Who We Work With

First Rung works with people whose access to learning, employment or community life may have been limited by systems, circumstances or exclusion. We begin with strengths, goals and the support that will make participation possible.

People and Communities

Our learners and participants include:

  • young people and adults seeking a new direction
  • disabled and neurodivergent people
  • people who are unemployed or distant from the labour market
  • refugees, migrants and people building a life in a new community
  • members of Traveller and Roma communities
  • older adults building confidence with technology and services
  • LGBTIQ+ people and others affected by discrimination
  • people affected by homelessness, imprisonment or family imprisonment

Families, referrers and support services

You may be a family member, youth worker, employment adviser, disability support professional, community worker or case manager. We will help you understand whether a programme fits, what participation involves and what support may be useful.

Education and training providers

We support providers to make learning clearer, participation easier and assessment fairer. This can include inclusive programme design, staff development, accessible resources, learner engagement and testing in real delivery settings.

Employers

We help employers welcome talent through clear task expectations, predictable communication, structured feedback and fair ways to recognise competence. We can support placements, supervisors and employment progression programmes.

Community and public organisations

FRLS brings delivery experience, trusted community relationships and practical programme design to local, regional and national initiatives. We work collaboratively and keep the intended outcome visible throughout.