Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

 

I am taking on a challenge that will certainly test me more than most I have done before and one I know I will have to prepare thoroughly for. On Monday night, 24th October I will be performing my own original 10+ minute comedy stand up routine at the The Vic, Swindon to an audience of comedy enthusiasts and regulars.

 

Having a bad memory and not being one for crowds this will take me out of my comfort zone in many ways. As well as donations your support is very welcome on the night too.

 

I am taking on the challenge to support a charity that means a lot to me and to give support to all the staff and mentors at the project that do an amazing job to make a difference to the lives of young people in Swindon.

 

About the charity :  Swindon Mentoring And Self Help
The SMASH Youth Project is an independent charitable organisation, which supports vulnerable young people, aged 13-18 in the Swindon Area. By training and supporting volunteers SMASH provides a high quality intensive long-term mentoring programme that aims to increase young people’s potential for achievement in the future.

 

I was fortunate to have people (mentors) in my life that made a difference. Some young people are not so lucky and through no fault of their own do not have the same opportunity to fulfil their potential. Sometimes we just need a little support, guidance and knowing someone is there for you.

 

Having had a personal involvement with the project as one of its mentors I have seen the real difference SMASH makes to vulnerable young peoples’ lives and the wider community. This is achieved primarily by one to one mentoring of the young people concerned.

 

“Vulnerable” young people are those “who face a number of barriers and obstacles preventing them from achieving their full social, emotional, health and educational potential without additional help”.  They are referred from various agencies (e.g. schools, social services) to SMASH. For example, they may be in situations of domestic violence, have low self esteem, have a lack of adult support or be estranged from their families and in the care of the local authority.

 

Young people appreciate that the mentor is unpaid and is meeting with them because they are genuinely interested in helping them to achieve their own goals. Mentors can be effective because they are separate from the family, not part of “the system” and not in a position of authority.

 

Examples of how young people on the scheme have benefited include: improved school attendance, gaining places in employment, improved social and independent living skills, increase in self confidence and self esteem and overcoming learning difficulties.

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

 

So please dig deep and donate now.