Latest news with #BetheChange
Scotsman
13-06-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Youth power on show at YPI National Event as £8.5m granted to Scottish charities
More than 800 people attended the annual gathering – Scotland's largest celebration of youth philanthropy – held on Wednesday 11 June at Perth Concert Hall. Through YPI – a programme managed and majority funded by The Wood Foundation – a generation has been empowered to lead meaningful, sustainable change that addresses the needs of those who need it most. This year's theme, Be the Change, was a compelling call to action. The event recognised pupils who took the time to understand the challenges faced by others, championed causes close to their hearts, and demonstrated a genuine dedication to social responsibility. The YPI National Event was also an opportunity to reflect on the legacy that has been created since the introduction of YPI in Scotland. Since 2008, £8.5 million has been granted to charities with the help of 390,000 young changemakers. This year, YPI engaged pupils from 280 Scottish secondary schools who raised £840,000 (£3,000 per school) for causes they are passionate about. Garreth Wood, Chairman of The Wood Foundation, said: 'For many young people, YPI is just the beginning. Over the past 17 years, The Wood Foundation has been proud to provide a platform that empowers young people to explore complex social issues, develop their confidence, and find their voice. 'The passion, empathy and commitment on display at this year's YPI National Event were truly inspiring. It is our hope that this experience encourages young people to continue their involvement in their communities – whether through volunteering, advocacy or by remaining actively engaged in local initiatives. 'The YPI National Event also served as a valuable opportunity to unite stakeholders who have been integral to the programme's growth and success, including our funding partners, local authority colleagues, third sector representatives, and the schools who so enthusiastically embrace and deliver YPI.' The annual event was hosted by Sonni and Cory from St John's RC High School in Dundee with pupils from 12 other Scottish secondary schools presenting moving and creative content. In addition to the student presentations, which addressed issues including poverty, mental health and diversity, two keynote speakers also delivered thought-provoking speeches on the YPI stage. Sheli McCoy – a record-breaking weightlifter, multi-business owner and TV star – captivated the audience with her inspiring talk The Sum of All Efforts. She shared her non-linear path to success in sport and fitness, encouraging young people to embrace their own journeys. Sheli said: 'Listening to young people speak so passionately about the causes they care about was truly inspirational. I wanted to encourage them to push beyond perceived limitations – both mentally and physically – and to feel empowered to become the best version of themselves.' Young activist and YPI alum Emma Porter spoke about how her YPI journey at Springburn Academy encouraged her to continue volunteering and stay actively involved in her local community. The event also featured a special performance by Ben Walker, Scottish Young Live Artist of the Year 2024, who participated in YPI during his time at both Montrose Academy and Mearns Academy. He shared: 'YPI was one of the first times I felt like what I had to say actually counted. It gave me confidence and made me think differently about the kind of impact young people can have. 'Getting to come back and see it in action again was really special. The energy, the passion, the belief these young people have in their causes – it is amazing to watch. It was a full-circle moment for me, and I am buzzing to have been a part of it again.' The YPI National Event highlighted the power of youth voice, advocacy, and philanthropy, motivating attendees to consider how they can further their impact and continue contributing to their communities. 1 . Contributed Musician Ben Walker performing at YPI National Event 2025 Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 3 . Contributed Hosts of YPI National Event 2025, Sonni and Cory from St John's RC High School in Dundee Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 4 . Contributed Young people engaging with stallholders at YPI National Event 2025 Photo: Submitted Photo Sales Related topics: Perth Concert Hall
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Community digs in to give Summerhill House a makeover
Summerhill House has a shiny new lick of paint and vegetable garden thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers. Support poured in for the Etete orphanage during Saturday's 'Be the Hope, Be the Change' event, with volunteers from local schools, companies and NPOs getting their hands dirty for a good cause. Together they painted the wall and planted a vegetable garden with seeds provided by the Restore African Foundation. 'We were in need of new vegetables after we harvested the previous crop on Mandela Day,' said finance manager Erica Lynn. 'We are truly grateful to everyone who joined us today. Our doors are always open to anyone who would like to sponsor or support us.' Summerhill House currently provides full-time care for 12 children, while running upliftment programmes in the wider community. One of the initiatives is to provide after-school homework support to 40 children and providing daily meals to more than 100 children during school holidays. Visit for more information on how to get involved. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Yahoo
'My shot daughter's friends wouldn't help police'
