WeMindTheGap has published its 2025/26 Impact Report, and the results are impressive. During the year, the charity supported 200 young people to move into, or stay in, education, employment or training. That’s 39% of the 514 young people actively engaged in its programmes.
WeMindTheGap’s Year in Numbers
The figures come at a time when almost one million young people nationally are not in education, employment or training. Against that backdrop, the Wrexham charity’s results stand out. They show what relationship-led support and meaningful opportunities can achieve.
In total, WeMindTheGap reached 1,115 young people through its programmes, partnerships and community activities. That work spans North East Wales and Cheshire. Along the way, hundreds of young people built confidence, developed skills and improved their wellbeing.
Other highlights include 129 young people supported in education through WeInspire and 36 gaining work experience. In addition, 75 reported a stronger sense of belonging. Meanwhile, 26 progressed onto another WeMindTheGap programme.
Around 70% Into Employment
Ali Wheeler, CEO of WeMindTheGap, is proud of the year’s achievements. “We are particularly proud that 200 young people were supported to move into, or remain engaged in, education, employment or training this year,” she said. “That represents 39% of the young people actively engaged in our programmes.”
She added, “We also saw around 70% of young people on our flagship WeGrow programme progress into employment. That demonstrates what can be achieved when young people are given consistent support, meaningful opportunities and access to people who believe in them.” It’s a powerful result for the programme.
Behind every statistic is a young person with their own story. That might be securing a first job or gaining work experience. Equally, it could be staying in education or finding a greater sense of belonging.
Celebrating the Smaller Steps
However, not every young person is ready to take that step straight away. “Some of the young people we work alongside have become socially isolated or disconnected,” said Ali. “For them, having the courage to turn up, build a relationship, try something new or begin to feel that they belong can be a significant achievement.”
“We celebrate those steps too, because they can be the foundations that help a young person become ready for the opportunities ahead,” she continued. The charity’s work is rooted in a simple belief. As it puts it, “It takes a village to raise a child, but a system to mind their gaps.”
That’s why WeMindTheGap works with employers, schools, funders, communities and supporters. Together, they break down barriers and create opportunities. After all, every young person starts from a different place.
Better Data, Bigger Picture
Edward Greening, Head of Impact, Digital and Comms, said the report marks the first year of the charity’s Five-Year Plan. “This year, we reached 1,115 young people, achieved an engagement rate of over 50% and supported 200 young people into employment, education and training,” he said. “But the real story goes far beyond the numbers.”
Thanks to better data systems, the charity can now track young people’s journeys. Its COM-B Theory of Change underpins every programme. That recognises that lasting change comes from building capability, opportunity and motivation.
“This report celebrates not only those who progressed into work, education or training,” said Edward. “It also celebrates the many young people who grew in confidence, built stronger relationships and found a greater sense of belonging. These outcomes are often the foundations that make future success possible.”
Read the Full Report
While celebrating the year, WeMindTheGap recognises that big challenges remain. Too many young people still face barriers to education, work, wellbeing and social mobility. Through its programmes and the growing Power of 10,000 movement, the charity remains committed to change.
The full 2025/26 Impact Report is available on the WeMindTheGap website. It’s well worth a read for employers, educators and parents alike. You’ll also find details of how to get involved.
WeMindTheGap is an award-winning social mobility charity for young people aged 11 to 25. For more stories like this, explore our Younger Generations articles. There’s lots of inspiring work happening across Wrexham.
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