Doing good together with Fundraising partner, Young People First
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Published 19 Sep 2024 in Colleagues
Today, we hear from Procurement Manager & Regional Community Ambassador, Shani Knight Cross. Shani shares how we are doing good together to make a difference to so many young people living in Warwickshire and Coventry with Young People First.
Tell us a bit about Young People First…
Leamington and Warwick Regional Community first partnered with Young People First in July 2023.
They are a charity that provides support to some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people living in Warwickshire and Coventry. We are proud to be working with them as an incredible fundraising partner, doing good together. They help young people build confidence and essential life skills so they can become the best version of themselves.
Jo Squires from Young People First (second left) with Regional Community Ambassadors, Jacob Isherwood (left) & Shani Knight-Cross(second right) along with Tarra Simmons, Head of Community and Democratic Engagement (right)
A special (first) Awards Night for Young People First
Heather Weaver and I, as Regional Community Ambassadors, had the pleasure of attending Young People First’s, first-ever Awards Night at Air Hop in Leamington on Sunday 1st September. The night included an hour of fun on the trampolines, followed by hot dogs and an awards ceremony.
Our Regional Community sponsored the award for 'the most consistent Youthy attender' which funded trophies and shopping vouchers for the winner and runner-up. It was a fitting category for us as our colleagues have volunteered at every school holiday Youth Club for over a year!
It was so wonderful (and quite emotional at times!) to see the children’s reactions. Many young people they support don't usually have the opportunity to receive awards or even be nominated, this is a fantastic way to help boost their confidence and Young People First hopes to make this an annual celebration.
Heather Weaver (RC Ambassador) with Lily, winner of the award Midcounties sponsored
Doing Good Together With Young People First
- We provide support to Young People First in many ways, and some of the ones we’re most proud of are...Their team are now located at Co-op House, Warwick through a shared office provision, saving the charity ~£30,000 in fees every year.
- We have raised a total of £11,426 since the partnership began, this has funded many events and activities, including trips to the beach (the first time many children have ever seen the sea), and recently has covered the cost of 2 experienced staff to run a new youth club in Sydenham for a whole academic year. This will have a significant impact by providing positive diversionary activities, a hot meal, a safe space to be off the streets, and safe trusted adults for young people to talk to.
- We have donated hundreds of items to families in need for their Baby and Toddler, and Christmas events.
- Our colleagues have given over 100 hours of their time to volunteer at Young People First events.
If you’d like to find out more about how you can support Young People First, or get involved in Leamington and Warwick Regional Community, please reach out to us.
Shani Knight-Cross and Heather Weaver