Accordia Harmony C.I.C supports young people to grow into confident, skilled and independent individuals. Through its community programme, Skill Forge, and its digital platform, LifeSkills Connect, the organisation creates welcoming opportunities for young people to learn practical skills, explore future pathways and receive continued guidance. In February 2026, Accordia Harmony delivered a one-day Skill Forge vocational programme for young people aged 16 to 21 in the London Borough of Havering. The programme’s activities benefited the community in the following ways: 56 young people registered for the programme, comprising 29 young men and 27 young women, with participation reaching young people from five London boroughs participants received practical, hands-on experience across five vocational areas: barbering, hairstyling, makeup artistry, tailoring, and photography and videography young people were able to learn directly from experienced professionals in an encouraging environment where they could ask questions, practise new techniques and discover interests they may not previously have considered participants demonstrated a visible growth in confidence, with young people who were initially hesitant becoming more engaged, expressive and willing to take part as the programme progressed the programme introduced young people to skills that could inspire future employment, self-employment, creative enterprise or further training opportunities six professionals and eight volunteers contributed their expertise, time and encouragement, strengthening collaboration between young people, local practitioners and the wider community partnerships with community organisations and local businesses helped create an inclusive learning environment in which every participant was welcomed, supported and valued 50 lunch packs were provided, helping to make the day comfortable and accessible for those attending participants were connected to LifeSkills Connect, Accordia Harmony’s digital platform, where they can continue accessing life-skills education, employability support, career preparation, wellbeing resources, safeguarding guidance and relevant opportunities beyond the physical programme Through Skill Forge, Accordia Harmony created more than a day of vocational learning. It created a gentle but meaningful moment of discovery; one in which young people were encouraged to recognise their abilities, imagine new possibilities and take a confident step towards greater independence. The programme also demonstrated the value of bringing communities together around young people and giving them the practical support, trusted relationships and opportunities they need to flourish.

The company’s stakeholders are young people, particularly those aged 16 to 21, as well as their families, local professionals, volunteers, community organisations and partners who share an interest in helping young people become confident, skilled and independent. The directors of Accordia Harmony C.I.C developed Skill Forge and LifeSkills Connect in response to an identified need for practical and accessible opportunities that help young people turn their creativity, energy and ambition into useful life and vocational skills. Through conversations with young people and engagement with the wider community, the company recognised that many young people have considerable potential but do not always have access to supportive spaces where they can learn by doing, explore different interests and receive guidance about their future. During Skill Forge, the Accordia Harmony team engaged directly with participants throughout the practical sessions. Team members, professionals and volunteers observed how the young people responded to each activity, listened to their questions and encouraged them to share their experiences. This helped the company understand which skills attracted the greatest interest, where participants needed additional encouragement and how a welcoming, hands-on environment could help them feel more confident. The company also invited young people to share video testimonials about their experience of the programme. Their reflections, together with the team’s observations and the level of participation during the sessions, provide valuable insight into the programme’s effect and will help Accordia Harmony shape future activities around young people’s interests and needs. Learning from Skill Forge has reinforced the importance of providing continued support rather than a single experience. Accordia Harmony therefore uses LifeSkills Connect to maintain a pathway of support beyond its in-person programmes. Through the platform, young people can access life-skills learning, employability and career preparation, wellbeing resources, safeguarding guidance and information about relevant opportunities. Accordia Harmony will continue listening to young people, gathering feedback from participants and working closely with professionals, volunteers and community partners. This ongoing engagement will help the company introduce relevant skills, improve future programmes and create opportunities that respond meaningfully to the aspirations and lived experiences of the young people it serves.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration