Empowering Young People Through Opportunity: The Aspire Programme in Action
March 2026 marked an exciting milestone with the launch of the Aspire Programme—a multi-layered initiative designed to create meaningful development, sponsorship, and enrichment opportunities for looked-after children and young people. At its heart, the programme is about building self-esteem, independence, and a strong sense of belonging through experiences that broaden horizons and unlock potential.
For many of the children and young people we support, access to cultural, social, and vocational opportunities has not always been consistent. Yet these experiences are vital in shaping confidence, empathy, and emotional well-being. The Aspire Programme was created to help bridge that gap.
Building Community Connections
In December 2025, a group of our young people spent a memorable afternoon volunteering at the South Croydon Elderly Centre, supporting the centre’s lunch club.
The aim was simple but powerful: to encourage our young people to give back and feel connected to their local community. What followed was a truly special experience. They spent time chatting with members, helping with puzzles and quizzes, serving lunch, and forming genuine connections across generations.
One standout moment was a young person sitting at the piano and playing classical music, creating a calm and uplifting atmosphere for everyone present. In return, the older members shared incredible stories from their wartime experiences to reflections on how Croydon has evolved. It was an afternoon filled with warmth, laughter, and mutual respect, leaving a lasting impression on all involved.
Creating Pathways into Employment
Through the Aspire Programme, we are also committed to opening doors into the world of work. We were proud to partner with Nando’s Beckenham and their fantastic General Manager, Chloe, to create a meaningful and realistic pathway into employment.
During March, four of our young people completed a two-week work experience placement, gaining hands-on experience across multiple roles. From welcoming customers at the front of house to managing online orders and supporting the kitchen team, they developed practical skills while building confidence in a real working environment.
The feedback from our young people speaks volumes. They shared that they felt “part of the team” and “important,” highlighting how supported they were by staff, who provided clear guidance and encouragement to help them succeed. The experience left them feeling that they had made a genuine contribution.
Since completing their placements, all four young people have taken proactive steps towards employment, creating CVs, enquiring about roles, and reaching out to management at the Beckenham branch.
Chloe praised their dedication, positivity, and willingness to learn, describing them as a pleasure to have on site. She also expressed her enthusiasm to continue supporting them, noting that as vacancies arise, she would be keen to put them forward for interviews with the aim of securing permanent roles.
Looking Ahead
We would like to extend a huge thank you to Nando’s Beckenham for leading the way in this initiative and demonstrating a genuine commitment to supporting children and young people in South London. Partnerships like this are invaluable, and we warmly welcome other businesses, both large and small, that share our passion for creating positive opportunities to join us.
Ascent is committed to growing the Aspire Programme and continuing this partnership long term, creating even more opportunities for young people to thrive.
This is a powerful example of what can be achieved when the right opportunities are paired with the right support, helping young people build confidence, develop skills, and take meaningful steps towards independence.
If you would like to find out more about fostering and the amazing difference you could make in a young persons life. Give usa call on 0203 757 0070 or click HERE to receive a call back. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have on fostering and take you through the process.
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