Tell us about your organisation, how you started and what you do?
Engage Trust UK was built on 25 years of experience working in multiple youth settings across the UK. In response to the financial crisis which closed down so many youth provisions in Councils across the Black Country, Matthew Foster, Director, was moved to start Engage Trust UK to ensure that those who were engaging in those services would still have some support.
We engage with young people, their families and the wider communities to encourage, equip and empower individuals through ongoing positive relationships, time and resources.
Our bespoke ‘Worth It’ Programme helps schools and organisations meet the growing challenges around self-worth, self-esteem and mental healthcare.
We want to build up young people, building in emotional/mental resilience and character. In building their confidence, we hope to enable young people to grow through their challenges. We also want to connect with, invest in and champion the parents and leaders of tomorrow.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Our work is like teaching someone to ride a bike. Initially we are there to stabilise and speak truth into often broken lives.
As confidence builds and mind-sets start to shift, we love to see those stabilisers come off and our support changes from stabilising to releasing.
We then give them that push, knowing they have been given tools and strengthened to enable them to navigate through their future challenges. Seeing people believe in themselves and have vision for their lives is priceless.
What is your experience of support received from WVCA?
We have received a wide range of support from WVCA over the years, including advice and guidance on funding, governance, volunteering, children and young people.
WVCA have given us a lot of advice and support through the process of setting up the charity and gaining charity status, which we are very grateful for.
WVCA have offered training programmes, networking opportunities and we have established a good relationship where we have worked together through writing joint tender bids.
The relationship developed was very encouraging in our formative years and continues to be as an established charity to date.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned about working with people in Wolverhampton?
That everyone needs to be loved, understood, cared for and have a sense of belonging; that kindness is something that can get people through even the toughest of circumstances.
The journey is more important than the destination. It can be hard but it is worth it.
What are some of the challenges you face and how can WVCA help to support your organisation in the future?
Aside from the financial challenges that most charities face, one of our biggest challenges has been getting in front of the right people to talk about what we do and how they can be involved. WVCA could help by connecting us with like-minded individuals and organisations.
Where can we find out more?
Email: sarah.kruczek@engagetrustuk.org
Website: www.engagetrustuk.org
Social Media:
Like us on facebook: facebook.com/engagetrustuk
Follow us on instagram: engage.trustuk
Address: Engage Trust UK, Deansgate, 62-70 Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton, WV1 4TH