The Young Lives Foundation

Who we are

Our Vision:

We want all young people to live in communities where they are heard, are safe and supported; with opportunities to thrive.

Our Mission:

We aim to support young people to thrive through highly effective and accessible programmes where:

• Young people's voices are heard and empowered
• Young people are supported by consistent adults through times of challenge and change
• Young people have opportunities and resources to be happy and thrive

Our Values:

At YLF we believe that all staff should be:

• Passionate. We are a charity that genuinely cares about young people and is driven by our passion and high standards
• Stable and Consistent. We offer long term support and a stable presence in our communities and people's lives
• Honest with Integrity. We are transparent and honest with strong moral principles and clear about what we do and why
• Innovative and Flexible. We are a 'can do' charity. We are agile and adaptable to change, open to new ways of working with courage and ambition. We learn, grow and offer value
• Grateful. We recognise and value the contributions and support of others, always saying thank you for the gifts of time, money and support given to us
• Respectful. We treat all people equally and fairly

“You have done an amazing job helping us through a really difficult period, you were a perfect role model we needed to set us on the right path again. I wish every young person could have YLF in their life!!” - YLF Young Person

About Us:

The Young Lives Foundation (YLF) is an award winning children’s charity in the South East of England with expertise in Advocacy, Mentoring, Befriending and Youth Programmes. We support over 3,500 young people including those in care, on the edge of care, care leavers, young offenders and young people disengaged in education.

YLF is governed by a Board of Trustees, supported by the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team of Directors. The Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team are responsible for the outcomes, performance and progress of the charity and management of the staff and volunteer team. YLF is made up of 35 employees, and 200 volunteers.

Our YLF teams are organised as follows:

Corporate Services - Governance/CEO, HR/Legal, Finance, Fundraising/Comms

Advocacy Programmes - Advocacy & Rights, Appropriate Adults, Accompanying Adults, Children in Care Councils, Independent People, Befriending Programme

Youth Programmes - Mentoring, School based Mentoring, Legends Youth Programmes, Care Leavers Offer 

Our team of over 200 volunteers are at the very heart of our charity. They give over 34,000 hours every year, making a huge impact in our local community, providing positive outcomes for young people… and without them we could not operate. Just a few hours a month from the support of a volunteer significantly changes a young person’s life. Our volunteers help us with Mentoring, Befriending, Events, Youth Groups and Support in Custody.