Our story

We’re ordinary individuals, just like you, who care about young people and believe in what they are capable of and the difference they can make.

For over twenty years we have encouraged those we support to build windmills not walls, embracing the winds of change to take control and be all they can be. 

Our story started in the University of Liverpool where we helped over 10,000 unemployed graduates find their first jobs. Our work extended to support over 5,000 individuals in the mid and later stages of their careers as they managed the ups and downs of work and life.

This led us to think more about the early stages of life, when we are asked what we want to be when we grow up. We believe if we can understand ourselves more at this age, can celebrate our strengths, and know what matters to us then we can avoid being square pegs in round holes, take control and shape our own futures. 

During this time we’ve had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of over 200 creative, inspiring and supportive partners who range from Harvard University, the European Commission and Department for Education to the Institute of Student Employers, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Merseyside Youth Association.

When the wind blows, some people build walls others build windmills.

THE WINDMILLS FOUNDATION