The High Sheriff of Berkshire

Some visits stay with you. My evening with Together As One (Aik Saath) in Slough was one of them.

Led by CEO Rob Deeks and his wonderful team, Together As One is a youth led charity that works with young people from every faith and background through youth work, training, and creative projects. Its name reflects its purpose perfectly: bringing people together to create positive social change.

I arrived at 7pm to find around 50 young people waiting to welcome me and ready to test me with an online quiz about the role of the High Sheriff and, you guessed it, me! It was fun, touching and very special.

But that was only the beginning.

Around my table were children and young adults who were also volunteers, some young carers, some with additional needs, some in or around the care system, and others simply looking for belonging, confidence and direction before life takes them towards an unfortunate statistic.

Together As One supports young carers, young people with SEND and those experiencing complex mental health challenges. Its work also includes youth violence reduction and helping young people find their voice, strengthen their confidence, and take an active role in their community.

What struck me most was that young people are not treated simply as recipients of support they are trusted to lead change by also helping others. How cool is that! Examples were provided by them and I quizzed them back.

One young person who requires support that I met had the warmest nature and the most infectious laugh. He spoke with such respect, confidence, and character that I came away convinced that, with his talents harnessed and encouraged by Together As One, he will go on to do something extraordinary with his “superpower”.

When I left at 9.30pm, the hours had simply flown by although I am not sure who should have been more tired, me or the youngsters! I was then presented with flowers as a thank you: my first during my year as High Sheriff and a gesture I will always remember.

Thank you, Rob and team, and my brilliant round table of young people (expert volunteers). You made me laugh, nearly made me cry and gave me moments for reflection, but most of all, friendship …

It was a pleasure to meet Edward “Lucky” and Katie at the Thames Valley Police Community Awards earlier this year. Their story resonated with me so much that I wanted to visit Lucky Gloves CIC and see their work in Slough for myself.

Of course, boxing is at the heart of what they do. They provide boys and girls with the facilities, coaching and encouragement to learn and train, and it was evident that some exciting future sporting talent is being nurtured there.

But there is a much bigger story behind the boxing.

Lucky Gloves is giving young people purpose: teaching them discipline, determination, and teamwork, while providing a positive outlet for their energy and making space for both physical and mental wellbeing.

When I was growing up, we had youth centres. Today, these seem increasingly rare or perhaps they are being replaced by more dynamic community spaces such as Lucky Gloves. Either way, it was wonderful to see young people being supported and given somewhere they can belong and grow.

The focus and commitment I saw are precisely the qualities we hope to see in our future employees, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.

Well done to the entire Lucky Gloves team. There is clearly a powerful story behind the story, and it was my privilege, as High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire, to spend time with you and see your impact first hand.

#HighSheriffOfBerkshire #LuckyGloves #Slough #YoungPeople #Community Boxing HealthAndWellbeing …