What an extraordinary afternoon we had at our Annual Impact Showcase!
The room was filled with energy, purpose and pride as we came together at the Bradfield Centre in Cambridge to celebrate the difference our community is making across Cambridgeshire.
With over 80 supporters, trustees, volunteers, and partners in attendance, the event was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we work together to strengthen our communities.
The afternoon was expertly MC’d by Alex Hughes, Founder and Chair of Inspire2Ignite, who inspired the audience with his energy and personal reflections throughout the event.
Sam Squire, CEO of Inspire2Ignite, delivered a passionate presentation about their work helping young people into employment and training.
Sam highlighted the shocking statistic that 948,000 young people in the UK are currently not in education, employment or training, and spoke about the importance of work experience, engagement, and belief in tackling this crisis.
Sam was joined on stage by the incredible Luke Stock, who, with the help of Inspire2Ignite, has discovered his confidence and is now a budding film director. Luke’s personal journey demonstrated exactly what’s possible when young people are given the support and opportunities they deserve.
Sam also credited the Foundation for the early advice and guidance that helped Inspire2Ignite get started. We’re proud to have played a part in their journey and to continue supporting their vital work across our region.
Emma Lacy from Earth & Mind shared how their work reconnecting people with nature is changing lives, reminding us that “when we look after the earth, the earth looks after us.”
Emma spoke about vital funding they received through the Healthier Futures Fund, available thanks to Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Integrated Care System.
Her positivity filled the room as she closed by saying, “Together we’re growing hope, health, and a future where wellbeing is truly rooted in community.”
The event concluded with a presentation from Simon Whitmore, Investment Director at Rathbones in Cambridge.
Rathbones not only generously supported the event, but they also manage the Foundation’s endowment.
Simon shared valuable insights on how endowments serve as a powerful force for good, enabling us to provide sustained, long-term support to the communities we serve.
During the event, we officially launched our 2024-25 Impact Report, which showcases the transformational impact achieved across Cambridgeshire over the past year.
The report features case studies, impact data, and stories from the communities we serve.
None of this would be possible without our supporters, volunteers, partners, trustees and team – the driving force behind the success we celebrated this week.
Huge thanks to Rathbones for making this celebration possible, and to Trinity College and Mantle for kindly hosting us at the Bradfield Centre.
If you’d like to be part of the work we’re doing around the county, please get in touch with our CEO, Michael O’Toole.
