H&M FOUNDATION Transforming Futures Programme

H&M Foundation launches partnership to support former homeless young people in Aberdeen 

The non-profit H&M Foundation has made a 3-year commitment supported by £500,000 to support homeless young people in the UK into employment. Through the Transforming Futures Programme the H&M Foundation is supporting the Foyer in Aberdeen. 

The programme delivers a specialist employability scheme to help homeless young people in Aberdeen into work. It incorporates tailored one-to-one support; a bursary scheme aimed at helping them into education, employment and training pathways; and a new digital careers platform that will offer instant expert advice for employment opportunities.  

The programme will be delivered by 4 UK charities– 1625 Independent People, Aberdeen Foyer, Benjamin Foundation, Roundabout – all part of UK-wide movement End Youth Homelessness, launched by Centrepoint. 

“With a SEK 6 million donation (roughly £500,000) over 3 years, the H&M Foundation’s support will enable homeless young people to access education, employment and training opportunities, helping them to build successful futures as well as providing a long-term solution for youth homelessness.“ says Diana Amini, Global Manager, H&M Foundation.

Homeless young people are 5 times more likely to be out of education, employment and training than the national average and are also some of the most marginalised and socially excluded in the UK. Unstable families and experiences of sleeping on the streets leave them with complex issues. By helping young people into education, employment and training as well as equipping them with life and work skills, they can obtain the tools they need to build sustainable futures. 

Ken Milroy, CEO of Aberdeen Foyer said, “The support from H&M Foundation through the Transforming Futures Programme is making a noticeable difference to local young people in Aberdeen who have been homeless or faced multiple difficulties in their lives. Having a Job Coach has added to our capacity to work one to one with young people who are moving towards education, training and securing a job the majority of whom have already achieved qualifications. We are pleased to be working with colleagues in different parts of the UK to achieve the ultimate aim of ending youth homelessness.” 

“We are delighted that the H&M Foundation is supporting vulnerable young people out of homelessness. Each year, more than 83,000 young people are homelessness in the UK. Many become trapped in a cycle of repeated homelessness that is incredibly hard to break. Through the Transforming Futures Programme, the H&M Foundation is contributing to breaking that cycle by supporting young people onto employment pathways that are a vital step towards enabling them to escape homelessness for good.” says Nick Connolly, Head of Corporate, Centrepoint and Director of End Youth Homelessness.