Covid-19 is stripping away education and employment opportunities for many of the disadvantaged people we support. People like Kayleigh.

Kayleigh is 16 and studying Animal Management at college. She loves her course and wants to work with animals when she finishes. Securing her dream job depends on being able to find a work placement, yet because of the pandemic they are few and far between. Kayleigh doesn't have a network of contacts that other students may be able to tap into, to find an opportunity.

Without a work placement, Kayleigh worries that she wouldn't be able to pass her course or have relevant work experience on her c.v. when the time comes to find a job. The uncertainty is making Kayleigh feel anxious and stressed, which in turn is affecting her education and her low moods have been causing problems at home.

Our mentoring team is now helping Kayleigh to work through the challenges she is facing, so that they don't feel too overwhelming and she doesn't give up on her education, her dream job or feel as unhappy at home.

Now more than ever, people like Kayleigh need our specialist support. Without it, troubled young people will drop out of school or college and vulnerable adults will fall further away from the jobs market. But together we can get them back on track to a brighter future. Can you make a donation to help make 2021 a better year for thousands of people across Surrey?