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children
Families in need of support
Children who have been adopted
Our Services
Our Values
Our staff and volunteers are committed and passionate, and strive to do the best they can for every young person who needs our support.
We demonstrate the values of our organisation in every aspect of our role and work hard to meet the increasing demand for our support. We are ambitious about achieving positive outcomes and making a difference to young people's lives every day.
Passion
To love our job – be helpful, friendly and gain an understanding from the individuals we want to make a difference to
Principles
To be there and be respectful – have good manners, listen and stay in touch with young people and each other
Integrity
To be trustworthy and dependable – have an open mind and be approachable, show kindness and remain consistent
Innovation
To be a great team player – show creativity and share ideas but also get actively involved and be sociable
Our Aims
Plugging the Gap
Building, researching and responding to areas of need whilst mobilising services
Diverse Income
Continued development of diverse income streams
New Skills
Skills and expertise to support YLF’s growth
Technology
Investment into technology and digital platforms
Accommodation
Secure and suitable accommodation for our future
Marketing
Development of our brand and marketing resources
Competencies
Introduction of key competencies with a pay and reward structure
Our Commitment To Safeguarding
The Young Lives Foundation is committed to the safeguarding and well-being of children and vulnerable adults both in society as a whole and in our own operations and activities.
Our safeguarding policies handbook can be read and downloaded below, along with other policies that demonstrate our commitment to high quality and best practice across our services.
What Next?
Volunteer for Us
If you support our vision, spare some time to volunteer
Donate
Donations are crucial to the delivery of our services. Donate today!
Support Our Cause
Fundraisers, supporters and partners are vital – can you help?