Big Conversation – Flintshire 2025

In early 2025, WeMindTheGap launched our second Big Conversation, a commitment we made in our 5 Year Plan.

BIG Conversation

Big Conversation Flintshire 2025

This Big Conversation took place in Flintshire, with an aim to listen to the lived experiences of 18–21-year-olds and local employers, to find out what life is life for them now, and what could make it better.

We also spoke with 57 employers to identify both the strengths and challenges that this age group brings to the workforce, the nature of work experience opportunities available, and being curious about their awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and
Trauma-Informed Practice.

Through this second Big Conversation, we set out to explore whether the effects and impact of the pandemic continues to shape the outlook of this age group as they transition into adulthood and the world of work.

You can download our research and findings here:

Big Conversation Flintshire 2025

Research finding videos

Hear what our young people in Flintshire have to say.

Thank you for taking the time to watch, read and consider the Big Conversation findings and our response to it.

So what next?

Please register your interest in Behaviour Change Training

Please register your interest in Adverse Childhood Experience Training

Please register your interest in finding out more about the Big Conversation research findings

Meet our gappies

“For eighteen months it had been a complete rollercoaster of emotions – to say the least!”

Read Chloe's Story

“WeMindTheGap has given me so many opportunities that I would never have dreamed possible, including winning a six-month place on Raleigh International. Next month I am off to work in Nepal – I can’t wait to tell you how I get on!”

Read Shahida's Story

“In March 2017, I passed my induction at PGL with flying colours. I am now working as an instructor on site, helping young people overcome their fears on a day-to-day basis.”

Read Sophie's Story

“We’ve done so many different things and I’ve learned lots of practical skills. I’m just a different person now.”

Read Vicki's Story

“I was 16 when I found myself living in the hostel in Wrexham. My supporter at the hostel said I should apply for the programme at WeMindTheGap.”

Read Sophie's Story

“I feel so much more positive and confident. Our Skippers and First Mates were so suited to each of us and were the `pick me up’ we all needed at times.”

Read Lauren's Story

“Once I joined, I started to feel a bit more motivated, and my mood just lifted. The calls were a great way to get things off my chest, which helped more than I expected. Plus, getting to know people my age and making new friends was brilliant.”

Read Logan's Story

Real and lasting impacts

Outcomes

FOR EVERY PROGRAMME OF 10 GAPPIES

80%

graduate the programme

8

graduates are employed for six months

45

work placements completed with our employer partners

WELLBEING

67%

graduates report improved mental health

100%

graduates report they now feel more in control of their life

86%

graduates report improved confidence

AFTER THE PROGRAMME

60%

graduates find employment

32%

graduates go onto Further or Higher Education

95%

graduates achieve new qualifications

89%

graduates have improved mental health

91%

graduates feel they have new choices

*on average

Source: Hatch Regeneris analysis of WMTG data. Note all annual data adjusted to 2019/20 prices.

This information is correct as of July 2020.

Impacts

WITHIN 1 YEAR OF GRADUATION

Social impact of

£550,000

per cohort of ten young people

Public cost saving of

£190,000

per cohort of ten young people

For every £1 invested, we return £3.60 in social value within 18 months.

This information is correct as of July 2020.

Read our Social Return On Investment Report

“I was 16 when I found myself living in the hostel in Wrexham. My supporter at the hostel said I should apply for the programme at WeMindTheGap.

I had only just turned 18 so I was the youngest gappie to be offered place.”

When we say life-changing, we really mean it

Here's what some of our gappies have to say about how WeMindTheGap helped them to transform their lives.

Welcome to our WeShare portal!

As a likeminded partner, funder or ally, we share this page to signpost you to reports, findings, and impact studies from other organisations who are thought leaders in our field. We think you will find their views, insights and questions informative. So, be curious…. and enjoy reading!