Last month, Cumbria Youth Alliance travelled to Westminster to present the evaluation findings from Forging Futures 1 - a programme designed to support 16–24-year-olds in overcoming personal and practical barriers to employment. Hosted in Portcullis House with the support of Josh MacAlister MP, the event brought together representatives from the Youth Futures Foundation, Institute for Employment Studies, Ipsos UK, and the Centre for Social Justice to reflect on the programme’s impact and explore future directions. As part of the presentation, attendees heard directly from Thomas, a young person who participated in the original project. His powerful testimony brought the data to life - demonstrating how local, relationship-based interventions can support real, lasting change.
Thomas’s Story
In 2022, Thomas was referred to Cumbria Youth Alliance by his Work Coach in Workington. Despite having completed an undergraduate degree and begun postgraduate studies, the isolation and disruption caused by the pandemic had taken a toll. He returned home to Cumbria, was unemployed, and was struggling with his mental health. Through CYA, Thomas began one-to-one support with youth worker Izzie, creating a space where he could open up and begin to rebuild. He later joined small group sessions with other young people, covering confidence building, employability skills, healthy routines, and well-being. The programme placed personal growth at its heart—acknowledging that a young person’s journey to employment starts with feeling seen, heard, and supported. Thomas became a valued member of the group, not only progressing in his own development but also supporting others along the way. With ongoing encouragement, he began volunteering with CYA, took on freelance communications work, and eventually secured a full-time role as Marketing and Communications Officer for the organisation.
From Participant to Professional
In Westminster, Thomas shared this journey with senior stakeholders - bringing to life what the Forging Futures programme means in practice. His story stood as a testament to the programme’s long-term impact and the power of youth voice in shaping future policy and funding decisions. This transformation - from a young man facing unemployment and mental health challenges to a full-time communications professional - is not only inspiring, but proof of what can be achieved through personalised support, trust, and opportunity.