Participants, their experiences and YMI’s impact
The findings presented in this report demonstrate clear and consistent improvements across wellbeing, confidence, professional skills and employment outcomes.
Programmes (P) 24, 25 and 26 were delivered fully in person, enabling participants to benefit from direct engagement, relationship-building and access to a wide range of activities.
Across the programmes, participants engaged in weekly one-to-one mentoring, therapeutic support, workshops, guest speaker sessions, seminars and debate clubs. In addition, wellbeing-focused activities such as yoga and a newly re-introduced running club supported participants to improve both their physical and mental health.
The programmes also introduced new partnerships with external organisations, expanding access to networks, opportunities and resources.
Graduation events provided participants with the opportunity to confidently present their journeys and reflect on their progress, demonstrating the depth of personal and professional development achieved over the course of the programme.
Key statistics
- 100% of participants were from racially minoritised backgrounds, reflecting the programme’s targeted focus on supporting women facing racial and structural inequalities;
- 64.88% of participants reported experiencing depression or anxiety at the beginning of the programme, reducing to 33.67% by completion, demonstrating a significant improvement in wellbeing;
- 23.96% of participants had caring responsibilities, balancing programme participation alongside family and personal commitments;
- 52.94% of participants were the first in their family to attend university, often graduating from institutions with lower employment outcomes for global majority working-class women;
- All participants completed questionnaires at the beginning and end of the programmes, rating themselves across 27 indicators (1 being the most negative and 5 the most positive). This showed increases across all indicators from entry to completion;
- 58.06% of participants were in employment by programme graduation, increasing to 70.76% six months after completion;
- 83.89% of mentors observed positive changes in their mentees, and 96.59% reported that the experience developed their own professional skill sets.
Source: impact report, PDF page 4
Employment figures include participants in full-time, part-time, freelance, self-employed and temporary work. Some participants continued to receive benefits alongside employment where earnings were below eligibility thresholds or work remained insecure, reflecting the realities of low-paid and precarious employment.
2.2 Objectives of the Evaluation Report
This report evaluates the extent to which the You Make It programme supports participants to achieve meaningful and sustained progress across a range of personal and professional outcomes.
Beneficiaries
Enhanced social and professional networks, with participants reporting that they feel more connected, supported and motivated through relationships built with peers and professionals. Participants develop new professional networks, gain a clearer understanding of the importance of maintaining and growing these networks, and are able to identify specific examples of how these connections have supported their progression;
Improvements in self-esteem and confidence, demonstrated through enhanced communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with individuals from different social and cultural backgrounds. Participants show increased confidence in articulating their strengths and experiences in professional contexts, including interviews and public speaking opportunities such as graduation events;
Development of motivation, skills, knowledge and experiences, enabling participants to feel more empowered in navigating employment pathways. Survey data collected at the beginning and end of the programme demonstrates measurable improvements across a range of indicators essential for employability, including confidence, communication, networking and goal-setting;
Progression towards employment and long-term career development, including entry into employment, engagement in further education aligned with career aspirations, and the development of entrepreneurial ambitions. Outcomes observed both at programme completion and in the months following demonstrate continued progression over time.
The evaluation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the programme contributes to both immediate outcomes and longer-term change, recognising that progression is often gradual and shaped by wider structural factors.
Approach to Measuring Impact
The findings presented in this report are based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative data collected throughout the programme.
Participants completed self-assessment surveys at the beginning and end of the programme, rating themselves across a range of indicators using a scale of 1 (most negative) to 5 (most positive). These indicators cover areas including confidence, wellbeing, professional skills, networks and access to opportunities.
This approach enables the measurement of change over time, providing insight into the extent to which participants perceive improvements in their personal and professional development.
In addition to participant survey data, the report incorporates feedback from mentors, as well as follow-up data collected after programme completion. This allows for an assessment of both immediate outcomes and longer-term progression.
By combining multiple data sources, the evaluation provides a robust and holistic understanding of the programme’s impact.
5.CASE STUDIES
In this section, we present a selection of participant journeys drawn from Programmes 24, 25 and 26, illustrating the varied and often profound ways in which women experienced change through You Make It.
These stories capture a range of outcomes, including improved confidence and wellbeing, stronger professional direction, increased employability, healthier relationships and greater optimism for the future. They provide deeper insight into the lived realities behind the data presented earlier in this report.
In addition, this section includes longer-term follow-up with previous participants one year after graduation, demonstrating how the programme’s impact continues well beyond the 16-week delivery period. The section concludes with a joint mentor and mentee reflection, highlighting the transformative nature of the mentoring relationship from both perspectives.
All interviewees took part voluntarily and participant names have been changed to protect privacy.
-
Nisa’s Story: “YMI was absolutely life-changing for me” — PDF
-
Veronica’s Story: “Now I am living, not just surviving” — PDF
-
Kambili’s Story: “YMI gave me hope that I can make a beautiful life for myself” — PDF
-
Safiya’s Story: “One year later, I can clearly see how far I have come” — PDF
-
Amara and Mat’s Story: Created structure, confidence and opportunity” — PDF
Supported By
Supported By
Across 15 years we’ve worked with a broad range of employers who have:
- Sponsored us
- Benefitted from our mentoring programme
- Identified new talent by hosting work experience placements
- Provided us with venue space for activities
- Delivered workshops to young women
- Accessed our anti-racism allyship programme.
We’ve also received invaluable funding from a range of grant givers – we couldn’t do what we do without them!
Our Impact
Our Impact
You Make It in the Spotlight: Impact, business engagement and recognition
We’re thrilled to see You Make It (YMI) gaining recognition for its impact, especially in the business world. From collaborations with major companies to national media features, YMI continues to drive change for women from underrepresented backgrounds.
Our Impact in Numbers:
98% of participants feel they have a larger network after completing our programme.
95% feel more confident in public speaking.
100% report feeling more self-confident.
Check out some recent highlights:
Havas and YMI Partnership – A great piece showcasing how businesses are engaging with YMI. Read more on Marketing Beat.
National Recognition – YMI was featured in The Independent’s Happy List, celebrating changemakers making Britain better. See the full list on The Independent’s website.
FT Coverage – The Financial Times covered our work, but it’s behind a paywall. We’re looking into the best way to link to it on our site. You can access the article on the FT website.
Stylist Feature – Named one of the best grassroots charities supporting women in the UK. Read more on the Stylist website.
Fighting Back Against Austerity – A powerful piece in Prospect Magazine about YMI’s resilience and impact. Read it on the Prospect Magazine website.
Interview with Asma Shah – Our founder speaks with Rich Mix about YMI’s journey and impact. Read the full interview on the Rich Mix website.
With such strong results and growing recognition, YMI continues to empower and uplift women. Stay tuned for more updates on how we’re making waves!