Celebrating Black History
Our Trustee Gary Jones is honoured to have been invited to a special reception hosted by Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons. The event is in recognition of Black History month. Members of both Houses, House staff and external guests have been invited. There will also be a temporary artwork installed as part of the event.
Gary is a great supporter of our charity, and at this event he will be particularly focusing on the need to spread awareness about Black Health and Wellbeing.
The Windrush Generation
Gary’s parents were the Windrush Generation and we were thrilled when his mother Clara agreed to be part of our 1950’s Heritage project where shared her story of travelling from the Island Dominica to London, and how she eventually settled in Bradford.
She shared some amazing stores the children of Crookhill Primary School. Please take the time to watch our film about this fabulous project, the children learnt so much!
Appreciating Black History
Understanding the past and putting it into a social and historical context is what we believe underpins and develops the self-confidence of the children and young people we work with. As part of this project, appreciating how tough the 1950s were for children, gave them a greater appreciation of what they have today. But also understanding how exciting the changes were, the trips to space, technology, children's television and how much the children used their imaginations when they all played together in the street. Hearing Clara's story of her trip as a 10-year-old, on the boat with her brother, plus how she had to leave her grandparents behind to meet up with her parents in England, left a lasting impression on the children.
Intergenerational
Putting history int o a real context, by getting intergenerational support and getting older people to tell their stories to the younger generation is also a fabulous way to get young people to understand the past and inspire their future. We love our heritage projects; they are truly inspiring.
An Honour
Clara will be bursting with pride that Gary has been invited to attend such a fabulous occasion. From our perspective, we are also looking forward to Gary getting this opportunity to share the work of our charity with the guests at Parliament and we look forward to hearing all about it!
Health and Wellbeing
The fact that the focus of the event it health and wellbeing is also evidence that the work we do as a charity is at the very heart of what is needed to support our young people to succeed in life. Gary acts as an excellent role model for young people as someone who has taken every opportunity offered to him and worked extremely hard to achieve success. Take a listen to his podcast to find out more about his career journey.
We can’t wait to hear all about the event and appreciate the opportunity that this gives him to share our work as a charity at parliamentary level.
Aspirations and Future Planning / January 15th, 2025
Supporting our Young People into University - Our Guide
One key talking point when visiting Newcastle University on our recent trips, was discussing the range of routes and support available to students from varying backgrounds, to ensure that they can still access the opportunities that more privileged students can access. This ranges from reduced grade offers, to financial support whilst at university, to a support network of similar students before they begin university; we have collated this helpful guide of some of these access schemes available in the North East.
Celebrating Stanley / December 16th, 2025
"Watching not Living" Poem - South Stanley Junior School
This poem was created by Mary and Amelia, Year 6 pupils at South Stanley Junior School as part of our 'Celebrating Stanley' project.
Wellbeing and the Arts / April 15th, 2024
Consett Heritage Project / April 15th, 2024
Know Your Neighbourhood Project / April 15th, 2024
Benfieldside Community Garden / April 15th, 2024
The Restoration of the Giant’s Foot
Easter was the perfect opportunity to encourage volunteers to come and help us at Benfieldside Community Garden. We were absolutely delighted to have over 45 volunteers of all ages, over the two days. Such events are a true testament to what can be achieved when we all work together. We had an egg hunt, used the Storytelling Corner, and most significantly, renovated the Giant’s Foot!