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Ambitious

Together

Foundation​ .

Ambitious Together Foundation was formed in 2023 by Spectra, a Midlands-based multidisciplinary social impact company.

Our experience has inspired us to set up a new charity.

Around one quarter of all young people have been classed as children in need at some stage. Adverse childhood experiences often lead to poorer outcomes in health, education, employment, secure housing, and relationships.

The Ambitious Together Foundation’s mission is to empower disadvantaged young adults to unlock their full potential. Two key focuses are raising £10 million for a ‘Next Steps Fund’ to provide direct financial support and building a cross-sector volunteering network to mentor and coach socially excluded young people.

Mission .

To enable and empower young adults aged 16-30 in England and Wales to overcome the disadvantages they faced in childhood and realise their full potential.

Our Plan .

Intergenerational Mentoring Programme

Offering both short (1-3 years) and long-term (five to ten years) personal and individual guidance at critical moments in the lives of underserved young adults

Next Steps Fund

A £10 Million Fund designed to simulate the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ that will provide direct financial developmental/crisis assistance to young adults

Research Partnerships

With at least two higher education institutions to contribute to knowledge about effective clinical and social interventions

Advocacy and campaigns

To influence national policy and local practice to ensure the needs of disadvantaged young adults are met.

Insights .

Breaking the Cycle of Childhood Adversity

Early hardships shape entire lives. Research consistently shows children facing adversity are more likely to experience:
  • Poor health outcomes
  • Lower income and housing instability
  • Limited educational achievement
  • Reduced career opportunities

Evidence-Based Impact Care-Experienced Children

Long-term studies demonstrate that care-experienced young people face significantly worse outcomes in health, education, employment, and life expectancy – even when accounting for pre-existing health conditions.

Education Gap

The 2021 Sutton Trust report revealed:
  • 28% attainment gap in GCSE Maths and English between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged pupils (47% vs 75% pass rate)
  • Students on long-term free school meals (80%+ of schooling) have:
    • Lower employment rates
    • Reduced earning potential
    • Decreased likelihood of entering higher education

Overlapping Challenges

Current data shows:
  • 60% of children in need qualify for free school meals
  • Parental loss, separation, or estrangement creates documented psychological and social impacts that can last a lifetime
  • Multiple disadvantages often compound, creating complex barriers to success
  • Reduced career opportunities

Our Impact

The Ambitious Together Foundation breaks these cycles of disadvantage through evidence-based interventions. We create opportunities for vulnerable young people through targeted support in:
  • Education and Skills Development
  • Employment Pathways
  • Health & Wellbeing Support
  • Social Development Programs
  • Long-term Mentoring

Statistics sourced from the 2021 Sutton Trust Report and ongoing national research into care-experienced outcomes.

Contact Us .

For any inquiries, feel free to reach us at:
[email protected]
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