Action for Kids
Working with Disability
Action for Kids’ Working With Disability programme is supporting disabled and neurodiverse young people with access routes to employment. Through tailored training and real work placements within care and support settings, participants are developing core skills, confidence and experience.
The programme has gathered pace in 2025, with five young people completing part-time placements in IT, admin and reception roles.
So far, 150 young people have gained new skills, with 80 reporting improved confidence and wellbeing, and 53 showing stronger leadership skills. In addition, 72 facilitators have completed in-house training, strengthening inclusive practice and capacity across the programme. Feedback from colleagues highlighted how capable and motivated the young people were, helping to challenge assumptions about disability in the workplace.
Youth Leads
Care Experienced Leadership Programme
In 2024/25, Youth Leads UK supported 18 care-experienced young people across Greater Manchester to build confidence, skills, and leadership through its Care Experienced Leadership Programme.
The programme empowers 12–25 year olds from some of the most deprived parts of the UK to understand their strengths, develop employability, and influence change in their communities.
This year, 100% of participants reported greater self-belief and confidence to speak their mind, with 95% more decisive and 89% more confident applying for jobs or education. Graduates presented campaigns to local leaders, created “future:me” life plans, and mapped personal networks to understand their support systems. One participant progressed from homelessness to paid employment as a Youth Engagement Officer — a powerful example of lasting impact and transformation.