Louise, 17, lives in Parkgate, Rotherham - an area that typically falls within the top 10–20% most deprived communities nationally and is affected by employment barriers and poor health outcomes. She was referred to Street League by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council’s Looked After Children’s service.

Discover how Louise #OwnedHerFuture with Street League by reading her story below.

At Street League, our Youth Board ensures key decisions affecting young people are youth-led and informed by their peers. Made up of former participants, with one Board in Scotland and two in England (North & South), they meet regularly to share their views and experiences.

They help shape the support and learning experience we provide, ensuring young people have a real voice in how we grow and improve.

A Step That Changed Everything

Less than a year ago, Sarah took part in a CV and mock interview workshop. Although it felt like a small step, this would go on to shape her future.

The session gave her the confidence to put herself forward and led her to apply for a work placement with Big Yellow Self Storage. What followed was a 12-week paid placement within a Big Yellow Self Storage Store where she gained valuable, hands-on experience.

When Aodhan joined Street League, he had completed a construction course at college and knew joinery was the career he wanted to pursue. However, with high competition for apprenticeships in Inverclyde and limited interview experience, he was struggling to secure opportunities.

Working with Street League, Aodhan developed his employability skills through team activities, workshops and tailored interview preparation. He also achieved his Level 4 Customer Service Award, funded by UKSPF and Inverclyde Council.

Meet Jack from Perth - when he joined Street League, he was unsure of his next steps and lacked confidence in his abilities. He also experienced anxiety, which made it difficult for him to engage fully or picture himself in a working environment.

Read more to find out how Street League helped Jack #OwnHisFuture!

Wesley, 23 from Harehills, West Yorkshire, was referred to Street League back in March 2025 after being unemployed for just under a year. In school he struggled to get the additional support he required or a learning plan to recognise the adjustments that would benefit Wesley.

Read how Street League helped him go from unemployed to employee of the year at Nando’s!

In the summer of 2025, Big Yellow colleagues opened the doors of their London King’s Cross store to Street League participants, hosting a CV and mock interview workshop designed to prepare young people for the world of work. For many of those in the room, it was their first opportunity to sit down with employers, ask questions in an informal setting and gain practical insight into what recruiters look for.

Street League are delighted to have been awarded funding from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, a first in its history, to deliver a Youth Guarantee Trailblazer Community Grants programme in partnership with VOLA, focussed on young people in the region aged 18-21, in need of employability and essential skills development.

Inverclyde recently witnessed a significant success story through the efforts of Street League's 12-week Stage 3 programme, where two 17-year-old best friends, Stuart and Alex, achieved their professional goals in the construction sector.