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How to Make an Effective Referral for a Young Person

W
Winners of Tomorrow Team
· 02 May 2026
How to Make an Effective Referral for a Young Person

A clear, well-structured referral makes all the difference. Here is what our team needs to assess and place a young person quickly.

Making a referral for a young person can feel overwhelming, especially when time is short and the stakes are high. At Winners of Tomorrow, we have designed our referral process to be as clear and supportive as possible — both for the professional making the referral and for the young person at the centre of it.

What makes a strong referral?

The most effective referrals include a clear description of the young person's current situation, the specific risks they are facing, and the type of support they need. The more context you can provide, the faster our team can assess and respond.

Key information to include:
• Full name and date of birth of the young person
• Current living situation and any immediate risks
• Previous placements or support history
• Any known health, mental health or safeguarding concerns
• The support the young person is willing to engage with

Our team reviews all referrals within 48 hours and will contact you directly to discuss next steps. For urgent referrals, please call us directly on 07570 605247.

We are here to work in partnership with you — not just to receive a referral, but to keep you informed and involved throughout the placement.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you know a young person who could benefit from our support, make a referral today.