The High Performance Foundation Convenes UK Taskforce on Mental Strength in Young People
In a landmark move to support young people to understand and build more positive and resilient mindsets, The High Performance Foundation is excited to announce that it has launched an independent Taskforce on Mental Strength in Young People, which is the first of its kind in the UK.
Convened by the High Performance Foundation and supported by the Goyal Foundation, this pioneering initiative brings together a coalition of influential leaders from education, youth development, business, academia, and
policy making to address one of the most urgent challenges facing young people today— the challenge of mental strength and resilience.
Children today are navigating a world more complex and demanding than ever before, yet too many lack access to the tools, support, and environments to develop the mindsets needed for long-term wellbeing and achievement.
Led by independent education consultancy, ImpactEd Group, the Taskforce will spearhead a national research study into mental strength in young people to gather benchmark data in over 10,000 students and develop an evidence-based framework to help them understand and build their mental strength - a term that encompasses resilience, confidence, and the capacity to thrive amidst adversity. It will also provide practical tools and insights for schools, youth organisations, and policymakers and provide unique data on the skills that young people are lacking.
Jake Humphrey, Chair of the Taskforce and Co-Founder of the High Performance Foundation commented: “The long-term impact of the pandemic, digital overload, social media pressures and mental health challenges are leaving young people, especially from under-resourced communities, facing a changing world without the social and emotional skills they need to thrive. This groundbreaking national research study will uncover the mental strength skills gaps that young people across England are facing today. We hope that the findings will drive real change, to empower schools and ensure increased focus on the importance of mental strength in young people.”
The Taskforce includes a distinguished lineup of leaders and thinkers across sectors, who will not only guide the research and outputs but also act as ambassadors for change in their respective spheres of influence.
Anita Goyal MBE, Founder Inner Spark and Chair of The Goyal Foundation said:
‘At The Goyal Foundation, we’ve long recognised that many young people do not fulfil their potential, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds. Emotional intelligence, resilience, and mindset are critical to their success. Through our Inner Spark programme, we’ve delivered personal development workshops across the UK that equip students with the tools to build confidence, manage emotions, and unlock their full potential.
Yet while the impact is evident, the evidence base is limited. That’s why we’re proud to support the High-Performance Foundation’s Taskforce on Mental Strength. This work addresses a
growing need: to better define, measure, and elevate the ‘inner strengths’ that help young people thrive in school, in work, and in life.
By contributing our experience from delivering frontline programmes and learning alongside other sector leaders, we hope to help shape a practical, inclusive framework that benefits young people nationwide - especially those facing the greatest barriers. This isn’t just about individual development. It’s about changing systems to ensure every young person has the mindset, support, and opportunity to succeed."‘
Members include:
Jake Humphrey - Chair of Trustees, and Co-Host of High Performance Podcast
Bear Grylls OBE, Co-Founder BecomingX
Anita Goyal - Founder, The Goyal Foundation
Professor Damian Hughes, High Performance Podcast Co-Host, and Visiting Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Change for Manchester Metropolitan University
Tom Campbell, CEO, E-ACT
Jonny Uttley, CEO, The Education Alliance (TEAL)
Lee Wilson, CEO, Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT)
Becks Boomer-Clark, CEO, Lift Schools
Sir Jon Coles, CEO, United Learning
Matt Jones OBE, Executive Principal, Ark Globe Academy
Don Barrell, CEO Greenhouse Sports and former Head of Performance Programmes and Pathways at England Rugby (RFU)
Nick Brook, CEO, Speakers for Schools
Kevin Ellis CBE, Former Chairman and Senior Partner, PwC UK & Middle East Alliance
General The Lord Richard Dannatt, GCB CBE MC DL, Independent Member, and Former Chief of the General Staff, House of Lords
Laura Cordingley, CEO, Chelsea FC Foundation
Sam Gaskin-Kemp, Head of Community & Education, Chelsea FC Foundation
Paul Gurney, Co-Founder & CEO, BecomingX
Professor John Jerrim, Professor of Education and Social Statistics, University College London Institute of Education and Research Director, ImpactEd Group
Roxy Potts - Head of Programmes, Inner Spark
Chloe Dannatt, CEO and Co-Founder, High Performance Foundation
Taskforce Contributors:
Nick Perchard, Director of Community, Premier League
Allison Oliver, CEO, Youth Sports Trust
Chloe Dannatt, CEO and Co-Founder of the High Performance Foundation commented: “This expert Taskforce has been brought together by the High Performance Foundation in order to better understand the challenges faced by our young people today. With a growing crisis around students lacking the resilience and confidence to succeed, combined with increased school absences, and greater financial insecurity, the need for action has never been greater.”
Particular attention will be given to supporting young people from under-resourced communities, where the need for systemic change is often most urgent.
About the High Performance Foundation
The High Performance Foundation is committed to empowering people and organisations to achieve more than they thought possible. Through research, tools, and collaboration, the Foundation works to unlock potential in young people by supporting their personal development and long-term success.
For media enquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact:
beth@highperformancefoundation.org