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Author: Alex Withers

  • Channel Swim 2024 Progress for Team Swim Shady

    Channel Swim 2024 Progress for Team Swim Shady

    We are thrilled to share the fantastic news that our incredible 1st team of swimmers completed their swim overnight in an astonishing 11 hours and 10 minutes!

    Team Swim Shady, comprising of Ben, Hayden, Niamh, and Bridie, set off at 10:30 PM on Saturday 20th July 2024 and arrived in France on Sunday (21st July) morning. Their dedication, endurance, and teamwork have culminated in a truly remarkable achievement. We couldn’t be prouder of them!

    This impressive feat isn’t just about the swim. Both teams have already helped raise nearly £7,000 to support the work we do at Young Minds Matter. Their commitment to this cause is inspiring, and their efforts are making a real difference in the lives of many.

    But the journey doesn’t stop here. Our second team of swimmers, Jellyfish Jamboree, are geared up to take on the challenge week commencing 22nd July 2024. We’re excited to support them and witness another incredible effort all in aid of YMM.

    We invite you to join us in supporting these amazing youngsters. Every donation counts and goes a long way in providing vital mental health services. Please visit the link to donate: https://www.justgiving.com/page/young-minds-matter-channelswim2024.

    Once again, a massive congratulations to Team Swim Shady and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported and donated so far. Let’s keep the momentum going!

  • Inspiring the Next Generation: Our Workshop at Notting Hill & Ealing High School GDST

    Inspiring the Next Generation: Our Workshop at Notting Hill & Ealing High School GDST

    Last week, two of our team members, George and Eliza, spent a morning at Notting Hill & Ealing High School GDST, where Eliza works. They held a workshop specifically tailored for a vibrant group of Year 7 students, aiming to inspire and educate them all about the world of charity and YMM.

    The session kicked off with an engaging presentation where George and Eliza shared the story behind YMM, detailing how it came to be and the significant impact it has had on young people. They also highlighted the different ways young people can get involved in charity work, emphasising the power and potential of youth-driven initiatives.

    Following the presentation, the workshop transitioned into a series of interactive activities. The first task involved students brainstorming the qualities that make an effective mentor. This exercise got the students thinking critically about leadership and support.

    Next, the students took on the role of ambassadors for YMM. They penned heartfelt letters to businesses, sharing information about YMM and advocating for support. This activity was designed to develop their communication skills and encourage them to think about how they can engage with their community to foster positive change.

    The final task was a creative one: the students came up with their own motivational quotes. These quotes, bursting with optimism and creativity, will soon be featured on our social media channels. Keep an eye out for these inspiring words.

    The entire morning was a testament to the enthusiasm and potential of these young students. Their energy, ideas, and willingness to participate were truly inspiring. We are incredibly grateful to the students for their enthusiasm.

  • Caludon Castle ‘Make a Difference day’

    Caludon Castle ‘Make a Difference day’

    YMM Founder Sue Roberts and mentor Sarah Pashley took part in the Make a Difference Day at Caludon Castle High School, joined by Aston Martin designers Mark Walton and Andre Bianchi-Wilson.

    Sue and Sarah gave a talk to students to raise awareness about mental health issues and share information about YMM. Meanwhile, the Aston Martin designers worked with students on car design projects. The students’ drawings were fantastic, earning them Aston Martin t-shirts or caps as prizes.

  • Join us as a YMM Volunteer Primary School Mentor

    Join us as a YMM Volunteer Primary School Mentor

    An exciting opportunity to join the YMM team and help change the lives of young people….

    Are you a former or part-time teacher, or someone with experience working with children in primary schools?

    Young Minds Matter is looking for compassionate individuals to join our team as Volunteer Primary School Mentors.

    As a Volunteer Primary School Mentor, you’ll play a crucial role in supporting and guiding young people towards improved mental health and overall well-being. Join our team and help us cultivate a nurturing community focused on support and personal growth for young individuals!

    We will provide you with all the necessary training to work with primary or secondary students, helping them to change their lives for the better.

    To find out more, head over to a Volunteer Primary School Mentors page.

  • Thank you to The Albert Hunt Trust for donating £2,000 to YMM

    Thank you to The Albert Hunt Trust for donating £2,000 to YMM

    We have been overwhelmed with so many generous donations recently, and would like to include The Albert Hunt Trust with their very kind £2,000 donation!

