Future Forward

Please note - This programme is now closed and we no longer accept registrations

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About Future Forward

In partnership with grassroots organisations, Education Development Trust led the Future Forward programme as part of West Yorkshire UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Through a blend of research and pilot programmes, the initiative aimed to strengthen the support available to young people aged 16-24 not in education employment or training (NEET) across the region.

By highlighting best practices and testing innovative approaches, Future Forward was dedicated to improving opportunities for young people. Through working together, stakeholders were committed to creating a brighter future for young people in West Yorkshire.

The themes for these innovation pilots have been informed by evidence-based recommendations from the 2023 report published by Education Development Trust and the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) into: Barriers faced by 16-to-24-year-old NEETs and their experience of current provision.

Through our partnerships and ongoing research, we are dedicated to enhancing youth support services in West Yorkshire by collaborating and adopting tailored evidence-based best practices. Our offerings include mental health support, financial guidance, career guidance and tailored support designed to meet their diverse needs and overcome the challenges they encounter.

In addition, we aimed to create a cohesive support network across the region. We will build on the existing skills partnerships to engage Yorkshire-based businesses and offer meaningful work experience opportunities to empower young people looking to enter the world of work.

Key programme benefits

Helping NEET young people in West Yorkshire reach their career goals
Supporting them through working with key local partners
Generating research outcomes to better support young people in the future

About our beneficiaries

Eligibility for Future Forward included:

Young people aged 16-24
Resident in West Yorkshire, including Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Kirklees and Calderdale
Possess the right to live and work in the UK
Have a National Insurance number

How we helped

Leveraging in-depth assessments and partnerships with local authorities, we tailored our wide range of support effectively to the needs of every young person through dedicated pilot projects. These included:

EDT Work Experience

This pilot project, led by Education Development Trust, targeted NEET young people with little to no professional experience. Through one-to-one assessments, participants identified their career interests, skills and available local opportunities.

To build their confidence and employability, an integral part of this pilot was the chance for young people to connect with an employer for a meaningful work experience placement based on their interests. A detailed action plan helped participants set realistic goals and track their progress, build on their skills and review and reflect on the journey travelled.

EDT advisers provided additional support to participants through one-to-one sessions, a series of group workshops, and continuous guidance throughout their placements, which lasted up to six weeks.

Building Healthy Futures

“Healthy body, healthy mind” was the motto for the Building Healthy Futures pilot led by the Inspirational Training Institute (ITI) and offered to participants in Calderdale, Kirklees and Leeds. The project took a holistic approach to physical and mental wellbeing to reach one’s true potential.

Participants were encouraged to take an active role in reaching their goals and make small changes to achieve a big and lasting impact on their lives.

The pilot allowed young people to form and develop relationships with peers as well as providers of physical activity in their local area to raise motivation and career aspirations moving forward.

Uplift – Mental Health Awareness Support

The Uplift pilot, delivered by Positive ECHO in Bradford, raised awareness of the impact of mental health on young people’s wellbeing and tackled the stigma associated with people who struggle with their mental health.

Participants learned about different aspects of mental health and building resilience as well as effective self-care routines. They were also encouraged to seek out guidance and information signposted by the team, should they wish to access additional support.

These activities, led by mental health experts, helped participants feel more prepared and confident when entering the workplace and provided them with new skills for their wellbeing toolkit.

Aspire Horizons – Navigating Pathways To Success

Aspire Horizons offered interactive interventions to help young people with Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) navigate their pathways to success. Hosted by EASA in Bradford, the project engaged participants in workshops, exploration as well as goal setting sessions to inspire and raise their career aspirations.

Tailored experiences with the pilot’s expert team enabled participants to explore careers, engage with local employers, develop new skills, search and apply for jobs, and take proactive steps towards achieving personal objectives.

They also gained access to valuable resources, mentoring opportunities and one-to-one support tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

Money Buddies – Empowering Young People

Through Money Buddies in Leeds, this pilot developed participants' understanding and skills regarding their personal finances. This involved tailored interventions to assess their benefits and apply for further financial support, manage household bills and explore banking options available.

The pilot empowered participants to take ownership of their finances and further their knowledge so they could make smart financial decisions moving forward into adulthood.

Further, the team of experts supported participants with sessions on taking out loans, self-employment as well as the dangers of loan sharks, gambling and cryptocurrencies.

Fast Track to Success

Fast Track to Success, led by Blue Apple in the Leeds and Bradford area, took a holistic approach to supporting participants as they entered adulthood. The pilot recognised the importance of factors like healthy relationships, managing money and maintaining mental and physical health for the development of any young person.

Our experts supported participants in building their confidence in all these areas to enable them to enter the adult world with a strong sense of self, the ability to problem-solve and the motivation to build their resilience.

Also, upon completion of the pilot, participants could gain Entry Level 3 qualification linked to Personal & Social Development (PSD).

Communities of Practice

As part of the Future Forward programme, we delivered a series of Communities of Practice (CoP) events that brought together operational staff, stakeholders, and young people to strengthen support for young people across West Yorkshire. These inclusive spaces enabled cross-sector collaboration and open dialogue, welcoming voices from all levels – from those with lived experience to frontline practitioners and strategic partners.

The sessions provided a valuable platform for sharing experiences, exploring challenges, and exchanging effective engagement strategies. They also fostered professional networks, promoted best practice, and cultivated a culture of continuous learning and improvement. This collaborative approach made the programme more responsive and better aligned to the real needs of its beneficiaries.

Feedback and pre-/post-session data showed a clear positive shift in participant confidence, with a notable increase in those rating their confidence at a higher level. Furthermore, 75% of attendees reported a significant improvement in their understanding of the challenges young people face. Insights gathered directly informed session planning and shaped strategic decisions, ensuring the programme remained relevant, responsive, and rooted in real-world experience.

By embedding Communities of Practice into its core approach, we built a more connected, resilient, and effective support system – one that is better aligned to the needs and aspirations of the young people it serves.

Our impact

Between July 2024 and March 2025, we supported a total of 301 young people in West Yorkshire!

93% of which were considered socially excluded.
27% were classed as having a disability.

When asked about their experience with Future Forward...

95% said they would recommend the programme to others.
95% said that they developed new skills with our help.

Hear from participants

Below are direct quotes we received from participants of the Future Forward Programme.

"I had so much help from the team. I was treated with so much respect and had look help that was based on my needs, achievements and future goals. I would highly recommend this programme again as it has not only helped me but the people I have recommended too."

"The support has helped me to improve my mental health and confidence and I feel the staff have all been very supportive especially in helping me to learn new skills, make new connections and improve my job prospects."

Our team of experts and partners help young people towards a brighter future. Read about Lucas' story by clicking the case study below.