Metropolitan Lodge

SkyWay Charity, established in 2002, is dedicated to helping young people aged 6-25 living in Inner London reach their full potential. Through free-to-access youth and community-led programs, SkyWay enables young people to develop essential life skills, such as communication, leadership, and decision-making, while promoting positive health and lifestyle choices. The charity also offers opportunities for volunteering, employability training, and community engagement, empowering young people to play an active and positive role in society.

SkyWay’s Future Ready project supports Year 6 students, providing year-long after-school activities such as multi-sports, group mentoring, and one-to-one support. The project addresses vital skills including teamwork, confidence building, conflict resolution, leadership, and emotional well-being. Participants also continue to receive support during their first year in secondary school, ensuring a smooth transition and helping them stay engaged in mainstream education. The project has already seen incredible success. In its first-year pilot, 95% of participants remained actively engaged, and all transitioned successfully to secondary school.

 

The £15,000 grant from the London Freemasons will ensure the continuation of Future Ready beyond the school setting, providing crucial out-of-school support. This funding will enable SkyWay to maintain vital relationships between the young people and trusted adults, offer safe spaces, provide group activities, deliver one-on-one mentoring, and organise three aspirational trips to broaden their horizons. Additionally, healthy refreshments will be provided during each session, supporting the physical and emotional well-being of participants.

 

Natalie Roast, CEO of SkyWay Charity, said:

“We’re always looking to improve the aspirations and opportunities for the young people we support who often face challenging circumstances. We’re grateful for the help and support of the London Freemasons to make a real difference to the lives and future prospects of our young people.”

 

Paul King from London Freemasons, said:
“Young people are the lifeblood of our society, and some lose their by no fault of their own, which can have long term impacts on their lives. We are proud to support SkyWay’s Future Ready programme to offer a helping hand to year 6 students in Hackney, and know that this will help them make the more of their talents, and make a positive impact on society.”