Welcome to our Winter newsletter which brings you up to date on the Private Equity Foundation’s work . If you have any comments or questions about anything in this newsletter, or would like to get involved in our work please contact us.

A word from Shaks Ghosh

At the end of last year, we finally got confirmation of the news we’ve been dreading – there are now over 1 million NEETs (young people not in education, employment or training) in England.

Put another way, 18 per cent, or nearly one in five, of 16 to 24 year olds have been denied the opportunities to make a go of their lives before they’ve even started them.

In the current financial climate, taking that first step to economic independence is difficult with a first class education and secure family background, but imagine how insurmountable it becomes if you lack the most basic skills and your home life can best be described as chaotic?

So I wanted to thank you. Not only from the Private Equity Foundation, but thank you on behalf of the tens of thousands of children and young people you support through your donations of money and pro bono help.

Children like Simon, who was devastated when his Dad was sent to prison for killing a close family friend in a fight but who found support with The Place2Be. And young people like Jack, aged 18, who left school with nothing to show for it, but who found inspiration on Vital Regenerations’ Studio + course, gained his first qualifications and secured a full-time job as an ICT Technician.

A recent review of our work has shown that eight out of 11 of our charities are either on track or out-performing their set target, which uses lives reached as a rough proxy for investment return. They were tough targets before the recession made them even tougher, making their achievements all the greater. But, they couldn’t have got there without you.

Together we are already making a difference.

Best wishes

Shaks

Shaks Ghosh, Chief Executive, Private Equity Foundation