We've invested £250,000 into Thrive Forward!
The Thrive Forward Programme is part of our purpose to give back and support young people’s potential. It addresses growing challenges in mental health, finances, and employment by working with experts to build resilience, skills, and confidence. Delivered through schools, job centres, and colleague families, it’s about empowering the next generation not just to strive but to truly thrive.
We believe this support is more important than ever, as a local building society and employer, we’re in a unique position to help young people understand money and make confident decisions. By sharing our knowledge and experience, we aim to equip the next generation with those tools.
Young people aged 16–24 were not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
Thrive Community Ambassador: Kheron Gilpin
He is passionate about supporting young people in their journey to success, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to empowering youth. Together, we aim to make a real difference. We are already collaborating with Doshi, a leading financial education app, and hope to welcome more partners to join this endeavour.
Thrive Forward is designed for students and will be delivered directly in local schools and colleges. It focuses on three key areas:
- Mental health: Building emotional resilience and wellbeing
- Employability: Developing confidence, communication, and workplace readiness
- Financial education: Teaching budgeting, saving, and smart money habits
The programme is delivered in partnership with expert Charities and aims to equip young people with the tools to thrive in life beyond school.
Thrive Forward Intensive
Thrive Intensive supports young adults aged 16–25 who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). It offers a more targeted, hands-on approach to help them:
- Rebuild confidence and mental wellbeing
- Gain practical employability skills
- Learn essential financial literacy
In partnership with our local job centre and delivered by our Charity partners , Thrive Intensive meets young people where they are; helping them re-engage, rebuild, and move forward with purpose.
Real Voices, Real Progress- Thrive Intensive Impact
“Before doing this I was barely talking to people. Now I can have a good conversation with people and doing this course has been brilliant for me.”
Another reflected: “After the Mental Health session I realised many people go through it – I don’t have to go through it alone.”
Thrive Intensive Participants
