Foreword

Introduction from the Lady Mayor

Every day as Lady Mayor I meet people from businesses and livery companies who are passionate about providing opportunities and a key theme of my year has been to connect them to young people so that those young people can access all that the City has to offer.

I’m delighted that the Appeal will be focusing on the NEET problem in London in the coming years as our city cannot truly flourish unless the next generation are given the support they need to succeed.

We want to harness the Lord/Lady Mayor's unique convening power to galvanise the City community into collective action that helps young people in London gain the confidence, knowledge, skills and real-world experience they need to obtain meaningful employment and training.

We'll maximise our impact by bringing together other philanthropic organisations with the Appeal’s network of business and livery company supporters to scale up successful initiatives. These will include our two new charity partners:

- Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a youth organisation helping young people aged 12 to 18 build confidence, teamwork and leadership through practical learning and vocational training. It develops real-world skills valued by employers, strengthens social mobility and inspires young people to achieve their potential.

- West Ham United Foundation's Foundry is a new community hub in the heart of East London. It delivers programmes in education, employment, health, youth engagement, and of course, football. With spaces for training, wellbeing, entrepreneurship and a community kitchen, the Foundry aims to inspire better futures and forge stronger communities.

Finally, the Trustees and I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to our corporate partners, livery companies and individuals whose commitment and generosity make this work possible. 

Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley DBE 
The Rt Hon The Lady Mayor of the City of London