The challenges we face at The Big Trust - why funding matters now more than ever.

At The Big Trust, our mission is to improve life chances for people across the Liverpool City Region. We help people overcome barriers to employment, inspire young people to aim higher, connect communities with opportunity, and bring together leaders who want to make a difference.

Every day, we see transformation happen - someone securing their first job in years, a student discovering a career path they never imagined, a business stepping forward to mentor and inspire.

But behind every success story, there are challenges. Real, ongoing challenges that test our creativity, resilience and resources. And while we are proud of what we have achieved so far, we know the work is far from done.

By being transparent about these obstacles, we hope to help our supporters understand why donations, funding, and corporate sponsorships are so vital - and how every contribution makes it possible for us to keep changing lives.

The local picture: Why our work is so urgently needed.

Liverpool is a great city, a city with heart, resilience and a huge community spirit - but also with deep-rooted inequalities.

• Liverpool is ranked as one of the most deprived local authority areas in England, with over 30% of children living in poverty.

• Youth unemployment is significantly higher here than the national average.

• Crime rates in part of the city are more than double the national average, with some neighbourhoods disproportionately affected by gang-related activity and violence.

• Child exploitation remains a serious concern, with local safeguarding boards reporting ongoing risks for vulnerable young people - particularly those with limited access to positive role models or safe pathways to employment.

• For people leaving prison, the challenge is enormous: around 50% of ex-offenders in the UK are unemployed one year after release, and Liverpool is no exception.

These aren't just numbers - they represent thousands of real people in our community who are struggling to find their place and their purpose.

The gap in support: Why we need to step in

Many of the skills and opportunities we provide should be part of the education system. Schools should be able to deliver consistent, meaningful career pathways, real-world work experience, and life skills that prepare young people for adulthood.

But the reality is different. Teachers are stretched, resources are limited, and careers education often gets squeezed out of the timetable. For many young people - especially those in disadvantaged communities - there is no clear route from school into meaningful employment.

For adults facing disadvantage, there's an even bigger gap. Once you've fallen out of work - whether it's due to ill health, caring responsibilities, addiction, homelessness, or time in prison - there is very little structured support to help you back in.

Sustaining funding for life - changing programmes.

Our three core programmes - Ready for work, Work inspiration and Pathways to employment - are the foundation of what we do. They are proved to work, they deliver measurable results, and they change lives.

• Ready for work connects adults facing barriers to sustainable jobs.

• Work inspiration shows young people from deprived communities what's possible in the world of work.

• Pathways to employment links schools with employers to help students make informed career choices.

But none of them can run without funding. Every workshop, every placement, every employer visit requires staff time, planning, materials, and follow-up support. And the truth is, the need for our programmes has never been greater.

This is why, every single donation, grant, and corporate sponsorship is crucial. Funding isn't just a number on a spreadsheet - it's the difference between a young person getting the career support they need and going without.

The challenge of funding in this environment

We face a difficult situation: the work we do is essential, but is often not considered "urgent" by traditional funders, because in theory, the schools should already be delivering it.

The truth is, without charities like ours filling the gap, thousands of people would miss out on the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed. But securing funding for this work is a constant uphill battle.

• Core programmes need ongoing investment - but grants often only cover short-term pilot projects.

• Corporate sponsorships are hugely valuable - but many businesses are already struggling.

• Donations keep us going - but cost of living pressures mean people have less to give.

What we're up against

• Increasing demand for our services - with more referrals from schools, probation services, and community groups than ever before.

• Limited resources - meaning we have to prioritise some groups over others, even when they all need support.

• Stigma - especially for ex offenders, who face employer prejudice even when they're ready for work.

• Rising costs - from transport to programme participants, to the materials needed for training sessions.

Every barrier we face is mirrored by a barrier in someone's life. When we find a way through, we open doors for them too!

Why your support matters

If you believe in a Liverpool where:

• Children can grow up free from the risks of exploitation

• Young people can leave school with a real plan for their future.

• Adults can return to work with dignity and purpose, and

• Ex-offenders can rebuild their lives.

Then you believe in our mission.

Donations, corporate sponsorships, and partnerships are not just financial contributions - they are lifelines. They mean another young person can meet a mentor who inspires them. Another adult can gain the skills to secure work. Another community can feel the ripple effect of hope and opportunity.

💙 Donate today: The Big Trust - JustGiving

🤝 Partner with us: info@thebigtrust.org

🌐 Learn more about our work: www.thebigtrust.org