A fun afternoon here at Hampton with eight young people from Change of Scene. We gave them a tour of the cows, and held a scavenger hunt. The clouds opened, the rain fell and we then explored the lake, watching the fish rise and eating cake. What fantastic young people, so interested and polite. A great accolade for the wonderful work of Change of Scene.
It was a pleasure to meet with Jenny Seagrove and Abbey to see the brilliant work of Mane Chance Sanctuary. The love and care of the horses and shetlands makes this a perfect place for young people to reconnect with animals and feel enriched.
The amazing work of SATRO continues with 600 active volunteers inspiring 9000 children a year in Surrey schools to focus on STEM subjects and continuing to support school children into possible STEM related careers.
They have an impressive range of activities and resources, from their mobile construction classroom to STEM workshops in schools, and it was brilliant to gain a better insight into everything they do for young people in Surrey.
I had the privilege of visiting one of Transform’s properties in the east of the county. The work of Transform in providing accommodation for vulnerable people is so critical. It was incredibly uplifting to meet two residents in an abstinence property whose lives have been turned around by the support and mentoring Transform has given them. Both the residents are now in employment and are also volunteering with those who suffer from the problems they have overcome. Thank you to all at Transform, it was a privilege to meet with the Chairman Mark Austin and the CEO Lawrence Santcross and their wonderful support staff.
Exciting outreach work in horticulture is continuing and growing at RHS Wisley. I had an exciting time exploring ideas surrounding nurture through Surrey’s nature, particularly focusing on Woking and Guildford. It was a pleasure to meet Claire Custance and talk all things horticulture in the community.
A wonderful evening at a Summer Reception and Beating Retreat by the band of the parachute regiment at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy. Supporting ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
Promoting social farming in the South East of England and offering Nurture through Surrey’s Nature.
Stephen and Mary http://www.farmbuddies.org.uk/ facilitate the budding up of young people with family farms for a minimum of 12 days a year.
The results can be transformational, another inspiring social enterprise, how long before Clinical Commissioning Groups will be prescribing this?
Fun In The School Holidays is happening again this year for the 19th consecutive year. Held at Kings College school Guildford it is providing 160 young people the opportunity for three fun filled weeks of summer holiday, with fab fun things to do and plenty of outings.
The High Sheriff Youth Awards have provided funding to enable special one on one support for some of the young people, and it was a real treat to be shown round by Amanda who has masterminded FISH for many years.
We had lots of whoops and cheering, as dressed in uniform in the heat of the august sun I presented The High Sheriff Youth Award in gratitude for the way that FISH contributes to making the community safer and stronger.
It was inspirational to see the care,skill and above all enthusiasm by the staff and volunteers, many who are teachers,some who work for Guildford BC and some who in previous years had themselves enjoyed the fun.Thank you
In the wonderful setting of Loseley, the Mayors and Chairs of Surrey’s eleven Boroughs were welcomed to an gathering in the late afternoon sunshine by The Lord Lieutenant of Surrey and Mrs Michael More- Molyneux. Giving a special opportunity to connect and convene which I found very beneficial for considerations on our special County.
“As the current High Sheriff of Surrey and a Trustee for the Community Foundation, I have been able to witness first-hand the inspirational response our local voluntary groups make to improve people’s lives, and how philanthropy plays a vital role in bridging many of the gaps in our society. This £10 million figure shows the growing community of philanthropic individuals wanting to make a real and lasting difference across Surrey.”