Launch Academy is a core part of Babbasa’s Youth Empowerment Programme, our single, structured pathway that supports young people aged 18–25 from low‑income and ethnically diverse backgrounds into employment, education or enterprise.

The Launch Academy was introduced in 2026 to replace a range of fragmented projects with one clear offer and one clear journey. This shift allows Babbasa to deliver deeper, more consistent support while strengthening safeguarding and improving outcomes for young people. Launch Academy is one of the key stages within that pathway. 

Young people who do not join the Academy can still access lighter‑touch support, supported referrals or open‑access opportunities through our Hub Connector activities.

Launch Academy is an 8-week, skills‑building and confidence‑boosting programme for young adults who feel unsure about their next steps or lack access to networks, opportunities or guidance. It runs three times a year and provides a structured, supportive environment to help young people progress.

Participants attend one afternoon per week and take part in practical, interactive sessions designed to build confidence, capability and clarity about their future.

Where EOAs fit in

EOAs play an important role in the Launch Academy by:

• Offering mentoring
• Delivering workshops or insight sessions
• Providing industry connections
• Supporting young people to build confidence and navigate the world of work

Ad‑hoc mentoring opportunities also arise, and we’ll be in touch whenever a suitable match comes up. If you spot a gap or have an idea for something you could offer, we’d love to hear from you.

You can also take part in our youth hub activities and regular connect events, including intergenerational networking, where you’ll offer light‑touch guidance, on‑the‑spot careers advice, and encouragement to young people while connecting with other EOAs and Babbasa staff.

As part of the Launch Academy, we ask our EOAs to offer 1:1 mentoring, meeting fortnightly for an initial three months, with the option to extend for a further three months.

Alongside structured mentoring, ad-hoc opportunities may arise and we’ll contact you when a suitable match comes up. You’re also welcome to suggest ideas or offer support in areas where you see a need. EOAs can additionally take part in youth hub activities and regular Connect events, offering light-touch guidance, on-the-spot careers advice and encouragement to young people while meeting other EOAs and Babbasa staff.

No — you don’t need any prior volunteering or mentoring experience to become an EOA. We welcome professionals from all backgrounds who are values-driven, open-minded and committed to supporting young people. 

As part of your welcome journey, you’ll receive an online induction, a comprehensive volunteer handbook and ongoing support from the Babbasa team. If you choose to mentor, we’ll guide you through the process and make sure you feel confident and prepared every step of the way.

We use Circle, an online platform where we can connect as a community, including Babbasa staff, young people, and other EOAs. 

It brings everything into one easy place: Babbasa updates, resources, training, event information, and conversations with staff and fellow volunteers. Instead of searching through emails or juggling different platforms, you’ll have a single, welcoming hub where you can ask questions, share experiences, access guidance, and feel part of a wider team. It’s designed to make your volunteering smoother, more connected, and more enjoyable.

Most EOA activity – including the Launch Academy – takes place either online or at the Babbasa office in Bristol. Babbasa’s office address: Backfields House, Upper York Street, St Paul’s, Bristol BS2 8QJ.

Mentoring sessions can be held virtually or in person. The first meeting must take place in the presence of Babbasa staff, either in the office or online (this also applies to all meetings if the mentee is under 18 or deemed vulnerable).

Ongoing meetings can take place at the Babbasa office, online, or in a public space such as a café or library (meeting at home is not appropriate). If mentees are under 18, all meetings must take place at the Babbasa office or online.

Other volunteering activities, such as workshops, events or corporate engagement, may take place at the Babbasa office, in community venues or at your workplace, depending on the activity.

Yes, absolutely. We welcome volunteers with accessibility or support needs. Our Bristol office has step-free access, a lift to the first floor and an accessible bathroom. If you need any adjustments to help you take part, whether online or in person, please get in touch with our Head of Operations, Matt Rogers: matt.rogers@byep.org.uk

For young people aged 18 and over, a DBS check is not required. For those under 18, a DBS is required; however, if an EOA does not have one when they begin mentoring, meetings must take place in a supervised environment such as the Babbasa office or in a public space with parental consent. In other words, having a DBS is ideal, but it is not required prior to engagement overall.

You do not need to provide references to become a volunteer for Babbasa.

You will receive an email inviting you to attend an online information and induction session with others who are interested in becoming an EOA. The induction lasts around 1–1.5 hours and gives you a clear understanding of what to expect from volunteering with Babbasa and how you can learn more about the different ways to support us. It’s also a chance to meet like-minded people, learn about the support available to you, and ask any questions before beginning your journey with us.

We aim to work with you hand-in-hand throughout your time with us. During the induction, we’ll provide clarity about your role and introduce you to your designated point of contact, who will be on hand to support you whenever you need it.

After attending the online information and induction session, you’ll be asked to complete a simple ‘Agreement Form’. You’ll then receive a comprehensive volunteer handbook and a welcome email to help you get started.

If you choose to take part in the next Launch Academy cohort, we’ll send you full details, including dates and session times for your diary. You’ll also be added to the Babbasa mailing list, where we share upcoming opportunities such as mentoring roles, events and activities you can get involved in or pass on to your networks.

We aim to make the welcome process as smooth and straightforward as possible. Our goal is to help you feel confident, supported and ready to get started, so we can harness the energy and enthusiasm you bring to Babbasa.

As a growing social enterprise, we often need specialist support in areas such as HR, law, finance, digital and marketing. If you have expertise in any of these areas and would like to help, please get in touch. We also send out requests for pro bono or in-kind support from time to time.

Promoting Babbasa is one of the simplest and most powerful ways you can support our mission. By championing our work on social media, sharing opportunities with young people, and connecting us with potential EOAs or sponsorship partners, you help widen our reach and open doors for those who need it most.

Corporate Partnerships – If your employer offers sponsorship, matched funding or a Charity of the Year partnership, you might consider nominating Babbasa. Partnering with us delivers mutual value by:

• Tackling inequality — meet social value goals and support local priorities through donations to the Launch Academy, sponsoring activities or events, fundraising or Charity of the Year partnerships
• Exchanging knowledge — offer mentoring, work experience or insights, while your team gains fresh perspectives, leadership skills and stronger community connection
• Accessing talent and insights — tap into our pool of work-ready young people and our inclusion expertise to help build a workplace where everyone belongs
• Strengthening your brand — celebrate our partnership, amplify impact stories and showcase your commitment to inclusion and social mobility

Fundraise – Your fundraising helps us create real opportunities for young people. You can support Babbasa through one-off or monthly donations, payroll giving, or by organising or joining a challenge event. Fundraising is one of the most impactful ways you can support Babbasa’s mission. Whether it’s a sponsored run, a cake sale, a quiz night or something more adventurous, there’s an activity to suit every interest and comfort level. You’ll find more ideas and guidance in the volunteer handbook.

Your financial support helps us provide practical resources and direct support to young people, from purchasing devices they can borrow for study or job applications to funding frontline staff who work with them every day. Regular donations give Babbasa a reliable income source, helping us plan ahead with confidence and invest in long-term support for young people.

Making a one-off or monthly donation is simple, and you have two options:

Donate via Localgiving (with Gift Aid)

If you’re able to apply Gift Aid, please use our Localgiving page. Gift Aid allows us to claim an extra 25% at no cost to you.

Every contribution helps us reach more young people and move closer to our 2030 vision.

Thank you.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you’re getting on at any stage of your volunteering journey. If your circumstances change or you need to take a break, we completely understand. Just give us a call or drop us an email so we can update your details and stay connected until you’re ready to get involved again.