How our Small Charity has a BIG Impact
“AWL provides direct support and opportunities for individuals who badly need help. Our work has a very positive social impact in the community of West London. Last year we won West London Business award for best company investing in West London’s community. With the massive increase in youth and adult employment due to Covid-19 our services will be needed more than ever.”
John Blackmore, Chief Executive
Founded in 1998, AWL, a registered charity and social enterprise has helped 1000’s of disadvantaged young people and adults in West London change their lives for the better. As well as delivering projects to help individuals into Employment, Education, Training and self-employment AWL also run two social enterprises-Action Talent recruitment agency and Acton Market.
Delivering over ten programmes annually (subject to funding) AWL helps those most in need. Unemployed and economically inactive MEET young people (not in Education, Employment, or Training), ex -offenders, lone parents, refugees, young people with learning difficulties, older people over 50 years, and people from black and ethnic minority communities.
Each year AWL helps:
- 1000 unemployed young people and adults
- 400 into employment or self-employment
- 300 into training and learning opportunities such as English support (ESOL), basic digital skills, employability training, and ‘soft skills’ such as confidence building and motivation
AWL also run Acton Market which provides 30 self- employment opportunities each day, four days a week. Plans are in place to reopen the Market after lockdown with a renewed focus on promoting community cohesion and encouraging local entrepreneurship.
AWL has many success stories like these:
Beverley, unemployed for 15 years, facing numerous difficulties lacked the confidence skills required for today’s job market. AWL‘s support helped her get employment as a care co-ordinator.
Lionel out of work for two years , suffering from depression and with limited educational support said, “It’s good; you give people the opportunity to move on to better things. I’m happy I signed up for the programme; I never thought I could be this person I am today. You’ve given me a more positive attitude on life. I now have experience and a better future ahead of me.”
We will be sharing more of these stories over the coming weeks in celebration of our 21st Anniversary.
“We are proud to continue our work, despite losing significant funding as a result of Covid-19 , we welcome support from employers, members of the public and organisations interested in helping ‘change disadvantaged peoples’ lives through Employment, Education and Enterprise’”
John Blackmore, Chief Executive
Last year the number of lives that we helped change was a whopping 674. Read some of our latest case studies to see how we helped young people and adults change their lives for the better.
Action West London has been making an impact on our local community for the last 20 years and we are proud to currently offer over 10 different projects ranging from education services to employment opportunities for youths with learning difficulties and disabilities.
How can you help?
Donate HERE
Employers wanting to help local young people and adults into work please email gary.buckley@actionwestlondon.org.uk
Organisations and funders interested in helping AWL develop its work please contact john.blackmore@actionwestlondon.org.uk
