Did you know that more than 13 million people in the UK live in poverty, which is almost a quarter of the population? And that social mobility in this country is lower than in most other developed countries? This means that the odds are stacked against people from disadvantaged backgrounds being able to break the cycle of poverty, and make better lives for themselves.
Government can only do so much to combat this problem. There is an urgent need to build the capacity of the voluntary sector, so many more economically disadvantaged people can be equipped with the skills they need to improve their lives.
Read more about the need for support.
Impetus is uniquely positioned to make a difference. We find and invest in innovative charities and social enterprises that are working to break the cycle of poverty by creating opportunities for the poorest 20% of the UK to gain employment, education and skills. Through our innovative investment model we 'turbo-charge' those charities and social enterprises so they can help many more people.
These are people like Joe, who was unemployed and thought he had no prospects before he discovered Street League. After joining a Street League programme his confidence has been boosted and he has gained new skills. Joe is now enrolled on a training course and is now optimistic about his future. Read some of the stories of other people whose lives have been transformed by our portfolio charities.
Picture above: Impetus charity Street League
Pictured above: Impetus charity Leap Confronting
Conflict
In this year alone, Impetus charities are helping
over 300,000 people gain education, skills and jobs. We are
ambitious to reach even more people, and are working to double the
size of our portfolio in the next four years. That means that the
high-impact charities we invest in could help another 300,000
economically disadvantaged people escape the cycle of poverty that
has existed for too long. Read more about how you can contribute by
donating
money or volunteering your skills.
Read more about three funds Impetus has set up to increase our impact even further: the Impetus for Reducing Reoffending Initiative, the Impetus for London Initiative and the Impetus - Sutton Early Years Initiative
Every individual has both a responsibility and a capability to improve society. The responsibility is to the next generation and the capability comes from volunteering, providing capital and joining organisations where you have a passion to make a difference.
Doug Miller
Impetus founding trustee