2 Sept 2024
LASER Education Foundation, an organisation dedicated to transforming lives across London and the South East, has secured its charitable status.
The charity is committed to empowering children, young people, and adults to overcome barriers to education. It will focus on reaching those most in need, ensuring they not only access education but fully benefit from its life-changing potential.
The new charity is part of London & South East Education Group, and is being supported in its early stages by London South East Colleges and London South East Academies Trust.
Over many years, these organisations have identified pressing needs within their communities, doing what they can to tackle these issues with the restricted statutory funding available.
However, following the pandemic and recent cost of living crisis, the level of need has grown exponentially to the extent that the Group was compelled to set up this charity. External funders and supporters are now being secured to help enhance and make a difference to people in need, across the region.
Dr Sam Parrett CBE, CEO of LASER Education Foundation, says:
“Gaining charitable status for LASER is an important milestone in our journey. We will now be able to develop new partnerships and unlock additional resources that will help us make a lasting difference to the lives of people across our schools, college and wider communities.
“Our mission is clear: we are using the power of education to transform the lives of children and young people across London and the South East.
“We are committed to working directly with stakeholders, educators, and local authorities to drive positive, sustainable change, with a research-led and evidence-based focus.
"This new chapter represents both an achievement and also a call to action, as we continue to expand our vision and increase the positive impact we are able to have within our communities."
Initial areas of focus for the charity are mentorship, music education, play therapy and bursaries click here to find out more – all of which are evidenced to support and enhance the lives and achievement of young people.
A number of events are already being planned to support the charity – from golf days and other sporting events to fundraising dinners and auctions. Please click here for more information and to sign up!
For more information about LASER Education Foundation and how you can get involved, contact jo.billingham-smith@lsec.ac.uk