Youth Aspire Connect

Youth Aspire Connect (YAC) is an award-winning, youth-led charity dedicated to empowering young people from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds to reach their full potential. We believe that every young person, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the opportunity to learn, lead, and thrive.

Established in 2017, YAC was founded in response to the growing challenges faced by young people in the region — including a high number of those not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), increasing health inequalities, and the urgent need to promote social inclusion and community cohesion. What began as a small grassroots initiative has evolved into a respected and dynamic organisation that is shaping the lives of hundreds of young people and their families each year.

At the heart of YAC’s mission is a commitment to equipping and empowering young people with the tools they need to succeed. Through our diverse range of programmes, we provide:-

>life and employability skills

>mentorship

>creative arts and coding classes

>leadership development opportunities.

These initiatives not only enhance confidence and self-esteem but also nurture transferable skills that open doors to further education, training, and employment.

Our approach is holistic and inclusive — addressing both personal and professional growth. We recognise that true empowerment comes from developing the whole individual: their mindset, their skills, their values, and their sense of belonging. As such, YAC fosters environments where young people feel seen, supported, and valued; where their voices are amplified; and where they are encouraged to take ownership of their growth and aspirations.