Brands2Life empowered over 255 young people into work through Family Action’s HeadStart programme

London UK –Award-winning communications agency Brands2Life has helped more than 255 young people enter the workforce since 2022 through its industry-leading partnership with Family Action’s HeadStart programme.

In 2024 alone, Brands2Life supported over 75 young people through work experience placements, career workshops, and industry information sessions, collaborating with ‘Leaders in Community’, a youth group based in Tower Hamlets, and also with Kinetika Bloco, a London-based youth music charity. This builds on the success of the previous two years’ partnership: more than 120 young people engaged with the programme in 2023, from organisations such as London Tigers, Oxygen, Gloves Not Knives, and Kinetika Bloco, while over 90 young people took part in 2022.

Through the HeadStart programme, Brands2Life provided personal brand and career development workshops, industry insight sessions, CV and interview skills training, and paid work experience placements – all aimed at helping disadvantaged young people gain access to meaningful career opportunities.

Interactive workshops, led by Brands2Life employees from across the business, focused on building personal brands and interview confidence. Participants gained practical skills and valuable industry knowledge to help them stand out in the job market. In addition to delivering workshops and placements, Brands2Life contributed to the programme’s success through pro bono and fundraising campaigns, raising awareness and providing direct financial support to Family Action.

The HeadStart programme, run by the national charity Family Action, aims to help disadvantaged young people develop the skills, experience, and confidence necessary for employment. With over 790,000 young people in the UK not in education, employment, or training, often due to poverty and disadvantage, HeadStart’s ‘Give Time, Gain Skills, Get Ahead’ model introduces participants to new industries, connects them with experienced professionals, and helps them build essential soft skills.

Whitney Papa, Service Manager at HeadStart, Family Action said, “We can’t thank Brands2Life enough for all of the support they have given our programme and the opportunities they’ve provided for our young people. The entire team have been brilliant to work with, and I will always be thankful for their dedication and care. From providing high-quality, paid work experience opportunities to running a 5k around the Thames in Santa costumes, we have thoroughly enjoyed working together over these past few years.”

“We’re really proud to have supported so many young people through the HeadStart programme and we’re so pleased to have received such brilliant feedback from both the participants and our own volunteers. The programme aligns perfectly with our values and our agency mission to transform the world, by making an important impact on our society and industry,” commented Sarah Scales, Co-Founder at Brands2Life.

Feedback from HeadStart participants who attended Brands2Life workshops or placements has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting increased confidence, new skills, and valuable insights into their career paths.