The mother of a woman who was murdered in her own home has told how her daughter's friends refused to help detectives after her death as she urged other people to give police information or "it's never going to change". Ashley Dale, 28, was killed by men who were involved in a drug feud with her boyfriend Lee Harrison in her Liverpool home in the early hours of 21 August 2022. Her mum Julie said after "some soul-searching" she had "put herself in those girls shoes" and realised they were scared to speak up. But she said there were "ways to give information" and urged others to co-operate with police . Four men were jailed for life for Ms Dale's murder. James Witham, 41,who fired the Skorpion sub-machine gun, Joseph Peers, 29, Niall Barry, 26, and Sean Zeisz, 28, were convicted at Liverpool Crown Court. Harrison, now 27, who was jailed in February for drugs trafficking, had also been "totally uncooperative" with the murder inquiry, the trial heard. The jury heard Ms Dale's own voice describing the falling out between her partner and Barry, as voice notes which she recorded and sent to friends in the two months before her murder. The WhatsApp voice notes that helped solve a murder But Julie Dale said the same close friends had not been willing to go to court. "People held back on stuff and it's difficult because I've had to - again after soul-searching – try and put myself in those girls' shoes and I know people are scared," she said. "But there are ways that you can give information because if we don't do that, it's never going to change." Ms Dale has been working with Knowsley Council – where her daughter worked as an environmental health officer - to launch the Be the Change scheme to help steer girls and women away from those involved in serious crime. It involves sessions, funded by the Violence Reduction Partnership, which aim to empower women to reclaim their communities. Francine McKeown, crime and communities manager at the authority, said: "In and around violence and organised crime, there's always a mum, a daughter, a sister, a girlfriend. "And actually most people want to live peaceful, happy lives – free from violence." Some of the women who attended sessions were asked by BBC Breakfast about speaking up. "It feels safer almost to hide away and not speak out and just keep yourself to yourself, " one woman said. Another added: "I think it's just because you feel like you protect your family by not speaking out." Fitness instructor Lauren Ruane said: "You look around the community, there's 100% more good people than bad, but it's when the bad dominates through fear and we're trying to break that cycle. "When you bring women and mums together, I genuinely do believe that magic happens - a real ripple effect goes back out into the community." Ms Dale has been sharing her daughter's experiences with young women and girls to deter them from making poor relationship choices, saying: "I can't let her death be in vain." "Ashley was just a totally normal woman – she had never been involved with the police, had a job, had been to university, got a degree, had just been promoted. "Yet she wasn't immune to this." Councillor Shelley Powell said: "We've all got to be the change - steer people in a different direction to give people the confidence to not tolerate the bad things going on." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. 'My girl chose a boy involved in serious crime' How boyfriend drug feud led to Ashley Dale's death Murder victim's mum calls killers 'monsters' Four guilty of murder after row at Glastonbury How WhatsApp voice notes helped solve a murder
BBC News
10-04-2025
- BBC News
Ashley Dale: 'My murdered daughter's friends wouldn't help police'
The mother of a woman who was murdered in her own home has told how her daughter's friends refused to help detectives after her death as she urged other people to give police information or "it's never going to change".Ashley Dale, 28, was killed by men who were involved in a drug feud with her boyfriend Lee Harrison in her Liverpool home in the early hours of 21 August 2022. Her mum Julie said after "some soul-searching" she had "put herself in those girls shoes" and realised they were scared to speak up. But she said there were "ways to give information" and urged others to co-operate with police . Four men were jailed for life for Ms Dale's murder. James Witham, 41,who fired the Skorpion sub-machine gun, Joseph Peers, 29, Niall Barry, 26, and Sean Zeisz, 28, were convicted at Liverpool Crown now 27, who was jailed in February for drugs trafficking, had also been "totally uncooperative" with the murder inquiry, the trial jury heard Ms Dale's own voice describing the falling out between her partner and Barry, as voice notes which she recorded and sent to friends in the two months before her WhatsApp voice notes that helped solve a murderBut Julie Dale said the same close friends had not been willing to go to court. "People held back on stuff and it's difficult because I've had to - again after soul-searching – try and put myself in those girls' shoes and I know people are scared," she said."But there are ways that you can give information because if we don't do that, it's never going to change." Ms Dale has been working with Knowsley Council – where her daughter worked as an environmental health officer - to launch the Be the Change scheme to help steer girls and women away from those involved in serious involves sessions, funded by the Violence Reduction Partnership, which aim to empower women to reclaim their communities. Francine McKeown, crime and communities manager at the authority, said: "In and around violence and organised crime, there's always a mum, a daughter, a sister, a girlfriend. "And actually most people want to live peaceful, happy lives – free from violence." Some of the women who attended sessions were asked by BBC Breakfast about speaking up. "It feels safer almost to hide away and not speak out and just keep yourself to yourself, " one woman said. Another added: "I think it's just because you feel like you protect your family by not speaking out."Fitness instructor Lauren Ruane said: "You look around the community, there's 100% more good people than bad, but it's when the bad dominates through fear and we're trying to break that cycle."When you bring women and mums together, I genuinely do believe that magic happens - a real ripple effect goes back out into the community." Confidence boost Ms Dale has been sharing her daughter's experiences with young women and girls to deter them from making poor relationship choices, saying: "I can't let her death be in vain.""Ashley was just a totally normal woman – she had never been involved with the police, had a job, had been to university, got a degree, had just been promoted. "Yet she wasn't immune to this."Councillor Shelley Powell said: "We've all got to be the change - steer people in a different direction to give people the confidence to not tolerate the bad things going on." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
