Charities like EdShift exist because there are gaps that need filling. Gaps in support, in understanding, and in the systems that are meant to help young people but don’t always reach them in the ways they need. But no charity does this work in isolation. Behind every workshop delivered, every conversation facilitated, and every young person supported, there is a wider network making that work possible. For EdShift, that network includes schools, educators, community partners and, crucially, businesses and individuals who choose to give their time, energy and resources to support what we do. This isn’t an uncomfortable truth. It’s a powerful one.
The Reality of Charitable Work: Why Support Matters
EdShift’s work is rooted in prevention, education and early intervention. We work with young people around healthy relationships, consent, wellbeing and communication, often before problems escalate into harm. This kind of work doesn’t always fit neatly into statutory funding models. It relies on flexibility, responsiveness and the ability to meet young people where they are. That’s where fundraising, donations and volunteering become essential. Business support enables us to reach more young people, respond to emerging needs, keep programmes accessible to schools and communities, and invest in skilled facilitators who deliver safe, high-quality sessions. Without that support, the scale and reach of our work would be significantly reduced.
Corporate Social Responsibility: More Than a Tick-Box Exercise
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a type of self-regulation where a business holds itself to account by ensuring its operations make a positive social impact. CSR is sometimes framed as a branding exercise or a box to be ticked. But when it’s approached thoughtfully, it becomes something much more meaningful. Businesses that choose to support charities like EdShift aren’t simply making donations. They are aligning themselves with values around wellbeing, education and community impact. They are showing staff, customers and partners that they care about more than profit alone. A recent article in Forbes, ‘Why Strong Corporate Social Responsibility is a Competitive Advantage’ stated that “consumers today want companies that are interested in ethical and social priorities and can prove their commitment through demonstrated systems and policies.” We consistently see that businesses involved in meaningful CSR activity experience stronger brand trust and reputation, improved staff morale and engagement, deeper team connection beyond day-to-day work, and a clearer sense of purpose and social contribution. Supporting preventative, education-led work with young people creates impact that extends far beyond a single fundraiser or campaign.
Small Actions, Real Impact: Getting Involved Without Overcomplicating It
One of the biggest misconceptions around fundraising is that it has to be large, expensive or perfectly polished. In reality, some of the most effective support comes from simple, human actions that fit naturally into everyday working life. Businesses and teams have supported EdShift through sponsored runs and walks, bake sales, team challenges, dress-down days, volunteering time and partnerships that grow gradually over time. These activities don’t just help us raise funds, they also create conversations within teams, open space to talk about wellbeing and values, and help people feel connected to something beyond their usual roles. Often, it’s these shared moments that leave the strongest impression. What matters most is not the scale of the activity, but the intention behind it. Every contribution helps us continue delivering education that empowers young people to seek support, build healthier relationships and navigate complex social pressures.
A Shared Responsibility: Supporting Young People Together
Supporting charities like EdShift is rooted in the understanding that the wellbeing of young people is not the responsibility of any single organisation or sector. It is a shared responsibility that sits across education, families, communities, public services and wider society. Research consistently shows that early, preventative support has the greatest long-term impact, both for young people themselves and for the communities around them. When businesses choose to step into that shared space, they become part of something larger than a financial transaction or a one-off gesture. Their support helps create safer environments in which conversations can happen earlier, learning can take place before harm occurs, and young people can access the tools and language they need to seek support with confidence. It also sends a clear message that young people’s wellbeing is a collective priority, not something left solely to schools or overstretched services. This kind of cross-sector partnership strengthens the foundations around young people. It enables preventative education to continue, supports consistency in delivery, and helps build a wider network of care that extends beyond the classroom. By working together across education, communities and business, we can create better conversations, more resilient environments and stronger futures for young people who deserve support long before challenges escalate.
Be Part of the Shift: Learn More
If you would like to understand more about how businesses and individuals can support EdShift, and how that support creates real, lasting impact, we’ve put together a short booklet that explains this in more detail. ‘Be Part of the Shift’ explores why our work with young people matters, how community and business support helps it continue and grow, and the different ways organisations can get involved in a way that feels genuine, proportionate and achievable. It’s designed to be practical and accessible, whether you’re a small team looking to fundraise together, a business exploring more meaningful CSR activity, or an organisation wanting to build a longer-term partnership rooted in shared values. The booklet doesn’t assume a one-size-fits-all approach. It offers space to reflect on what support could look like for you, your team or your organisation, and how that support can make a real difference to young people before challenges escalate.
You can download ‘Be Part of the Shift’ below to learn more about our work, the impact of collective support, and how you might play a part in creating better conversations, safer environments and stronger futures for young people.
Download our booklet here – Be Part of the Shift.
