Spotlight Feature: Learning for Life Charity Supporting Young People into Work

Spotlight Feature: Learning for Life Charity

Creating inclusive pathways into employment for young people facing barriers to independence.

At Tempest, we believe that opportunity should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we’re proud to spotlight Learning for Life Charity, a community-driven organisation dedicated to helping young people overcome barriers and access meaningful pathways into work.

Learning for Life Charity Ltd was established in 2014 through a partnership between West Lea School and the local community in the London Borough of Enfield. Over a decade on, their mission remains clear: Every young person deserves the chance to work.

They support young people aged 14–25 who face some of the toughest barriers to independence. This includes those with learning disabilities, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), mental health challenges, or those who have been excluded from mainstream education or feel disconnected from society.

Many of these young people are navigating real challenges at a time when economic uncertainty, social isolation and limited access to employment opportunities make their journey even harder.

Their approach is simple - they meet young people where they are.

Through work experience, skills development and real-world employment opportunities, Learning for Life Charity creates inclusive pathways that build confidence and independence. Work doesn’t look the same for everyone, but with the right support, every young person deserves the chance to contribute.

In January 2020, the charity joined the Enterprise Cooperative Trust (ECT), strengthening its mission by working alongside like-minded schools and organisations to improve life chances for young people across the community.

Vision: Every young person deserves the chance to work
Mission: We create chances to work together
Values: We include. We inspire. We innovate.

This mission drives everything they do and volunteers play a vital role in making it possible.

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Why Volunteers Matter

The challenges facing young people today are significant.

According to the ONS, around 1 in 7 young people aged 16–24 are not in education, employment or training (NEET), while youth unemployment reached 15.9% between September and November 2025. Additionally, only 5.1% of adults with a learning disability are in paid work.

These are not just national statistics; they reflect the reality for young people in Enfield and across North London who risk being left behind.

That’s why inclusive employment pathways and SEND-focused programmes are so essential and where volunteers make a transformational difference.

Volunteers are at the heart of Learning for Life Charity’s work. Without them, the organisation simply couldn’t deliver the range of support that helps young people build independence.

Volunteering is seen as a two-way partnership, an opportunity to make a real difference while gaining meaningful personal or professional experience.

Opportunities include:

• Charity shop support
• Social media and marketing
• E-commerce support
• Operations
• Van driving

Whatever someone’s strengths, the team aims to match them with a role where they can contribute and grow.

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What Volunteers Gain

Just as volunteers give their time, Learning for Life Charity is committed to giving back.

Volunteers benefit from:

• Real, hands-on work experience
• Training and role-specific skill development
• A supportive community environment
• Professional references to support future opportunities

Flexible shifts are also available, discussed during onboarding.

Through its partnership with Tempest, these opportunities can be opened to even more people, helping individuals build confidence, skills and work readiness.

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Is Experience Required?

For Learning for Life Charity, the right attitude matters more than experience.

They are looking for people who are passionate about empowering young people - not those with perfect CVs.

Full training and ongoing support are provided. Whether someone is returning to work, retired and looking to give back, or exploring a future career in the charity or SEND sector, all are welcome.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Aged 18+
• Two references
• DBS check (as the charity works with vulnerable young people)
• Proficient spoken and written English
• Commitment to regular shifts

The onboarding process includes an informal chat, ID verification and DBS guidance.

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Building Confidence and Employability

Volunteering with Learning for Life Charity is about more than giving time, it’s about learning, growing and gaining real experience.

Roles are hands-on from day one. Whether supporting customers in charity shops, assisting with marketing, or helping coordinate e-commerce operations, volunteers contribute to real work with real impact.

As a small but growing charity, every contribution is visible and valued.

Volunteers develop key transferable skills such as:

• Time management
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability

Working alongside young people with complex needs also builds empathy, patience and perspective, qualities valued by every employer.

Even for those not focused on employment, volunteering offers:

• Community connection
• A sense of purpose
• The knowledge that their time directly supports young people’s futures

If you share these values and want to make a difference, Learning for Life Charity would love to explore a volunteer role that’s right for you. View their website here.