About
WAY in 100 words.
We are Swindon’s young person-led charity that delivers high impact, sustainable projects for children and young people, resulting in lasting positive change.
We believe projects impacting young people should be shaped by them and co-produced alongside subject experts and community partners. Our vision is to journey alongside young people for the long-term, from a reachable moment, giving opportunity to be connected into the wider community along the way. Our aim is for children and young people to realise their full potential, and take responsibility for driving lasting positive change in their communities
It’s not just what we do, it’s the WAY we do it.
"So that young people in don't have to leave Swindon to have hope" - Young Leader, 19
Our Values
Compassionate: We see the value and worth in everyone and aim to show kindness and respect in all we do.
Committed: We put others first, leading them confidently yet gently toward better prospects and journeying with them over an extended period.
Courageous: We are bold in the change we want to see and aim to have the courage to speak up when things aren’t right.
Authentic: We’re all about the individual and their needs, with no hidden agendas and full transparency.
Innovative: We respond creatively and collaboratively to the diverse needs of our community, always fostering inclusivity and belonging.
Accountable: We use our resources responsibly and act with integrity, protecting the young people we represent.
Meet The Team
Sam Lloyd
CEO
Joe Haney
WAY Beacon and WAY Mentor
Michael Lartey
WAY Beacon and WAY Mentor
Joel Howarth
WAY Sports – Lead Facilitator
Bella Schmidt
WAY Studios – Young Designer
Eve Howarth
WAY Changemakers – Facilitator
Ollie Thornton
WAY Sports – Facilitator
Emily Lloyd
WAY Administrator
Our Story
What if?
In March 2023, before WAY existed, as a diverse group of young people, we gathered to discuss the needs and challenges young people face in Swindon. We explored how these could be addressed in an effective and relevant way.Together we asked the question - what if?What if there is a WAY to drive lasting change by unleashing the power and potential of young people, and by partnering with the wider community?
WAY is born
Motivated by a vision to see lasting change and inspired by Christian values we continued to meet to see what this could look like.The young leaders recognised that it wasn't just what we do but the way we did it, and so the vision, mission and name of WAY was born.
Our first projects
Next, we partnered with Swindon Borough Council, Wiltshire PCC, EOTAS Schools and The Great Western Hospital to co-create and deliver long-term projects that address identified needs using WAY’s young person-led approach.And this is how we established our first projects - WAY Beacons and WAY Mentors.
Continued growth
Our momentum builds as we gather a growing number of young leaders and community partners within to co-produce innovative projects.And soon you will be able to find us in The Base - a newly refurbished and repurposed youth centre with young people at the centre of all decisions!
The PathWAY
We aim to journey alongside young people from a reachable moment until their potential is reached, they feel part of the wider community and they become drivers of lasting change.
Reaching
Creating reachable moments and spaces where young people can connect with support at a crucial moment.
Journeying
Building long-term relationship with a trusted adult/s, taking steps towards positive change.
Belonging
Providing environments and positive activities that fosters a sense of being part of something.
Shaping
Ensuring there are opportunities to use ideas, strengths and experiences to shape existing and new initiatives.
Leading
Creating positions of leadership to build skills and drive lasting change in our communities.