About Us

Urban Synergy is a charity founded in 2006 that has helped more than 27000 young people aged 9-24. Support starts with children aged 9. We find inspirational role models - people who look and sound like them - and invite them into their schools in urban areas.

These role models have overcome similar barriers to them, and they excite our young people about succeeding. They offer them a path to follow, and pass on the confidence to believe in themselves.

In Secondary schools, Youth & Basketball clubs we provide young people with mentors, hold online career seminars, and take them into companies to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace.


Press releases

The unseen impact of Anti-DEI policies is undermining UK futures

Imagine losing your chance at a dream career.  That's the impact of Anti-DEI (diversity, equality and inclusion) Policies on UK Youth right... read more

11.04.2025 • By Urban Synergy

5 ways to boost your self-respect shared

Want to boost your self-respect and unlock your full potential? We believe that self-respect is the foundation of confidence, ambition, and... read more

13.03.2025 • By Urban Synergy

Apprenticeships risk failing some young people

In a blog for  National Apprenticeship Week  the CEO & Founder of the social mobility charity Urban Synergy , Leila Thomas, talks about the... read more

10.02.2025 • By Urban Synergy

Urban Synergy wins top prize at London’s New Year’s Day Parade for Lewisham

Urban Synergy, Lewisham’s Mayor’s chosen charity for 2024/25, has brought home first prize from the London New Year’s Day Parade (LNYDP) ,... read more

06.01.2025 • By Urban Synergy

Urban Synergy heralds a brighter tomorrow in London’s New Year Parade

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Urban Synergy, the award-winning charity supporting young people from under-represented communities, is honoured to... read more

23.12.2024 • By Urban Synergy

Mentoring and social mobility celebrated

Urban Synergy hosted its annual UShine Awards Ceremony 2024 late last month, bringing together inspiring role models, corporate partners,... read more

16.12.2024 • By Urban Synergy

Urban Synergy is thrilled to announce the nominees for the 2024 Urban...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE London, November 2024 — Urban Synergy is thrilled to announce the nominees for the 2024 Urban Synergy UShine Awards... read more

12.11.2024 • By Urban Synergy

Recognise the heroes in your own community

As we mark Black History Month 2024 , Leila Thomas, CEO & Founder of Urban Synergy admits she is deeply moved by this year’s theme of reclaiming... read more

23.10.2024 • By Urban Synergy

Mentoring excellence praised by grassroots charity

A Message from our CEO & Founder, Leila Thomas How do you begin to say thank you to a company and the individuals inside of it - who live and... read more

30.09.2024 • By Urban Synergy

Work experience uncovered

To celebrate the record number of young people doing work experience at its corporate partner companies, CEO and Urban Synergy founder Leila... read more

09.09.2024 • By Urban Synergy

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