This mixed method evaluation examined the reach and effectiveness of Hope for the Young (HftY), a London-based organisation, which aims to support young asylum seekers and refugees in their educational aspirations and journeys.
The evaluation noted that HPFY had had to meet growing demand over recent years (e.g. the numbers of young people mentored grew from 23 in 2017-18, to 216 in 2023-4). They responded by expanding their services and recruiting more volunteer mentors. Over 2023-24, 58 young people received grants, ranging from £20 to £4500. While relatively modest, these were found to be critical to the young people’s ability to pursue education, eg to purchase software essential to their course, or pay exam fees or afford food and rent.
The young people appreciated and benefited from HftY’s comprehensive and responsive range of emotional, educational, practical, financial, information, advice and advocacy. This was provided by HftY staff and volunteer mentors. They and others reported that HftY’ support helped them achieve educationally, deal with mental health issues, including PTSD, isolation and practical challenges, access over support services, and feel more integrated in UK society. They particularly valued knowing there was someone they could turn to, who cared for them and helped them deal with challenges. Notably, volunteer mentors reported many positive outcomes too. As well as gaining greater awareness and understanding of issues, they welcomed the opportunity to support this vulnerable marginalised, traumatised, and typically demonised, group of young people. Report and Summary report