Home – High Sheriff of Berkshire

Today I visited Bridge for Young People in Newbury and saw first-hand the extraordinary work Tracy, Anna and the team do for young care leavers.

The reality behind their work is stark:

• 39% of care leavers aged 19–21 are not in education, employment or training, compared with 13% of their peers

• One-third become homeless within two years of leaving care

• A government review published today examined 112 death notifications involving care leavers aged 18–24 during 2025

The review, entitled ‘You really are on your own’, found that young people leaving care can experience profound isolation and a sharp drop in support after turning 18.

These are not just statistics. They are young lives, ambitions and futures.

Bridge for Young People provides far more than a home. It offers the wraparound care, stability, trusted relationships and encouragement every young person needs to build an independent future.

This is not simply a job for Tracy, Anna and the team. It is an enormous responsibility and, for me, defines what it means when a career becomes a vocation.

Before anyone can thrive, they need the basics: safety, shelter, belonging, confidence and hope. A home is vital, but so is having someone in your corner who notices, listens and believes in you.
If you can support Bridge for Young People, or want to learn more, please contact their CEO, Tracy Underwood.

Incredible work and time very well spent. ❤️

#BridgeForYoungPeople #CareLeavers #YoungPeople #Newbury #WestBerkshire CommunitySupport EveryYoungPersonMatters

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Today I visited Bridge for Young People in Newbury and saw first-hand the extraordinary work Tracy, Anna and the team do for young care leavers.

The reality behind their work is stark:

• 39% of care leavers aged 19–21 are not in education, employment or training, compared with 13% of their peers

• One-third become homeless within two years of leaving care

• A government review published today examined 112 death notifications involving care leavers aged 18–24 during 2025

The review, entitled ‘You really are on your own’, found that young people leaving care can experience profound isolation and a sharp drop in support after turning 18.

These are not just statistics. They are young lives, ambitions and futures.

Bridge for Young People provides far more than a home. It offers the wraparound care, stability, trusted relationships and encouragement every young person needs to build an independent future.

This is not simply a job for Tracy, Anna and the team. It is an enormous responsibility and, for me, defines what it means when a career becomes a vocation.

Before anyone can thrive, they need the basics: safety, shelter, belonging, confidence and hope. A home is vital, but so is having someone in your corner who notices, listens and believes in you.
If you can support Bridge for Young People, or want to learn more, please contact their CEO, Tracy Underwood.

Incredible work and time very well spent. ❤️

#BridgeForYoungPeople #CareLeavers #YoungPeople #Newbury #WestBerkshire CommunitySupport EveryYoungPersonMatters …

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One of the most delightful elements of serving as High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire is the opportunity, in service to our Sovereign, His Majesty King Charles III, to congratulate the newest cohort of magistrates joining the Family Court.

It was a privilege to welcome those sworn in today. On a personal level, the occasion held particular meaning for me. Having once stood on the other side of the bench, I understand how important magistrates can be to families navigating some of the most difficult and uncertain moments of their lives. Their decisions require compassion, sound judgement and great care, and the reassurance that people will be heard and treated fairly matters enormously.

My heartfelt thanks go to every new magistrate who made their commitment today. This is a significant responsibility, undertaken voluntarily, and the time, thought and humanity you will give in service to others should never be underestimated.

As I spoke with you, I felt I had made some wonderful new friends. Whether or not our paths cross again, I left with a sense of hope, pride and comfort, knowing that our communities will be supported by people determined to do their very best for them.

My sincere thanks also to Judge Vincent and her team for the warmth of their welcome, and for the leadership, care and encouragement they give to those taking on this important judicial responsibility. It was a truly special day.

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One of the most delightful elements of serving as High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire is the opportunity, in service to our Sovereign, His Majesty King Charles III, to congratulate the newest cohort of magistrates joining the Family Court.

It was a privilege to welcome those sworn in today. On a personal level, the occasion held particular meaning for me. Having once stood on the other side of the bench, I understand how important magistrates can be to families navigating some of the most difficult and uncertain moments of their lives. Their decisions require compassion, sound judgement and great care, and the reassurance that people will be heard and treated fairly matters enormously.

My heartfelt thanks go to every new magistrate who made their commitment today. This is a significant responsibility, undertaken voluntarily, and the time, thought and humanity you will give in service to others should never be underestimated.

As I spoke with you, I felt I had made some wonderful new friends. Whether or not our paths cross again, I left with a sense of hope, pride and comfort, knowing that our communities will be supported by people determined to do their very best for them.

My sincere thanks also to Judge Vincent and her team for the warmth of their welcome, and for the leadership, care and encouragement they give to those taking on this important judicial responsibility. It was a truly special day. …

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It was a complete pleasure to attend Slough’s Citizenship Ceremony and have the privilege of presenting certificates to over 40 of our newest British citizens, including a few very proud youngsters too!

What a special moment to be part of. For many, the journey to citizenship has been long, sometimes challenging and always deeply personal. To see the smiles, the pride and the families celebrating together was genuinely lovely.

One of the messages I shared was that Berkshire’s strength has always been its people. We are a wonderfully diverse Royal County, enriched by the different cultures, experiences, skills and stories of those who choose to make their lives here.

Citizenship is not just about belonging to a country; it is also about belonging to a community. Whether through volunteering, supporting a neighbour, getting involved locally or simply sharing your talents and experiences, we can all make a difference to the place we call home.

A huge congratulations to everyone who received their certificate. It was an absolute privilege to welcome you.

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It was a complete pleasure to attend Slough’s Citizenship Ceremony and have the privilege of presenting certificates to over 40 of our newest British citizens, including a few very proud youngsters too!

What a special moment to be part of. For many, the journey to citizenship has been long, sometimes challenging and always deeply personal. To see the smiles, the pride and the families celebrating together was genuinely lovely.

One of the messages I shared was that Berkshire’s strength has always been its people. We are a wonderfully diverse Royal County, enriched by the different cultures, experiences, skills and stories of those who choose to make their lives here.

Citizenship is not just about belonging to a country; it is also about belonging to a community. Whether through volunteering, supporting a neighbour, getting involved locally or simply sharing your talents and experiences, we can all make a difference to the place we call home.

A huge congratulations to everyone who received their certificate. It was an absolute privilege to welcome you. …

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If you need a reason to smile today… press play. 😊

This little video captures a very special afternoon at Windsor Castle, where Berkshire`s cadets weren`t the guard of honour… they were the VIPs.

Watching them laugh, make new friends and simply enjoy being celebrated was a real privilege.

A huge thank you to the incredible adult volunteers who make opportunities like this possible.

I hope it brings a smile to your face too. ❤️

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If you need a reason to smile today… press play. 😊

This little video captures a very special afternoon at Windsor Castle, where Berkshire`s cadets weren`t the guard of honour… they were the VIPs.

Watching them laugh, make new friends and simply enjoy being celebrated was a real privilege.

A huge thank you to the incredible adult volunteers who make opportunities like this possible.

I hope it brings a smile to your face too. ❤️ …

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The High Sheriff of Berkshire

Welcome

Meet the High Sheriff and Team

Ren Kapur MBE

Jonathan Gater

Reverend David Chislett

History of the High Sheriff

The High Sheriff’s Awards

Events Attendance

Events

Contact the High Sheriff