Drive Forward Foundation (DFF) is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a £70,000 grant over two years from Global’s Make Some Noise campaign. This generous funding will enable DFF to continue its vital work supporting care-experienced young people as they transition into employment, education, and independent living. 

With nearly 85,000 children and young people currently in care across England, and a projected rise to 100,000 by 2032, the need for targeted and effective support has never been greater. Care leavers face significant challenges, including lower employment and education rates, a higher risk of homelessness, and an increased likelihood of involvement with the criminal justice system. In fact: 

• Only 6.6% of care leavers access higher education, compared to 34% of their peers
• 39% of 19- to 21-year-old care leavers are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), compared to just 13% of their non-care-experienced counterparts. 
• By age 27, only 22% of care leavers are in employment, compared to 57% of non-care leavers. 
• Care-experienced young people are up to six times more likely to enter the criminal justice system.
• 25% of the adult homelessness population in England is made up of care leavers. 

Reaching Under-Represented Communities 

London has the highest proportion of children in need from ethnic minority backgrounds, at 73%, highlighting the disproportionate impact on marginalised communities. Additionally, over 33% of care leavers feel they leave care too early, often lacking essential life skills such as budgeting and financial management. The transition from care to independence is frequently marred by a lack of trust in professionals, feelings of isolation, and uncertainty about their rights. 

How This Funding Will Help Our Care to Career Movement 

Global’s Make Some Noise funding will enable Drive Forward Foundation to support an additional 160 care-experienced young people over two years by funding a dedicated Careers Specialist. Careers Specialists at Drive Forward provide personalised guidance to 40 young people at any given time, offering the consistent practical and emotional support essential for their journey from care to sustainable employment. 

Beyond direct support, this partnership will strengthen our Care to Career Movement by raising awareness of Drive Forward’s mission to new audiences. This increased visibility will help us forge new employer partnerships, secure additional funding, and gain wider recognition for our policy recommendations that aim to transform outcomes for care-experienced young people. 

A Message from Drive Forward Foundation CEO, Russell Winnard 

“We are incredibly grateful to Global’s Make Some Noise for their support. This grant will allow us to expand our reach and deepen our impact, ensuring that more care-experienced young people have the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to build successful and fulfilling futures, including robust care to career pathways. ” 

About Drive Forward Foundation 

Drive Forward Foundation is committed to empowering care-experienced young people through sustainable employment, education, and advocacy. By fostering meaningful connections between young people and employers, tailored 1-1 career support, DFF helps break cycles of disadvantage and create lasting change. 

About Global’s Make Some Noise 

Global’s Make Some Noise supports small charities across the UK that address vital social issues. By amplifying voices and providing funding, the initiative helps organisations make a significant impact on communities in need.