Surrey Youth Focus – The End of an Era.

Suzanne and I were delighted to drop in to say thank you to Cate Newnes-Smith and her wonderful team at Surrey Youth Focus, who are sadly closing their doors at the end of this week. Over the years, they have been worked charities, community groups, health, education, police and social care and more, from across Surrey and beyond. They have supported and delivered a wide range of initiatives that inspired new thinking and amplified lived experience, including The Big Chat, Hidden Talent, Time for Kids, Unheard Voices, CommuniLAB, Care Leavers, Inclusive Communities, the Surrey Wellbeing Partnership, VCSE Alliance, Peer Research with the University of Surrey, Communities of Practice, Coffee & Chats, Skill Sharing, Speed Dating events, and many more. Each reflects the power of connection, collaborative learning and collective action.

I am personally also very grateful for all the input and support Cate has provided for my Shrieval theme of helping to stop young people from becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) and I hope we see Cate and the other members of her team resurface soon in pastures new.