Preparing Young People for Life Beyond Education

Leaving education and taking your first steps into adulthood can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Many young people leave school or college with strong academic knowledge but little experience of the practical skills needed for everyday life.

Thanks to funding from the Eric Wright Charitable Trust, Accrington Stanley Community Trust is proud to deliver Future Focus – a programme designed to help young people develop the confidence, knowledge and life skills they need to thrive in education, employment and independent living.

Working alongside local schools, sixth forms and colleges, Future Focus provides engaging workshops, practical experiences and personal development opportunities that prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

What does Future Focus offer?

Every programme is designed around real-life situations that young people are likely to face as they move into adulthood.

Participants will have the opportunity to take part in workshops covering topics including:

• CV writing and interview skills
• Employment and workplace expectations
• Budgeting and personal finance
• Healthy relationships
• Personal safety
• Basic car maintenance
• Cooking and independent living skills
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Teamwork and communication
• Goal setting and confidence building

Alongside these sessions, participants will enjoy team-building activities and outdoor experiences that develop resilience, leadership and problem-solving skills in a supportive environment.

Who is the programme for?

Future Focus is aimed at Year 12 and Year 13 students from local schools, sixth forms and colleges across Hyndburn and the surrounding area.

The programme is particularly beneficial for young people who would benefit from additional support as they prepare for employment, apprenticeships, university or independent living.

Why Future Focus?

At Accrington Stanley Community Trust, we believe success is about far more than qualifications.

Future Focus has been developed to give young people the confidence to make informed decisions, build positive relationships and feel prepared for whatever path they choose after education.

By providing practical learning experiences alongside personal development opportunities, we’re helping young people become more resilient, independent and ready for the future.

Rhian ‘Gabby’ Sabatino, Head of Community Engagement, said:

“We know that the transition from education into adulthood can be daunting. Future Focus is about giving young people the practical skills, confidence and support that help them feel prepared for whatever comes next. Whether that’s employment, further education or simply becoming more independent, we want every participant to leave the programme believing in themselves and their future.”