Christmas Cheer

Sam and her daughter Elvi on the London Santa Street Skate

Everyone working in, or alongside, the third sector will tell you it’s been a tough year, financially and politically. The cost of living crisis continues to impact fundraising and running costs, while the rise in extremist views targeting marginalised groups has made the world feel increasingly uncertain. That’s exactly why we need charities more than ever.

Working in the third sector shines a light on the best of humanity, and at Cause we’re lucky to work with incredible organisations changing the world for young people. We want to celebrate their achievements and plans for 2026.

Our client, national youth charity OnSide, has had a phenomenal year. Not only did they open their 16th Youth Zone in Salford, but they also significantly increased awareness of the importance of youth work. In March, the legend that is Sir Gareth Southgate visited Mahdlo Youth Zone in Oldham, before later using his Dimbleby Lecture to champion youth centres, trusted adults, and the vital role they play in helping young people build meaningful, real-world connections.

Next year, OnSide will open FIVE new Youth Zones, growing their network from 16 to 21. The new spaces will be based in Barnsley, Grimsby, Crewe and Bristol - economically disadvantaged areas across England. This growth will create safe, fun and affordable spaces for an additional 30,000 young people, giving them opportunities to make friends, build confidence, gain skills and discover their passions and purpose, supported by dedicated and highly skilled youth workers.

Youth clubs and youth work have faced 15 years of sustained cuts, and just this week the government announced new measures to support 16 to 24 year olds through its new National Youth Strategy. The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, credited OnSide’s Wigan Youth Zone as an inspiration for the strategy, saying:

“I know from my many years of working with Wigan Youth Zone just how important it is to provide young people with a space they can call their own, and the amazing work they do deserves to be replicated across the country.”

Our client Mission 44, launched its Nothing Happens in Isolation campaign this year, calling for a more inclusive education system and a reduction in exclusions for young people. This led to a meeting in June with the Education Secretary and Prime Minister, where Youth Advisory Board member Aaliyah joined Mission 44 founder Sir Lewis Hamilton and CEO Jason Arthur to call for three specific policy changes, one of which was a commitment to improving data on pupils’ lived experiences. Earlier this month, the Department for Education delivered on that commitment, releasing new data covering belonging, safety, enjoyment and motivation in schools.

Mission 44 is now recruiting for its next Youth Advisory Board, seeking young people interested in STEM and inclusion to ensure every decision the foundation makes reflects the needs of those it aims to empower. In 2026, Mission 44’s leaders and Youth Advisory Board will build on the momentum of their policy success by continuing to push for meaningful change across the education sector.

Our long-running client, the Disabled Children’s Partnership, also built on its powerful campaigning work on behalf of families this year. Its Fight for Ordinary campaign saw 800 parents, young disabled children and allies descend on Parliament Square in September to demand reforms that genuinely support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. The DCP continues to ensure it, and its member organisations, are in the room with ministers wherever possible, influencing policy as the government puts the final touches to its SEND reform proposals, due by the end of the year.

Finally, our co-founder Sam ended the year by celebrating her disabled daughter’s love of Christmas on the new BBC SEND in the Spotlight podcast which looks at every aspect of special needs parenting. If you want some yuletide joy have a listen to Elvi on episode three. They also took part in the annual Santa Street Skate, a joyful, feelgood gathering of 400 rollerblading Father Christmasses and wheelchair users like Elvi, creating more Jingles than any advertising agent.

Merry Christmas from all at Cause.