On average, 40% of care leavers in England aged 19-21 are not in education, employment or training, compared to 13% of their peers. Youth unemployment has been severely impacted by COVID-19, one in twenty young people are currently unemployed, the highest level in four years. For young people aged between 16-25 the Barnardo’s YouthBuild Academy will be a lifeline in the coming months and years in order to help them achieve the positive futures they deserve.

In 2018, Barnardo’s joined forces with Saint Gobain and YouthBuild Ventures UK to develop our Academy in Lewisham – aiming to transform the lives of vulnerable young people and support them into employment in the construction industry. The Barnardo’s ‘Build Model’ of wrap around support allows us to provide structured support to care leavers, focusing on six key stages: •Health and Wellbeing •Practical Skills •Finance •Learning and Employment •Housing •Personal and Professional Development