Youth work charity Redthread is exploring the possibility of merging with community support non-profit organisation Catch 22 citing “major financial challenges in recent times” as a factor.

The charity, which was set up over 20 years ago to support young people in hospitals impacted by violence and exploitation, says the proposed move would ensure its work “can both stabilise and grow”.

According to the charities register Redthread’s total spending for the year ending March 2023 was £3.88m and its income for the same period was £3.66m.

The two charities add that they have “strongly aligned missions and values” to support vulnerable young people.

Catch 22’s work includes supporting children with experience of care and exploitation survivors with their health, education, employment and training.

If the merger is completed it would create a £56m youth and community support charity. The charities register shows that Catch 22’s income for the year ending August last year was £53.45m and its spending was £56.93m.

The two organisations already work in partnership on their Social Switch Programme, to help protect young people from online harms.

Redthread is exploring a proposed merger with @Catch22 . The merger is designed to ensure Redthread’s transformative youth work can stabilise and grow. We’re fully confident that together we can achieve even greater impact for young people.
Full statement https://t.co/jMlKmV9hBj pic.twitter.com/gXWjWGYwn1

— Redthread (@Redthreadyouth) July 23, 2024

Under the proposed merger Redthread would continue to maintain its existing brand and identity.

“This partnership is the right thing for Redthread,” said the youth charity’s chief executive Lucie Russell.

“It means we can enhance our work at a time when young people need us more than ever.

“With a new government and its positive strategic proposals to prevent and reduce violence affecting children and young people, we will work together to capitalise on these opportunities, and play a key part in making a meaningful difference together.”

She added that the two organisations “are absolutely committed to ensuring frontline services continue with minimal disruption while the transition is taking place and beyond”.

Catch 22 chief executive Naomi Hulston added: “We’ve worked closely with Redthread for a long time and know how well respected they are within the sector and how impactful – and much needed – their services are.

“Levels of youth violence continue to rise and there are many young people who are reliant on the vital support that Redthread provides.

“We’re excited about Redthread becoming part of Catch22 and using our collective strength to support even more vulnerable children and young people. The motivation for merging is to make sure this vital work doesn’t stop; and it is that motivation that will ensure it’s a success.”

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