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Access to the Future Programme

Our Access to the Future Programme, developed in partnership with Barclays, offers flexible funding to young people to improve employability.

We offer grants designed to harness the talents 
and motivations of each eligible candidate. This
 could include funding items to help young people access sustainable employment such as: training courses, equipment, clothing, specialist licenses, ID, subsistence costs and business start ups. It is also possible for applicants to undertake unique work experience opportunities, training and mentoring
 with Barclays to further develop skills and experience.

We can help young people aged between 18 and 25 who face multiple barriers to attainment and are:

  • Residing in the UK and have recourse to public funds;
  • Working with a support work professional;
  • Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) and have been for at least 6 months;
  • Not yet qualified to Level 2 standard (equivalent to 5 GCSE's at grade A-C standard);
  • In financial hardship with no statutory responsibility to meet their needs;
  • Committed to moving into employment.

Mike's Story

Mikes's passion for dancing began at school and his dream was to have his own dance class business. Mike had little family support when he was growing up and had coped with severe bullying at school, parental break-up and estrangement, eventually leading to homelessness. When Buttle UK met Mike he had been unemployed for over 6 months. With the help of his job coach Mike put together a business plan, which formed the basis for his application to Access to The Future. We awarded Mike a grant, which he invested in equipment, marketing, insurance and room hire. Mike is now teaching dance to classes of 30 people and lives in his own rented room in a shared house.