• Swindon & Wiltshire Social
• Wednesday May 14 2025

Babbasa launches fundraising appeal to tackle Bristol’s youth unemployment crisis

Youth empowerment organisation Babbasa has launched a fundraising appeal to address the worsening youth unemployment crisis.

Nationally, youth unemployment is at its highest since 1992, with almost one million young people neither earning nor learning.

In Bristol alone, nearly 10,000 young people are currently not in education, employment, or training – risking a future of lost potential.

Those from disadvantaged backgrounds are at greatest risk of being left behind.

Funds raised through Babbasa’s CloseTheGap appeal will enable the organisation to continue delivering their Youth Empowerment Programmes, offering skills training, professional mentoring, and free-of-charge employability support to young people during challenging times.

Through its work with the disadvantaged young people of Bristol, Babbasa continues to work towards the long-term OurCity2030 vision of supporting 2,030 young people into meaningful careers by 2030.

Both one-off and monthly donations are welcomed via https://localgiving.org/Babbasa-CloseTheGap, helping to fund soft-skills workshops, onboarding support, and access to professional mentors.

Organisations interested in fundraising and partnerships are also encouraged to contact Babbasa to discuss options.

Hava Ibraim, Babbasa support programme participant, says: “Growing up in Bristol, I felt it was a diverse city but there are still barriers and stereotypes which have prevented me and my friends from progressing.

“With Babbasa’s help, I have gained the confidence to pursue my interests through education and build a clearer plan for my future.

“Their one-to-one support and understanding of young people’s circumstances helped me view education and work as positive things which are open to me.

“I urge everyone to support this appeal so that Babbasa can continue to have this impact for more young people.”

Sangeetha Wynter, head of services at Babbasa, said: “Young people in our city are facing a crisis which demands urgent action.

“Too many are being locked out of opportunity through no fault of their own – especially those from disadvantaged communities.

“We see the potential in every young person, but we urgently need more support to help them realise it.”

Poku Osei, founder of Babbasa, said: “For over 13 years, Babbasa has been evolving our support for disadvantaged young people, and has empowered more than 4,300 of Bristol’s youth to overcome barriers and access meaningful work. But we know we must do more.

“To achieve our OurCity2030 Vision and support 2,030 young people into careers by the end of the decade, we need the city’s collective support and invite everyone to give what they can.”