More than 12,000 jobless young people have now benefited from one of the UK’s most effective youth employment programmes. 

Spear, formerly known as Resurgo, started coaching young people in 2003 in a basement in Hammersmith, London.  

The charity is now celebrating the milestone of supporting 12,000 young people as it announces that 2026 will be a record year of growth. Spear plans to support a record 1,200 young people this year, helped by the launch of at least three new Spear Centres across England and Wales. 

Through 4-6 weeks of intensive group coaching and then up to a year of support on the Spear Programme, young people aged 16-24 gain the skills and mindset they need to get into work or education and thrive. 

Over 70% of those who complete the initial stage get into work or study and are still there a year later.  

You can watch young people sharing powerful stories of how Spear changed the course of their life in the success stories section. 

Economy losing billions 

Spear has just published its 2025 Impact Report, featuring the data and stories that showcase its impact.  

CEO Iona Ledwidge said: “Nearly 1 million young people are not earning or learning in the UK, which represents a loss to themselves and billions to the UK economy.” 

Spear has been benchmarked by the government’s Data Lab, which found it was highly effective, reducing the likelihood of being out of work or education a year later by nearly 20%.