With the Bedford Running Festival taking place in just over a fortnight, a team at the Bedford Independent has dusted off their running shoes, stretched out their calf muscles, and downloaded the latest running playlists in preparation for taking part.
Paul & Julia (who really aren’t natural runners) will be joined by Paul’s partner Mandy who are all running the 5K for Bedford Giving, a collective set up to help create a brighter future for the next generation in Bedford.
Sponsor Team BI and support young Bedfordians here
The Bedford Running Festival is more than just a running event, it’s where running meets festival fun and magical memories are made! Throughout the weekend they promise epic races and entertainment for the entire family.
So, running for Bedford Giving, which is also the Bedford Independent’s partner charity, is a perfect fit.
Through research by The Harpur Trust, 500 local adults and young people were asked what they thought were the biggest challenges facing Bedford, with the needs of young people identified as the biggest concern.
More specifically, an urgent need for career mentors who can act as guides and role models was called out as a top priority.
As a result, Bedford Giving has been formed, thanks to the collaboration of eight founding partners who have committed to increasing opportunities for young people in Bedford by delivering new initiatives and bringing people and experiences together.
Sponsor Team BI and support young Bedfordians here
Read: New movement launched to help Bedford’s younger generations
100% of the money donated to Bedford Giving funds programmes supporting young people. All their programmes are research-driven with youth voices at the very centre of all they do.
This is underpinned but their message of Give, Get, Grow, which helps to empower their partners and others to contribute and work together to make a lasting difference in the lives of Bedford’s young people.
One of their programmes is career mentoring, with parents saying the mentoring programme funded by Bedford Given has given their children a massive boost in confidence and raised their aspirations.
Sponsor Team BI and support young Bedfordians here
“I genuinely couldn’t be more pleased my child has been given such an opportunity,” said one.
“When she started KA in September, she had very little confidence and at that time little thought had been given to life after school.
“It’s solely thanks to her mentor that she now aspires to go to sixth form and study media and psychology with the view of going to university. As I am sure you will agree this is just amazing the impact having a mentor has had and we will be forever grateful.”
But, Bedford Giving is much more than that, having helped children and their families with grants, giving parents and children a voice through forums to find out where support is needed, arranging work experience for young people, and supporting university bursaries.
Read: Our coverage of Bedford Giving and the work they do
So, please sponsor Team BI’s band of runners and help us raise as much money as possible and give young Bedfordians from all backgrounds the boost they deserve.
Sponsor Team BI and support young Bedfordians here
Bedford Giving is also currently looking for more volunteer career mentors to help young Bedfordians reach their full potential while also supporting the mentor’s own career development
Mentor Suzanne Brydon, who runs her own coaching company, said: “The past 12 months has been incredibly rewarding. Witnessing the progress and development of my mentee has filled me with immense pride.
“Watching the students across the entire project gain confidence and achieve, while overcoming obstacles has been a true privilege.
“It’s been a joy to support, provide guidance and see them flourish, both academically and personally.
To find out more about becoming a volunteer career mentor to help give a young person who needs a little inspiration, help, and guidance to get on in life, visit bedfordgiving.org.uk/mentor.
Sponsor Team BI and support young Bedfordians here
Bedford Running Festival takes place over the weekend of 7 and 8 September in and around Russell Park. Entry to the festival is free and you don’t have to run to get involved.
Invite your friends and family, cheer on the runners and then join in with the music, movies, entertainment, fun and celebrations.
Find out more at bedfordrunfest.co.uk/festival.
