Help the WWT raise 2k on behalf of Springboard Youth Academy.

Springboard Youth Academy is back!

After completing a successful pilot programme in the summer of 2017, Springboard Youth Academy is preparing to welcome another group of 30 refugee and asylum seeking young people into our 4-week innovative and exciting summer programme.

Why is Springboard needed

Young refugees who have made the difficult journey to the UK are saddled with many challenges as they settle in a new, unfamiliar country and begin to rebuild their lives.

They are also required to enrol in school immediately, often with little to no English language skills or support to prepare them for this experience. This is made worse by recent budget cuts to UK schools that have slashed funding for tailored classroom assistance.

We know that education is a key stepping stone to unlocking future opportunities. But without the language skills needed to learn and do well, young people are not set up to succeed in their new circumstances, or to reach their fullest potential.

How we bridge the gap for youth

We have designed an innovative and exciting summer programme for young asylum-seekers and refugees ages 13-18 who have recently arrived in the UK. Based in London, our holistic and creative space helps young people to:

**LEARN ENGLISH** through a creative language programme that fuses the best of storytelling techniques, dramatic arts exercises, and workshop-style teaching.

**RECEIVE COUNSELLING & 1-2-1 SUPPORT** improving mental health wellbeing, understanding and helping refugee youth prepare for School in September.

**LEARN LIFE SKILLS THROUGH WORKSHOPS** from settling into life in the UK, from how to recycle and navigate transport to understanding their legal rights.

**ACCESS A SOCIAL & WELCOMING SPACE** where they can meet others with similar experiences, enjoy field trips and daily sports activities, and build teamwork skills, confidence and community.

Our impact last year

We found that the young people who attended our 2017 pilot:

>> improved their English proficiency and gained understanding of various British systems (accessing support, registering for college, etc.)

>> made meaningful and lasting social connections, beginning to build a community

>> were given the tools to begin managing their mental health, many accessing mental health support for the first time.

How you can help

We’re excited to already have backing from the Newman Catholic College, Uber Tutors, Afghan Association Paiwand and Phosphorous Theatre. These wonderful partners are generously giving us venue hire and partial staff time in kind.

**But as a new project in its second year, we'll still need some extra help along the way to cover all costs.**

We’re asking backers like you to please pitch in and help us enrol as many as 30 young people at Springboard this summer. We’ll be so grateful for anything you can give. Every contribution matters:

This crowdfunder is part of a larger fundraising initiative that's taking place this month to ensure the programme can run in August. If we don't reach our funding targets, your contribution will be refunded in full. Should you have any question or concerns, please email info@springboardyouth.com.

Visit our website for more information.

*Names changed to protect identity of young people.