Shropshire Youth Association welcomes businesses and volunteers to thank them for 'vital' support
A charity has met with supporters and volunteers to outline its vision and its need for continued support to operate youth services in Shropshire.
The Shropshire Youth Association (SYA), which operates 32 youth clubs in Shropshire including bespoke clubs for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), invited its sponsors to a breakfast event at its Shrewsbury headquarters last month to thank them for their continued support, and announce the launch of a new range of sponsorship packages to make it easier for businesses to get involved.
The charity's valuable work across the region relies on generous donations, sponsorships, grants from trusts and foundations, and volunteering combined with the work of skilled, experienced youth workers.
SYA operates youth clubs across the county and also works with young people on the UK Youth Parliament, Youth Forums, Health Champion Projects, and a new group for young parents.
The charity provides training and expertise to the voluntary youth sector across Shropshire, and said the support of corporate sponsors is "vital" in enabling the charity to continue its important work.
Companies who returned to show their continued support of SYA included Morris and Company, Barclays Bank, DecoStitch, Fiveways Insurance, The West Brom, Penguin MEP, Start Tech, Aico, J&PR, Buy-From and R1 Construction.
Mike Lewis from Decostitch attended and provided sponsorship through in-kind donations of uniform, and pledged his own time to support a youth club.
He said: "We think SYA is a fantastic charity and were only too happy to help by donating branded uniforms for staff and youth workers.
"I also like the idea of providing practical support so I am looking forward to running some gardening activities at a youth club in the near future, which will combine a keen interest of mine with hopefully inspiring some gardeners of the future."
Meanwhile, office manager and project compliance officer for Morris Property Trish Dovaston was among guests at the supporters’ breakfast.
She said: "It was fantastic to connect with fellow supporters of this incredible charity that empowers young people across Shropshire.
"We’re pleased to support organisations like SYA that make a real difference in our community."
SYA's fundraising and engagement manager Claire Purcell was delighted with a "fantastic turnout" from supporters at the event.
Claire Purcell, fundraising and engagement manager, said there was a "fantastic turnout" of supporters at the event and was grateful for their support.
She added: "We were delighted to see so many businesses at this special event at SYA headquarters because we were keen to thank organisations for their support.
"As well as representatives from existing sponsors, the SYA trustees were on hand to thank local Rotary groups, Belle Vue Knit and Natter, Inner Wheel representatives, the deputy Mayor of Shrewsbury, and local councillor, Pam Moseley.
"It was also lovely to welcome Reg Wilford, who is an important part of SYA’s history, having helped form Shropshire Youth Association nearly 40 years ago.
"Members of the SYA board explained to those attending just how important the support of the business community is to genuinely change the lives of young people - whether by providing funding for equipment or expertise at a youth club - every type of support is really appreciated."
