Introducing the LASER Education Foundation

The LASER Education Foundation is on a mission to transform the lives of disadvantaged children across London and the south east.

The new charity, set up by London & South East Education Group, will help tackle disadvantage across the region by ensuring that every child and young person has access to the education, support and opportunities they need to thrive.

At LASER’s core is the principle of collective action. Working in partnership with businesses, schools/colleges and community groups, the charity will deliver a range of impactful initiatives, including mentoring schemes, bursaries and health & wellbeing programmes. These are aimed at levelling the playing field for young people from all backgrounds, providing a range of opportunities to support their development, skills and confidence.

In addition, LASER is undertaking a unique research initiative inspired by the Children’s Commissioner’s Big Ambition. This will capture the voices of thousands of young people from across the region via London & South East Education Group’s network of schools and colleges.

This insight into the views and lived experiences of young people will inform the work and focus of the LASER Education Foundation going forward –ensuring it can address community need effectively and provide support to the people who most need it.

Helen McIntosh, Chair of LASER Education Foundation, says: “Poverty, mental health challenges and social inequalities are barriers for many people within our communities. Through the LASER Education Foundation, we are bringing people together to tackle these challenges head-on, creating opportunities for brighter futures.

“I would urge business and community leaders to join us in this important mission and help make a positive difference to people’s lives.”

Get involved:

LASER is running a number of programmes to support young people, which offer sponsorship opportunities for business. These include:

» Career Readiness programmes

» Access to Music for all

» Therapeutic services including speech and language, counselling and occupational health

» Literary support programmes

For more information on how LASER can support your business goals and the community, visit www.lasereducation.org.uk or contact the charity’s Deputy CEO: louise.wolsey@lsec.ac.uk

Organisations can also help raise money to support LASER’s work via:

» Staff fundraising

» Charity of the Year Partnerships

» Payroll Giving

» Matched Giving and Volunteering

» Event fundraising including:

• 13 June: Charity Football tournament at Bromley Football Club

• 12 May: Golf Day at the Royal Blackheath Golf Club

Partnering with LASER can help businesses meet their corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives, as well as gaining exposure to the charity’s extensive community of learners, staff and stakeholders.