The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Annette Mackenzie, recently attended events across the borough to announce the three Mayoral charities she will be supporting during her term as Mayor.
The three charities that the Mayor has chosen to support are the Cameron Grant Memorial Trust, Newlands Bishop Farm, and Our Voice, Our Services (OVOS).
During her first weeks in office, she attended events at the The Hampton Health & Fitness Club in Hampton in Arden, Newlands Bishop Farm in Bickenhill, and welcomed OVOS to her parlour at the Civic Suite in St Alphege to announce her support and meet staff, volunteers, and residents.
The Mayor of Solihull said:
“I have chosen Cameron Grant Memorial Trust, Newlands Bishop Farm, and OVOS as my Mayoral charities because all three of these brilliant organisations are very close to my heart.”
Cameron Grant Memorial Trust
The Cameron Grant Memorial Trust support suicide prevention by raising mental health awareness and encouraging all who are suffering in silence to speak up and ask for help. Founded in memory of Cameron Grant who took his own life in November 2014 at the age of 21, they support people who are fighting to overcome poor mental health and provide opportunities for young people to better their well-being, whether through outdoor activities or by assisting in the provision of education to increase knowledge of the issues around mental health.
“Supporting the Cameron Grant Memorial Trust matters to me greatly. I have seen first-hand the devastating effect of young suicide when my son’s friend took his own life. As is the case with many young men, he suffered in silence and seemed outwardly happy and full of life. The experience is just one of thousands of young men every year, highlighting the critical need for charities such as the Cameron Grant Memorial Trust, who provide the necessary support that not only encourages people with mental distress to speak up, but ultimately saves lives from suicide.”
“I want to support the Cameron Grant Memorial Trust to help ensure that those experiencing mental health problems can receive the expert support that they need. It is crucial that we remove the stigma around mental health, and I am determined to make a difference. I hope that by supporting them as a Mayoral charity and raising awareness of their fantastic work will allow young people to feel that they can speak up and get the support that they urgently need.”
Newlands Bishop Farm
Part of the charity Family Care Trust, Newlands Bishop Farm provides people with learning disabilities and mental health conditions with the opportunity to learn work-based skills. This is provided through unique work experiences in horticulture, woodwork, gardening, horse care, catering, retail, and animal husbandry.
“I have also chosen Newlands Bishop Farm as a Mayoral charity because they are dedicated to providing a range of different and exciting experiences that can push young people with learning difficulties to try new things and equip them with skills which help them to secure future employment.”
“Having been a childminder for almost thirty years and having served on the Children’s Services, Education and Skills Scrutiny Board, I have always been passionate about making sure our children have the best care and support. The fantastic service that Newlands Bishop Farm offer not only provides individuals with unique experiences, but crucially gives them the confidence to try new things and believe in themselves. I am proud to champion the work they do by endorsing them as one of my Mayoral charities.”
OVOS
OVOS (Our Voice, Our Services) supports children looked after in Solihull and Care Experienced young people to ensure that they have their voices heard.
OVOS members are vital in making sure that children are supported in a safe and comfortable environment where they can enjoy regular fun events and activities, get to make new friends, and learn new skills.
“Finally, I have chosen OVOS because my journey working with children in care began long before I became Mayor. Having previously run a parent and carer session, I know how important it is to create the right environment for young children in care to thrive. OVOS ensure that our children in care across the borough can have fun in a safe and supportive setting, where they are heard and respected. I am delighted to endorse them as one of my Mayoral charities.”
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