Last month, our CEO, Katie Gibson and Grants and Charity Manager, Mandi Stanley, visited Motiv8, a Hampshire-based charity doing amazing work with young people and families facing serious challenges, such as poverty, mental health struggles, neurodiversity, and trauma.
They were blown away by all that this small charity offers and delivers in the community. Motiv8 isn’t just offering support; they’re truly changing lives. Their youth hubs are safe, welcoming spaces where young people can build trust, feel heard, and start to heal. Motiv8’s long-term, community-rooted work aligns perfectly with our values at Focus Foundation.
For this reason, Focus Foundation has chosen to support Motiv8 through the Big Give initiative. We’re proud to support Motiv8 with a pledge that helps keep these vital services going. And the impact is real:
- 72% of young people feel anxious most days
- 66% are unhappy or unsure about their futures
- 50% live with ADHD, Autism, or Asperger’s
- But after engaging with Motiv8, 70% report improved emotional wellbeing
- And 100% of families and partners say they’d recommend Motiv8.
During our visit, we noticed that the dedicated tech area had no laptops or screens. We mentioned this to Silver Linings, Focus Group’s newest acquisition, and they’ve stepped up. Laptops will soon be available for young people to use at the hubs. With 16% of disadvantaged young people lacking access to WiFi and tech, this is a brilliant collaboration that will make a real difference.*
Youth services having lost 75% of their funding since 2010, partnerships and collaborations like this are more important than ever. We’re proud to stand alongside Motiv8 and help build a future where every young person feels supported, valued, and hopeful.
Katie Gibson, CEO, added: “It was a privilege to meet the team and hear directly from young people and families about the difference Motiv8 is making. This is exactly the kind of partnership that drives real change.”
* Source: Deep poverty and digital exclusion in the UK | Good Things Foundation