The Merchant Taylors’ Foundation has committed to fund the CYT Lewisham Hub for five years. What does this mean for young people in the borough?

Background

Youth unemployment has been a persistent issue in Lewisham for many years and over 33% of the borough’s 19-year-olds do not have a level 3 qualification (i.e., A-level, BTEC or equivalent). Despite this need, historically, Construction Youth Trust (CYT) has only had the resources to deliver small-scale programmes in the area. However, since the beginning of 2023, with the strategic support provided by The Merchant Taylors’ Foundation, we have been able to invest in Lewisham and establish the borough as one of our strongest ‘hubs’.

Long term commitment

The Foundation’s five-year commitment to cornerstone funding has given us the confidence, security, and leverage to build vital relationships, strengthen and expand our youth unemployment programme and develop a coalition of other funders.

Outcomes

In the first year, support from The Merchant Taylors’ Foundation has enabled CYT to engage over 650 young people, onboard 2 new school partners, and raise nearly £100k in match funding. With a focus on those young people with the greatest need and furthest from the job market, and a relentless pursuit of job outcomes, we are already seeing young people progressing into EET (education, employment or training). These are expected to escalate over the coming years. (

The Future

The Merchant Taylors’ Foundation has spearheaded development of our support in the Lewisham borough. Our early successes give us the confidence that, with The Foundation’s continued support, we can create a high-impact hub that will survive beyond this funding and consistently support young Lewisham residents into meaningful work for many years to come.