Meet Andy
Founder and Managing Director of OSMIS, Andy has worked his way from learning mentor to senior management with an unwavering focus on bettering vulnerable, young people’s lives and futures. His personal circumstances saw him being brought up in care from the age of 7 facing him with numerous challenges throughout his school career. Despite these unfortunate circumstances, this insight certainly equipped him with the tools to work in the field and make the necessary improvements.
Their impact
“OSMIS has been a breath of fresh air with regards to Alternative Provision….On visiting students, I can honestly say I have never seen them as happy and can see why OSMIS have had the success they have”.
Who
Based in Sheffield, OSMIS (One Stop Mentoring & Inclusion Service) provides alternative provision services for young people at risk of falling out of full time education, working with a majority of young people with SEND and mental health issues. Operating across South Yorkshire, most referrals come from schools in areas of high deprivation. A minimum 12 week journey is usually planned for these young people, yet in reality referrals spend up to one academic year and in some cases more.
The Challenge
In order to grow the business and reach out to more beneficiaries OSMIS require an injection of capital to fund a change in their staffing model and fund salaries to ensure the people making these changes are being given the right resources and financial support.
The solution
Key Fund invested a £38.5k loan and £11.5k grant to ensure financial self-sustainability for OSMIS to continue the impact they are making on young people’s lives. This aid means that OSMIS can maintain their goals of brightening futures, developing resilience and improving home life through financial security.