A new charity, The Tetra Project, is making waves in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex with its innovative approach to empowering care-experienced young people. Founded by individuals with lived experience of the challenges faced by care leavers, the charity is on a mission to provide these young people with the tools, skills, and support needed to build their own community-focused businesses.
The Tetra Project offers hands-on training, mentorship, and resources to help young people turn their ideas into successful ventures while gaining valuable experience and qualifications. The project’s focus on creativity, passion, and real-world skills sets it apart from traditional support services, providing young people with a fighting chance at success in adulthood.
Ellie Deacon, a Trustee at The Tetra Project, was inspired to create the initiative after facing her own struggles as a care leaver. Drawing from both educational and emotional disadvantages, Ellie and her team have first-hand understanding of the barriers that care leavers encounter. Their goal is to break the cycle of disadvantage by equipping young people with the confidence, networks, and experience needed for long-term success.
But The Tetra Project is not just another support service. It is shaped by the voices of the young people it supports, ensuring that it meets their needs and provides relevant, meaningful opportunities. One young person who helped shape the project shared their thoughts, stating, “The Tetra Project isn’t just another support service that files you away and forgets you. It’s about transforming lives, giving us the strength, skills, and opportunities to build a future we can be proud of. It’s a real, fighting chance at adulthood—not just survival, but success.”
The charity also recognizes the importance of emotional well-being and provides trusted befrienders for ongoing support and mentorship. This holistic approach aims to build resilience, confidence, and meaningful relationships for care-experienced young people.
The Tetra Project’s impact goes beyond just entrepreneurship. It also supports young people in building transitional independence skills, helping them navigate life beyond care with practical tools for financial stability, employment, and housing. This is crucial, as care leavers often face barriers to education, employment, and independent living.
According to Ellie, “The statistics for care-experienced young people are alarming – from high NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) rates to increased risks of homelessness, mental health struggles, and involvement with the Justice System. We believe that by fostering entrepreneurship, financial independence, and a sense of purpose, we can create real, lasting change.”
The Tetra Project is actively seeking supporters, donors, and corporate partners to help expand its reach. Every donation directly funds programmes that provide training, workspace, and mentoring for young entrepreneurs. To learn more or get involved, visit www.tetraproject.org.uk.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.