A CHARITY’S work with children in Reading has been recognised as it was shortlisted for a prestigious award.
Aspire2, which helps young people develop skills through non-formal enrichment activities, was named as a finalist in Red Kite Days Berkshire Awards.
It was selected in the community support category.
Charity development manager Helen Bligh said she found out about the nomination on Sunday night thanks to a congratulatory email from the awards’ organisers.
She explained: “It’s really exciting. In my memory, we’ve never been nominated for an award. We’re so tiny, people don’t think of us because we’re so little.
“To be considered is quite amazing. We’re such a small charity up against all the charities in Berkshire.
“I have no idea who nominated us, but a massive thanks to whoever it was.”
The charity works with young people in Whitley and its activities include holiday trips to history and outdoor education site Ufton Court, an early years music project, a Year 5 day at the University of Reading and a poetry competition.
Extra-curricular opportunities sit at the heart of Aspire2’s provision, providing alternative means of learning outside the classroom.
Ms Bligh said: “Children, especially in this area, don’t necessarily get the advantages that children in wealthier areas get, where their parents can afford to send them to music lessons, sports activities and take them on expensive days out.
“But not all children get that opportunity. It gives them those soft skills, the ones that employers want. Skills like confidence, teamwork, determination, commitment.
“[Our activities] give them all those things, as well as aspirations about where they can go and what the world has to offer.”
She added that since the pandemic, opportunities to broaden horizons have shrunk, with many children getting used to being at home and speaking to their friends online.
Over lockdown, Aspire2 collaborated with The Rock Academy to help all Year 6 cohorts in Whitley to record podcasts documenting the impact the pandemic had on their lives and their hopes for the future.
The podcasts, which Ms Bligh describes as ‘time capsules’, are available to listen to on Aspire2’s website.
Next year, Aspire2 hopes to launch the Whitley Carnival, which will give young people a fun and exciting chance to engage with their community.
Having received various grants in the past, the organisation currently relies on its own fundraising efforts to deliver its services.
To vote for Aspire2 in the Red Kite Days Berkshire Awards, visit: berkshire.redkitedays.co.uk
