Falkirk Foundation’s Centre Forward programme has generated an estimated £10.43 of social value for every £1 invested, according to its latest Social Return on Investment assessment.
Centre Forward works with young people aged 16–24 with Additional Support Needs, providing a supportive programme focused on education, employability, health, wellbeing and personal development.
Delivered over 36 weeks and working alongside partners including Forth Valley College, the programme gives young people the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications while developing the confidence, skills and experience they need to move towards employment, further education, training and greater independence.
Mental health and wellbeing support is built into the programme, recognising that progress for each young person can look different. Building confidence, developing friendships, feeling part of something and being better prepared for life beyond the programme are as important as qualifications and employment outcomes.
During 2025/26, 25 young people took part in Centre Forward, with 20 completing the programme. Participants achieved 230 qualification units and 76% of those completing the programme progressed to a positive destination.
The latest Social Return on Investment assessment puts a financial value on the wider difference created by that work.
From an investment of £50,000, Centre Forward generated an estimated £539,828.52 of social impact. After discounting, the present value of that impact was £521,573.44, producing an SROI of £10.43 for every £1 invested.
Importantly, the value is spread across a range of outcomes. The largest areas identified by the assessment were:
- increased sense of belonging: £158,004.63
- improved qualifications: £125,575.88
- progression into paid employment: £74,540.86
- increased social connections and friendships: £36,904.34
The assessment also identified value from improved physical health, confidence and self-esteem, mental health, further education and training, employability skills and stronger community partnerships.
More than half of the assessed value, 54.99%, relates to good health and wellbeing, with further value linked to quality education and decent work and economic growth.
For the Foundation, these findings give us another way of demonstrating the difference Centre Forward makes. The value of the programme is ultimately seen in young people becoming more confident, gaining qualifications, making friendships and moving towards a positive future.
You can read the full Centre Forward Social Return on Investment report here:
