Breaking the cycle : The Big Trust is empowering the young and disadvantaged people of Liverpool.

In Liverpool City Region, where too many young people grow up surrounded by poverty and trauma, to disability and discrimination, these people face challenges that go far beyond the classroom or the jobcentre. At The Big Trust, we exist to try to level the playing field, and open doors that have been closed for far too long.

Our work focuses on some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities:

• Those groomed into exploitation and crime.

• Survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence.

• People living in poverty or facing homelessness.

• People with physical, learning or invisible disabilities who are often excluded from mainstream support.

• Those with low confidence, no qualifications, and a few trusted adults in their lives.

  
  

We believe that everyone, regardless of their past, their postcode, or their ability - deserves the chance to thrive.

We work with disadvantaged young people who have experienced some of the hardest starts in life - those who have been groomed into crime, survivors of sexual abuse, witnesses to domestic violence, and those growing up in homes where low self-esteem and poor mental health are "the norm", not the exception.

These young people often fall through the cracks of traditional support systems, not because they lack ability, but because they lack opportunity, support and belief.

We know that trust is earned, especially for young people who have been let down repeatedly. At The Big Trust, we believe in a future where nobody is defined by their past. We tailor our approach for people with disabilities, ensuring accessibility, adaptive communication and additional support where needed. Our work focuses not only on healing and support - but also on empowerment through employability. Because we know, a job isn't just a wage - its dignity, independence, structure and hope.

How we can help: From healing to employment

• Employability support

  Once a young person is ready, we support them in practical steps towards employment.

  • CV writing and interview coaching

  • Work readiness programmes

• Real work placements

  • Through partnerships with local employers, we connect people with genuine work opportunities that match their interests and potential. These aren'd token roles - they are stepping stones into careers, with many of the people we work with, ongoing to find paid employement. We support both the young person, and the employer through the transition.

• Confidence and career building

  • Through group sessions, we help young people see themselves as employable - even if no one else has ever told them they are. We focus on resilience, punctuality, communication and mindset - core traits that employers value just as much as experience.

• Mental health

  • Low  self- esteem and anxiety are common barriers. Our support help young people develop confidence, communication skills and emotional resilience - tools they'll carry with them for life.

Funding futures: Why your support matters

None of this is possible without funding and collaboration. We are proud to receive support from local councils and charitable foundations, but to keep expanding our impact, we need more schools, youth networks and funders to get involved. Your investment helps us.

Get involved

If you believe every young person deserves a future, if you want to help someone go from overlooked to empowered - The Big Trust wants to hear from you.

Whether you're:

• A teacher who sees a struggling student

• A youth worker supporting vulnerable teenagers.

• A local employer willing to give someone their first chance.

• A funder looking to make a real, lasting impact.

Together, we can build a future where every young person, regardless of background, ability or circumstance, has the chance to succeed.

The Big Trust, making a difference, together.