As the 2024/25 academic year comes to an end, Northampton Saints Foundation is celebrating supporting more than 8,000 young people across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes, helping to build positive futures in the community.
Through its education, employability and social inclusion programmes, the organisation has helped create spaces where young people feel safe, valued and supported to build better futures.
The Education team delivered more than 2,650 hours of sessions in 41 schools and settings, reaching more than 6,700 young people. Whether helping to improve their physical, social and emotional development, rebuild confidence or re-engage students with learning, every session was tailored to the individual and designed to make a difference.
The Social Inclusion department supported 276 young people through the Engage programme, reflecting a 16% increase from the previous year.
The Foundation also opened a new hub in Kettering, with another launching soon in Northampton, focused on supporting young people currently waiting for mental health services. These spaces are already providing much-needed support, structure and community.
Employability and Skills programmes helped 78 young people build workplace confidence and gain qualifications. A pilot project with West Northamptonshire Council saw 75% of participants move into education, training or employment.
Thanks to partnerships with Northampton College and Tresham College, businesses and the emergency services, practical experience is now offered across 16 industries with that number continuing to grow.
Mental health support continues to be a vital part of Northampton Saints Foundation’s work. From one-to-one counselling to outreach and group sessions, the in-house team has provided flexible, compassionate support to young people navigating anxiety, low mood and emotional challenges. Elsewhere, the Memory Cafe and intergenerational programmes continue to bring people together and strengthen the wider community.
This year, the Foundation took its message to Parliament, calling for greater recognition and long-term funding for grassroots organisations. With more than 923,000 young people in the UK currently not in education, employment or training, and more than 14,000 children in Northamptonshire living with a mental health disorder, the need for local, trusted support has never been more urgent.
Everything the Foundation has achieved this year is thanks to those that have provided support, from corporate partners and schools to volunteers and Northampton Saints supporters, every placement offered, raffle ticket sold, hour donated and pound raised has helped change a young person’s life.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the focus remains on the core mission to grow the impact, deepen the support and keep young people at the centre of everything it does.
Business owners, educators and community leaders are invited to get involved in the work of Northampton Saints Foundation, by offering work experience, sponsoring a programme, hosting a workshop or simply spreading the word. That support can make a real difference.
To find out more visit their website.
