Our Impact
Wellbeing, Skills, Opportunity, Employment & Citizenship
The Value Behind What We Do
Supporting Young People at the Most Critical Moments
Young people with additional support needs (ASN) often encounter “cliff‑edge” moments — times when support suddenly falls away and they are expected to navigate the world alone.
These moments can be destabilising, isolating, and deeply discouraging. The Usual Place has worked with over 2,000 young people aged 14–26, especially at key transition points such as:
the final year of school, when they are preparing to step into adulthood
the months and years after leaving school, when direction and opportunity can feel out of reach
after applying for college or work, particularly if they have not been successful or have had experiences that knock their confidence
At these moments, we provide the steps upward that prevent young people from falling. Through personalised mentorship, structured programmes, and a strengths‑led approach, we help them build confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging.
Our Skills Academy, Early Enablement programmes, and Employer‑Ability Mentorship offer real‑world experience, accredited qualifications, and the personal skills needed to be resilient and effective in their employment, education, and citizenship.
"The Usual Place was there exactly when I needed it. Now I contribute and know I have a career ahead of me." Harry
"After years of confusion and feeling misunderstood, the support and patience I've found here has helped me feel seen, more confident and more hopeful about my future, including the possibility of working towards a qualification." Leah
The Usual Place helps break the cycle of poverty with the aim of sustained, paid employment:
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- Improving educational attainment through accredited vocational learning
- Re-engaging young people excluded from mainstream education
- Developing confidence, independence, resilience and practical skills for work and everyday life
- Creating real-world work experience
- Building employer confidence in providing inclusive workplaces
- Supporting long-term job retention and career progression
The Real Value in Improving Lives
Every £1 invested generates £11 in value - and a brighter future for young people
Independent Impact Report
An independent impact report * found that 45 young people who gained employment through The Usual Place have already contributed £9.8M in GVA to the economy (by June 2025).
“Applying the distributional weight would raise the benefits GVA to £9,800,000 (£9.8 million). This is conservative as the organisation
draws participants from deprived communities with young people facing a range of significant challenges and barriers.”
“These figures are provided to illustrate the importance of considering distributional impacts. The focus of employment in a community facing significant deprivation represents an excellent opportunity to address child poverty, inequality and the distribution of economic opportunity.“
*4 Consulting The Usual Place Economic Impact Report June 2025
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Young People's StoriesReady to Change Lives?
Young people with additional support needs often encounter “cliff‑edge” moments — times when support suddenly falls away and they are expected to navigate the world alone. These moments can be destabilising, isolating, and deeply discouraging.
The Usual Place works mainly with young people aged 14–26, especially at key transition points.
Whether you are a young person looking for your next step, a parent, carer, teacher or support worker there are programmes you can get involved in.
If you want to support our work there are many ways to do this including visiting our cafe as a customer or through fundraising, donating, becoming a friend and philanthropic giving.