Introducing The Tetra Project: Empowering Young People Through Enterprise - A Project for Care Experienced Young People, Built By Care Experienced People

Norfolk, Suffolk & Essex – The Tetra Project, a ground-breaking new charity, is on a mission to transform the lives of care-experienced young people by empowering them to build their own community-focused businesses. With a focus on creativity, passion, and real-world skills, The Tetra Project provides hands-on training, mentorship, and resources to help young people turn ideas into successful ventures while gaining valuable experience and qualifications.

The Tetra Project was founded by individuals with lived experience of the very challenges faced by the young people it supports. Drawing from both educational and emotional disadvantages, the initiative was born out of first-hand understanding of the barriers that care leavers encounter. Having personally navigated these obstacles, Ellie Deacon was determined to create a programme that offers not just support, but real opportunities for lasting success.

This project is not just about support from professionals—it is shaped by the voices of young people who are currently facing these challenges. Their insights, experiences, and aspirations have directly influenced the structure and focus of The Tetra Project, ensuring that it truly meets their needs and provides relevant, meaningful opportunities.

A young person who helped shape the project shared their thoughts:

"The Tetra Project isn’t just another support service that files you away and forgets you. It’s about transforming lives, giving us the strength, skills, and opportunities to build a future we can be proud of. It’s a real, fighting chance at adulthood—not just survival, but success."

At its core, The Tetra Project is designed to break the cycle of disadvantage faced by care leavers, who often encounter barriers to education, employment, and independent living. By combining business development, education, and practical skill-building, the charity equips young people with the confidence, networks, and experience needed for long-term success. In addition to business development, The Tetra Project supports care leavers in building transitional independence skills, helping them navigate life beyond care with practical tools for financial stability, employment, and housing.

Recognizing the importance of emotional well-being, the project also provides trusted befrienders, offering ongoing support and mentorship to help young people build resilience, confidence, and meaningful relationships.

“The statistics for care-experienced young people are alarming – from high NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) rates to increased risks of homelessness, mental health struggles, and involvement with the Justice System,” said Ellie, Trustee at The Tetra Project. “We believe that by fostering entrepreneurship, financial independence, and a sense of purpose, we can create real, lasting change.”

The Tetra Project is actively seeking supporters, donors, and corporate partners to help expand its reach. Every donation directly funds programmes that provide training, workspace, and mentoring for young entrepreneurs.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.tetraproject.org.uk.