Resurgo has now supported 10,000 young people across the UK who have faced barriers to work. They have received coaching and support, equipping them with the mindset and skills they need to thrive in employment or education. 

The Spear Programme began 20 years ago in Hammersmith, West London, and has since grown to 15 locations across the UK. The programme, which is free for participants, equips 16-24-year-olds with the mindset and skills they need to not only get into, but also to thrive in employment or education. 

Since The Spear Programme began, 75% of young people who complete the programe not only get into work or education, but also remain there a year later. 

Incoming CEO, Iona Ledwidge, who has been at Resurgo for over 15 years, is overseeing plans for expanding the reach of the programme. She said: 

“There are currently over 900,000 young people in the UK who are not in education, employment or training. We know that the Spear Programme changes lives and gives young people the skills, mindset and confidence, not only to get a job, but to build a career and give back to society. I am proud to be leading Resurgo at a time of expansion as we aim to reach more young people by opening new Spear centres across the UK. We are so grateful for the support of our donors, partners and team who enable this work to continue.” 

In 2022, the Department of Work and Pensions’ Data Lab evaluated the impact of the Spear Programme and found it to be one of the most effective interventions for young people facing barriers to work. 

Resurgo’s ambitious plans for growth are to have a presence in every region in the UK, in order to reach young people facing the most serious barriers to employment, no matter their location. 

New partner locations are planned for later this year in Gateshead, taking Spear to its furthest reach north so far, and in Hastings on the South coast.