Drive Forward

Drive Forward We empower care-experienced young people to achieve their full potential and successfully transition from care into a career of their own choice.

We work to drive positive change, create equal opportunities and foster inclusion within London businesses. Founded in 2010, Drive Forward Foundation is a registered charity supporting care leavers aged 16-26 in London into sustainable employment and independence. We offer tailored 1-2-1 support, direct relationships to employers and exclusive opportunities, as well as peer and professional mentor

ing. Our training programmes develop key skills needed to succeed in the world of work. This increases the confidence and motivation of our care leavers, and ultimately enables them to move into employment, education and training.

11/06/2026

What if you had to leave home at 18, without family support?

We asked people on the streets of London how they’d feel.

Scared. Lonely. Not ready.

Most people we spoke to said they didn’t feel ready to move out until their mid-20s - and even then, only with support from family and friends.

Most care-experienced young people, however, have to leave home and move into independence at 18.

For many of the young people we support at Drive Forward Foundation, that safety net simply isn’t there.

This Social Mobility Day, we’re asking what independence really looks like without it.

Watch the video to hear what people across London told us. 🎥

Stories have the power to inspire, connect and open doors – which is why they matter. This Social Mobility Day, we're pr...
11/06/2026

Stories have the power to inspire, connect and open doors – which is why they matter.

This Social Mobility Day, we're proud to share King's story. 🙌

A Drive Forward alumnus, King is passionate about encouraging other young people to recognise their potential while pursuing his own creative ambitions as a singer-songwriter and screenwriter.

"If I can inspire someone else to believe they're capable, that's amazing."

We're excited to see what comes next for King and the impact he'll continue to have on others.

It's Social Mobility Day, and we're excited to share the stories of our amazing young people because .Meet Safia 💙After...
11/06/2026

It's Social Mobility Day, and we're excited to share the stories of our amazing young people because .

Meet Safia 💙

After leaving care, Safia wasn't sure what her future would look like. Through Drive Forward Foundation, she found the support, mentoring and opportunities she needed to build a career in the Civil Service.

Now she's looking ahead to her next dream: starting a charity to help others with lived experience.

"Because of Drive Forward, my dream no longer feels far away. It feels possible."

We're so proud of everything she's achieved.

We’re so proud to celebrate Giovanna, recognised as Participant of the Year at Central London Forward’s Youth Guarantee ...
09/06/2026

We’re so proud to celebrate Giovanna, recognised as Participant of the Year at Central London Forward’s Youth Guarantee Trailblazer Year 1 celebration. 🏆

Giovanna’s journey is a powerful reminder of what can happen when determination meets the right support. She came to Drive Forward Foundation with big ambitions and the drive to build a career in the corporate world - and she never let go of that goal.

Through workshops, coaching, and interview preparation, she built her confidence step by step. That dedication has now led to something amazing: an Executive Officer role in the UK Civil Service

“This opportunity is monumental to me… it means I am finally able to step onto the corporate career ladder.” - Giovanna

A huge congratulations to Giovanna, and thank you to Career Specialist Najla for the support and belief throughout her journey. 💙

Still feeling inspired by Bennett Hay incredible Big Hike challenge in support of Drive Forward Foundation, Arts For All...
29/05/2026

Still feeling inspired by Bennett Hay incredible Big Hike challenge in support of Drive Forward Foundation, Arts For All UK and Hospitality Action 💙

From walking and running to cycling across every Bennett Hay site, the team came together to raise vital funds and awareness for young people leaving care - and they’re still working towards their £15k target 👏

A huge thank you to everyone who took part and supported the fundraiser.

Support the fundraiser - https://givewheel.com/fundraising/11030/15-years-1-big-challenge-every-step-counts/

The number of young people not in education, employment or training has risen above 1 million for the first time in a de...
28/05/2026

The number of young people not in education, employment or training has risen above 1 million for the first time in a decade.

But for care-experienced young people, this crisis is longstanding. Around 40% have remained NEET since records began.

The latest review found:
• Only 22% of 27-year-old care leavers are employed, compared to 57% of the wider population
• Just 2% enter apprenticeships
• NEET rates jump sharply at 18, when support too often falls away

This is not about a lack of ambition from young people. It’s about systemic barriers and a lack of sustained support.

We need:
• Day-one access to Youth Guarantee support
• Ring-fenced jobs and apprenticeships
• Wrap-around support while in work
• An end to benefits and admin barriers blocking access to employment

Care leavers should not face the highest barriers to opportunity.

Our latest guest blog from therapist and counsellor Richard Barnardo is now live. 💛Richard shares a powerful reflection ...
28/05/2026

Our latest guest blog from therapist and counsellor Richard Barnardo is now live. 💛

Richard shares a powerful reflection on the emotional impact of growing up in care, the importance of feeling truly understood, and how therapy can help people make sense of difficult beginnings.

An honest and compassionate read that will resonate with many.

Read the full guest blog via the link.
https://driveforwardfoundation.org/blogs/when-care-doesnt-feel-like-care/

Could your experience help change a young person’s future? 💙We’re now recruiting new Trustees to join the Board at.Every...
22/05/2026

Could your experience help change a young person’s future? 💙

We’re now recruiting new Trustees to join the Board at.

Every year, thousands of young people leave care without the support or opportunities they deserve — and we’re working to change that.

We’re looking for passionate people who want to use their voice, skills, and networks to help create better futures for care-experienced young people.

You don’t need previous trustee experience to apply.

📥Apply and download our Trustee Recruitment Pack to find out more about the role and how to apply via https://driveforwardfoundation.org/vacancies/drive-forward-foundation-dff-trustee/

And if you know someone who’d be brilliant for this opportunity, please share this post with your networks - we’d really appreciate it.

📅 Applications close 26 June 2026

What an opportunity for our young people!A huge thank you to Mott MacDonald for hosting 6 of our young people at their E...
14/05/2026

What an opportunity for our young people!

A huge thank you to Mott MacDonald for hosting 6 of our young people at their Energy Test & Feedback Day.

From employability activities to exploring careers in engineering and energy, the day was packed with learning, confidence-building and new opportunities 💙

Plus, participants were gifted laptops to continue the virtual programme from home and work towards a Silver Level Industrial Cadets award 👏💻

Did you know the Civil Service Care Leavers Internship Scheme is now live? 💙Drive Forward Foundation is supporting care-...
13/05/2026

Did you know the Civil Service Care Leavers Internship Scheme is now live? 💙

Drive Forward Foundation is supporting care-experienced young people with their applications through a Personal Statement Support Session with Baringa.

📅 Tuesday 19 May
🕚 11am–5pm
📍 DFF Office

✨ 1:1 support
✨ Application feedback
✨ Confidence-building support

⏰ Applications close 31 May.

Address

14-15 Lower Marsh
London
SE17RJ

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

+442076203000

Website

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