Thrive Forward Charity Partners
Our Charity Partners for Youth-Focused Thrive Forward Programme
We’re proud to officially announce the Charity Partners for our Thrive Forward programme, a major initiative designed to empower young people across South Leicestershire and North Northamptonshire.
Backed by a £250,000 donation to our community fund, this programme targets three critical areas: mental health, financial literacy, and employability.
What challenges are young people facing?
TThis initiative comes at a crucial time. National figures from 2024 revealed that over 40% of young people reported feelings of sadness or hopelessness, more than half of high school students lacked basic financial knowledge, and over 850,000 individuals aged 16–24 were not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
To help address these challenges, we’ve partnered with:
- Wize Up Financial Education – A charity delivering interactive school sessions to help young people build budgeting skills and financial confidence.
- Local Mind’s Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland and Kettering – These mental health charities offer hybrid workshops to help students manage stress, build resilience, and improve emotional wellbeing.
- Young Enterprise – Providing immersive, day-long sessions that equip students with practical career skills such as CV writing, interview techniques, and understanding salaries and taxes.
Our Community Ambassador Kheron Gilpin
We’re also delighted to introduce Kheron Gilpin as our Community Ambassador. Known for his dedication to youth empowerment, Kheron said:
“Supporting young people in their journey to success is something I’m deeply passionate about. MHBS’s commitment to empowering youth aligns perfectly with my values, and together, we can make a real difference.”
Our Chief Executive, Iain Kirkpatrick, added:
“We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive. By investing in their mental wellbeing, financial literacy, and career readiness and working together with Kheron Gilpin and our charity partners, we’re turning that belief into action.”
Our Local Impact
In the first phase of Thrive Forward, we’ll concentrate our efforts within our heartland, delivering targeted support directly into schools and community centres. By embedding the programme at the heart of local life, we aim to spark meaningful change where it matters most.
This initial rollout is designed to lay the foundations for long-term transformation, with a strong emphasis on listening, learning, and adapting to the real needs of young people. While measurable outcomes will be captured over time, our ambition is clear: to create a ripple effect of positive impact that reaches far beyond the first phase.
Join us in Making a Difference
As the programme grows, we’re keen to hear from local schools, youth groups, and community organisations who share our vision. If you’re interested in working with us to support young people in your area, please contact thrive@mhbs.co.uk. We’d love to hear from you and explore how we can continue making an impact to help our communities to Thrive.
