About Young and Inspired

Young and Inspired was created out of the genuine needs and aspirations of the community it serves. It all began with a group of young mothers who frequented Millfields Park in Hackney, and through friendship shared their challenges with each other from how to feed their family on limited resources to language and cultural barriers in the community they lived. From these informal gatherings evolved something much greater – a non-judgemental, relatable and safe support group that would end up changing the lives of countless families.

Young and Inspired was born from this collective vision, with a mission to empower young parents and their children to break free from the challenges of poverty to develop skills and opportunities to be more resilient in the face of adversity.

The journey we took to get to where we are today

What started first as a weekly support group and stay-and-play session at the park grew organically into a rich programme of activities such as a homework and book club that grew into a space where children could discover the joy of learning. The breakfast club that started as a shared experience, providing nourishment for families developed into the more established Sunshine Breakfast Club. Our next initiative was Breeze Play Scheme and Conquer the Kitchen followed by Savvy and Successful Soft Skills Club.

As Young and Inspired continued to grow, it became more than just a collection of activities and initiatives. It became a holistic support system, guiding young families through the challenges of childhood and the transition into adulthood. Young and Inspired now empowers 300 families on a consistent basis, fostering independence, resilience, and a sense of community. In the heart of Hackney, Young and Inspired stands as a testament to the power of connection, understanding, and shared experience. It is a story of people coming together to create lasting change. Through humble beginnings, young mothers transformed their struggles into opportunities for growth, shaping countless families’ lives.

Key areas of support

Family Dynamics

Overseeing the Family Finances
Coping with Intra-Family Conflict
Managing Multiple Children Under 5
Accessing and Engaging with Services

Utilization of Services

Accessing and Engaging with Services

Family Relationships

Cultivating Bonds Within the Family
Nurturing Attachment in Family Relationships

Children’s Well-being

Addressing Child’s Physical Health
Responsive and Attuned to Child’s Emotional Needs

Parenting Skills

Managing Child's behaviour
Meeting Child's Basic Needs , add line, supporting child to cope with separation, adversity or distress

Parental Involvement

Engaged in Child’s Progress

Parental Wellbeing

Coping with Personal Wellbeing
Coping with Personal Mental Health
Addressing feelings of isolation
Managing Personal Self-Worth

Our team

Trustees

Kaila Chava Klein - Project Director:

Kaila is a source of  pride for Young and Inspired, she joined us first as a child who floundered in the school system, with a lot of grit and support she built herself and volunteered as  youth worker and  then chaired the steering committee. She brings her firsthand experience coping with adverse childhood circumstances and is a very young mother herself. She connects to beneficiaries on a personal basis and is an inspiration for them.“I know what it’s like to feel that the odds are stacked against you and the force you need to brace ahead. It’s hard, but I want all youth to believe that they can.”

Mrs. Sara Adler - Safeguarding Lead:

Sara is a Specialist Youth Worker and educator. In her role as Safeguarding Lead, she prioritizes the safety and well-being of our beneficiaries, ensuring that safeguarding is at the core of all our work. She ensures full compliance with safeguarding standards and policies, making certain that the welfare of our beneficiaries remains our highest mission and agenda.“Safeguarding is our top priority. We are fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every individual we serve. It’s at the heart of everything we do.”

Mr. Yoel Fischer – Treasurer

Yoel has a strong financial background and his financial expertise is crucial. He safeguards our finances and ensures responsible resource management.“Financial stewardship is a commitment to our organization’s well-being.”

Staff

Peri Schlesing: Projects Coordinator

Peri Schlesing is a dynamic Projects Coordinator with experience  as an Extracurricular Coordinator at a local school. Having been in charge of extracurricular activities, Peri possesses exceptional leadership skills, an imaginative and creative approach, and a talent for organizing and leading initiatives.

Key Strengths:

Super Leader: Peri has a natural ability to inspire and lead teams, bringing out the best in everyone.

Creativity and Fun:  Peri infuses creativity and fun into every project, making it engaging and enjoyable for all involved.

Organizational Prowess: Adept at organising events and projects, ensuring smooth execution from start to finish.

Experience with Youth: Having been a past beneficiary of youth-focused initiatives, Peri empathizes with the needs and aspirations of the young and inspired.

Reisy Grunwald: Seasonal Clubs Manager

Background and Expertise:

Reisy Grunwald is a highly skilled and detail-oriented manager, specializing in arranging seasonal projects with a seamless finesse.

Key Strengths:

Detail-Orientation: Reisy pays meticulous attention to detail, leaving no aspect overlooked and ensuring the success of each seasonal project.

Adaptability: Regardless of the nature or scope of a seasonal project, Reisy adapts effortlessly, displaying a remarkable ability to tailor solutions to unique project requirements.

Yitty Miller: Volunteer Coordinator

Background and Expertise:

Yitty Miller brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise as a qualified mentor and supervisor, well-versed in mentoring frameworks and volunteer leadership skills.

Key strengths:

Mentoring Expertise: Yitty’s experience in mentoring allows for effective guidance and support to both volunteers and the organisation.

Volunteer Management: Through completion of various courses on volunteer management, Yitty has honed skills essential for effective volunteer coordination.

Supervisory Acumen: Adept at overseeing volunteers and implementing structured volunteer programs.

Isaac Gluck: Finance Officer

Background and Expertise:

Isaac Gluck leverages his professional role in accounts to excel as a Finance Officer within the organization, showcasing a remarkable ability to steer the financial aspect effectively.

Key strengths:

Financial Management Skills: Isaac’s expertise in financial management and bookkeeping ensures accurate accounting and maximization of value for public funds.

Resilience and Recovery: Isaac played a vital role in guiding the organization through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing resilience and strategic financial planning to aid recovery.

Volunteers

Young and Inspired, thrives on the invaluable contributions of our dedicated volunteers. We are incredibly fortunate to have a passionate team of 38 volunteers who generously dedicate their time and skills to make a lasting impact on our community.

Their commitment is truly remarkable, spanning a range of roles and responsibilities. Some volunteers offer their assistance on a weekly basis, ensuring a consistent and nurturing presence, while others contribute their efforts on a monthly or seasonal basis, bringing their expertise during crucial times. In total, our volunteers have collectively invested an astounding 7,000 hours, a testament to their dedication and the immense value they add to our initiatives.

Their roles encompass a diverse spectrum, from nurturing our youth as youth workers and mentors, leading afterschool clubs, assisting in the kitchen, capturing moments through photography and media, providing vital administrative support, to ensuring smooth operations as drivers. We are deeply grateful for their selfless commitment, for it is their enthusiasm and dedication that fuels our mission to inspire and uplift the lives of the young individuals we serve.

Volunteer Power

Funders

Travers Smith Foundation logo
Voice for Change England logo
Leeds Building Society Foundation logo
The Children’s Aid Committee
Invesco logo
Gerald Wilson logo
The Edward Gostling Foundation
Community Fund
Canwi

Contact us

Telephone: 02034752134

Email: info@youngandinspired.org.uk