Surrey Young People’s Fund Continues to Open Doors for Disadvantaged Young People

The latest Annual Report from the Surrey Young People’s Fund highlights another year of helping disadvantaged young people across Surrey take positive steps towards education, training and employment.

Established in 2014, the Fund provides small grants to young people aged 16–25 who face financial barriers to progressing into work or further learning. Since its launch, the Fund has processed more than 1,484 applications and awarded 886 grants worth over £262,684, helping hundreds of young people access opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach.

During 2025/26, the Fund received £62,017 in donations from individuals, companies, trusts and lotteries, contributing to total donations of more than £382,251 since the Fund began. These vital contributions have enabled grants, typically between £100 and £400, to cover essential costs such as course fees, equipment, travel expenses and online learning resources.

The report also highlights the level of need among applicants. Three quarters of grant recipients had fewer than five GCSEs, 27% were in or leaving care, and 32% identified as having a disability. Grants were awarded to young people across all 11 Surrey boroughs and districts, with the highest number of awards made in Spelthorne and Elmbridge.

A key development during the year was the establishment of a dedicated Care Leavers Fund, which supported 27 young people in 2025/26 as they worked towards greater independence through education, training and employment.

Looking ahead, the Surrey Young People’s Fund aims to build on its impact by strengthening partnerships with referral organisations and expanding its reach, ensuring even more young people across Surrey can access the practical support they need to achieve their potential.

Click to view and download the report