On Wednesday the 23rd of November local people from the Brent Community came together for an evening of celebration, to mark the end of the Reaching and Building Communities Projects, which were funded by Brent Council’s Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL).
The event, which was sponsored by Eversleigh LLP, and attended by Mayor of Brent Cllr Abdi Aden, was an opportunity for the JRF Team to recognise the achievements of participants of the two Projects, as well as JRF Youth Volunteers and Staff.
Reaching Communities – a 1-year inter-generational pilot project that supports the whole community through youth engagement, community cohesion, and health and wellbeing was launched in October 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite social distancing restrictions and lockdowns, the JRF were successful in delivering all the planned events and activities, whether in person or online.
In April 2021 JRF launched the Building Communities project – a community engagement and activity programme that addresses inequality and social exclusion, saw teams of staff, volunteers, sports coaches, and mentors, engage with marginalised and isolated individuals and groups across the borough through outreach initiatives. People of all ages were encouraged to participate in community sports, activities, and events delivered by JRF at Bridgestone Arena and were signposted to other voluntary and support services in Brent.
The End of Programme celebration of “Culture, Empathy, and shared Prosperity” saw children, young people, and adults receiving certificates and trophies in recognition and celebration of their participation, achievement, and leadership. Our Youth Volunteers who supported the successful delivery of both programmes were rewarded for their dedication and time, with certificates and vouchers.
Martene Carroll, Business Development Manager of the Foundation said; “The Awards Ceremony epitomised the purpose and spirit of both the Reaching Communities and Building Communities projects, which brought our wonderfully diverse community together. It was a joy to see key participants, volunteers, and staff being recognised in this way. The evening really was a celebration of their individual and combined accomplishments.”
Photo © Amanda Rose
