Over £54,000 has been raised for care experienced youngsters in Cumberland at a charity ball.
Business leaders and MPs were among the guests at the first Stars of Tomorrow ball at Energus, Lillyhall, on Friday to help launch the Enrichment Fund.
Hosted by Cumberland Council, Cumbria Youth Alliance and Inspira, the black tie event included a keynote speech by Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven & Workington.
The newly created Enrichment Fund will be used to provide cared for and care experienced young people with opportunities they may otherwise not have without the support of a family network.
By supporting travel, education and training, as well as access to arts and culture, the fund will broaden horizons, build aspiration, and equip these young people with the tools they need to build successful futures.
Represented at the event were organisations from a range of sectors, including nuclear, engineering and business services.
As well as raising funds, attendees were invited to make pledges – to provide practical and meaningful support to make a difference. Over 50 pledges were received, including multiple offers of apprenticeships and paid work experience, mentoring, career guidance and CV support.
There was also a pledge to provide DIY training – recognising the need to build independence and confidence in everyday skills in those leaving the care system who may not have a family member to rely on.
A key feature of the Enrichment Fund will be its flexibility to meet the needs of each individual who applies. A panel made up of young people with care experience will determine how the fund is spent.
Young people involved in the planning of the event attended on the evening and gave their thanks to those who have contributed so far.
Emma Williamson, deputy leader of Cumberland Council, said: “Put simply, the Enrichment Fund is the Bank of Mum and Dad for Cumberland’s cared for community.
“Most of us will probably take for granted the opportunities we had thanks to our parents – after school clubs, driving lessons and trips out. It’s also about the skills our parents pass onto us as we move into adulthood – DIY skills, writing job applications and more. Our cared for young people have so much potential and should not miss out.
“The Enrichment Fund will play an essential role in building the foundations of our cared for young people’s lives. As a community, we should pull together to support them. I’m so grateful to everyone who has contributed and offered their pledges of support. I was particularly moved by one pledge to go back to being a foster carer. This is all going to make a lasting impact to so many young lives.”
The Enrichment Fund is managed by Cumbria Youth Alliance and remains open for donations.
Any individual or business wishing to make a donation can do so through www.cya.org.uk/stars-of-tomorrow-ball or get in touch to offer a pledge.
