Have a question or need support? Give us a call or send us an email - our team is ready to help and will get back to you as soon as possible within normal office hours.
Have a question or need support? Give us a call or send us an email - our team is ready to help and will get back to you as soon as possible within normal office hours.
Our History
Explore the journey of Krunch UK, from our founding in 1999 to where we are today.
Krunch UK has decades of experience of delivering services to meet the needs of children and young people.
The timeline below gives a brief history of the inception and journey of Krunch UK – we continue to grow and develop always with children and young people at the heart of everything we do.
Krunch UK began in September 1993 when youth worker Jon Grant, alongside volunteer colleagues such as Penny Baker, started evening youth clubs in the Brandhall area of Oldbury, West Midlands. The clubs were established to address the lack of positive activities available to local young people.
In 1999, Krunch became a registered charity and soon afterwards secured funding to provide targeted support for young people facing social, emotional, and educational challenges. In response to this growing need, Penny Baker developed the Krunch-Out programme, which marked the beginning of Krunch's targeted approach for disengaged and vulnerable young people.
From originally operating in one room, Krunch expanded into its own premises in Oldbury and built a professional team. Over time the charity developed its work into one-to-one mentoring, small group support and alternative education that helps young people aged 9 to 19 improve emotional wellbeing, confidence and engagement with education and training.
In June 2013, Krunch expanded by opening a branch in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, and Krunch South West was established to provide vital services for local young people at a time when council-run provision was being reduced. Krunch South West offered a variety of youth clubs, one-to-one mentoring and creative activities and provided a safe, welcoming space where they could learn, socialise and build confidence.
In June 2013, Krunch expanded by opening a branch in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, and Krunch South West was established to provide vital services for local young people at a time when council-run provision was being reduced. Krunch South West offered a variety of youth clubs, one-to-one mentoring and creative activities and provided a safe, welcoming space where they could learn, socialise and build confidence.
After long-serving CEO Jon Grant stepped down in 2024, Krunch UK was reorganised as two distinct but connected centres, Krunch South West and Krunch West Midlands, each with its own Centre Director, yet remaining one organisation united by the same mission to engage, equip and empower young people.
In June 2013, Krunch expanded by opening a branch in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, and Krunch South West was established to provide vital services for local young people at a time when council-run provision was being reduced. Krunch South West offered a variety of youth clubs, one-to-one mentoring and creative activities and provided a safe, welcoming space where they could learn, socialise and build confidence.
Now with more than 30 years of experience, Krunch UK focuses on engaging, equipping and empowering children and young people via trauma-informed mentoring, personal development programmes, wellbeing support and inclusive youth activities across the West Midlands and South West of England.
Help us Krunch all the good numbers
We’re proud to have supported over 900 children and young people this year.
We have offered 4550 sessions, ranging from one-to-one mentoring to youth clubs and school holiday activities.
Our staff team now numbers 27 – a fantastic group of passionate individuals united by a shared commitment to the wellbeing of young people.
Our Headline Impact
August 24 - July 25
We’re proud to have supported over 900 children and young people this year.
We have offered 4550 sessions, ranging from one-to-one mentoring to youth clubs and school holiday activities.
"Krunch offer insightful and supportive work with young people."
Krunch consistently demonstrates a high level of professionalism. Their approach is structured, with robust outcome measures in place, ensuring accountability and impact. What truly sets them apart is the dedication and skill of their mentors, who bring genuine passion and expertise to their work with young people. They build meaningful relationships, offer consistent support, and help children navigate complex challenges with empathy and care. Krunch is a valued partner in our efforts to provide early, effective interventions that make a lasting difference.
I have worked with Krunch for many years in my role in the police. Their consistency has always been to a very high standard, even though we all have faced financial challenges and cut backs.
They have always had the ‘let’s see how we can help’ attitude which has always put their organisation at the forefront of any issues, concerns or projects we have in mind.
Krunch has a wealth of knowledge, which is backed by a good reputation and years of experience delivering services in Sandwell. Krunch’s longevity in the sector is a testimony to their reliability and understanding of local needs and challenges. A strength is in consistent and professional staff who have strong values ensure that every child and young person receives meaningful, compassionate, and effective support.
Mentoring has helped me greatly, I now feel more confident and brave and feel better about myself. I now understand how to control my emotions and anxiety.
Krunch mentors go above and beyond their mentoring role to support students at the college. Their support goes further than the mentoring sessions and mentors truly care for the young people they are working with.
Krunch staff can work with and engage lots of young people who have a variety of different needs and tailor their support to fit that young person. Krunch also provides feedback and works well in tandem with other organisations.
Krunch offer insightful and supportive work with young people. Krunch staff are often more successful in forging positive relationships with young people, building trust quickly and providing opportunities for the young person to open up.
I’ve had a lovely time with Krunch. I always looked forward to sessions, and they’ve overall had a very positive impact on my life.
I love Krunch because of how I can get stuff of my chest and having someone to talk to and who actually listens to me. I feel more welcome and feel my better about myself. It helps a lot.
I am very grateful for my mentor as they helped me realise a lot of things about myself and the people around me. I really valued their advice as I could tell they were a genuine person and would not judge me based on what I shared.
Krunch provide a vital service to our learners helping them to overcome emotional difficulties that affect their learning. Lynsey and Mark are very supportive of the college as a whole, listening to feedback and being flexible when needed. We have a long-established relationship with Krunch and look forward to continuing this partnership.