    YMM relies solely on donations and grants like these, so we are very grateful for the support.

    This will help us to support young people across Warwickshire and Coventry with our vital free mentoring service.

  • Thank you to Central Coop for donating £500 to YMM

    Thank you to Central Coop for donating £500 to YMM

    Thank you so much to the Central Co-op for their kind donation of £500! Every donation makes a difference to YMM and we really value the support of our local branches.

  • YMM fundraiser, Brian, makes it through to the finals for the BBC CWR Make a Difference Awards

    YMM fundraiser, Brian, makes it through to the finals for the BBC CWR Make a Difference Awards

    We are absolutely delighted for our incredible fundraiser, Brian, who has made it through to the finals for the BBC CWR Make a Difference Awards in the Fundraiser category! Through his participation in two London Landmarks Half Marathons and our first Channel Swim, he has helped to raise around £38,000 for Young Minds Matter!

    His next challenge is captaining one of this year’s Channel Swim teams, and we can’t wait to see how he does!

    Well deserved, Brian, and good luck for the awards ceremony in September!

  • Well done to and thank you to Procure4 on raising £2250 for YMM

    Well done to and thank you to Procure4 on raising £2250 for YMM

    We are absolutely overwhelmed by the amazing support from the team at Procure4, for whom we are their Charity of the Year!

    The team hiked 21 miles and ascended 5000ft, taking on the Blorenge, Sugarloaf and Skirrid mountains in Monmouthshire, all in under 10 hours!

    They raised an incredible £2250 for us, which will go directly towards our mentoring service, supporting young people in local Warwickshire and Coventry schools.

    Thank you Procure4!

  • YMM receives £20,000 donation from the Persimmon Charitable Foundation

    YMM receives £20,000 donation from the Persimmon Charitable Foundation

    Young Minds Matter, a mental health charity supporting young people across Warwickshire, has received a £20,000 donation from the Persimmon Charitable Foundation.

    Founded in 2019, Young Minds Matter now has mentors in nine primary and secondary schools across Warwickshire, offering free 1:1 mentoring for any young person in a confidential and safe space.

    The charity works alongside local mental health professionals to ensure young people receive the best possible support.

    Young Minds Matter also organise a variety of fundraising events, including a channel swim to raise awareness and crucial funds to support the improvement of young people’s lives.

    Sue Roberts, Founder and Trustee of Young Minds Matter, commented: “We are delighted to have been offered this donation from the Persimmon Charitable Foundation. The funds will enable a small growing charity like ours to expand our support for young people’s mental health and well-being.

    “We offer 1:1 mentoring for young people, helping to build resilience, self-esteem, confidence, and focus, with the aim of preventing some of the more serious issues arising when the young person is by then at crisis point, with lengthy referral waiting lists.  

    “The Persimmon Foundation will be making a positive difference to young people’s lives as a result of this generous donation.”

    Anthony Vigor, Chair of the Trustees for the Persimmon Charitable Foundation, added: “All at the Persimmon Charitable Foundation are pleased to be supporting Young Minds Matter in promoting positive mental health and confidence within young people across Warwickshire.”

    “Their 1:1 mentoring scheme helps young people feel comfortable and confident to stay on track in school and develop their skills, therefore creating new opportunities in the future.”

    “It is crucial that we do all we can to support the positive development of the next generation and I hope this donation does just that.”

  • Meet our Channel Swim Team

    Meet our Channel Swim Team

    EXCITING NEWS! We are delighted to introduce to you the YMM Swim Team for 2024.

    After a successful swim in 2022, where four teenagers swum the Channel and raised over £15,000 for us, we are delighted that two of our original swimmers, Hayden and Brian, are returning to captain TWO teams of young people!

    This July, they will both be swimming the Channel in relay, whilst aiming to raise over £20,000 for YMM. This truly is young people supporting other young people, as all money raised will go to fund our mentoring program.

    Please donate by heading to this link now.

    We are so thankful to Stratford Orthodontics, our first sponsor, for their support so far, and are eagerly looking for other businesses or individuals who would like to sponsor one of our teams. Please get in touch if this might be you!

    We look forward to sharing more updates as the team train and prepare for their epic swim!