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Community reception celebrates uniformed youth groups in East London
YOU London hosted a community networking reception at Kingsford Community School in Beckton on Monday 1 December to raise awareness of the fantastic opportunities provided by uniformed youth groups in the London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Newham and Redbridge, and their ability to change lives. The evening brought together youth organisations, community leaders, policy makers and local supporters to promote and celebrate the beneficial impact of uniformed youth groups, to celebrate the invaluable contributions of adult volunteers and to raise awareness of the continual need for more.
The evening began with a warm welcome from Joan Deslandes OBE, Head Teacher of Kingsford Community School, whose staff and pupils showcased so effectively both the school and its values. Professor Richard Hazenberg, co-author of The Impact and Value of School-based Cadet Forces in the UK, outlined the findings of his report which found that pupils who are members of CCFs do better at school, have improved attendance and behaviour and are more likely to go to university.
Debbie Wilkinson DL, YOU London Co-ordinator, hosted a short Q&A discussion with young people and adult volunteers from uniformed youth groups in Barking and Dagenham, Newham and Redbridge to hear why they volunteer and what they get from it. Colonel Jane Davis OBE QVRM TD DL, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, drew the speeches to a close by thanking the school for hosting the reception and encouraging attendees to take the messages they had heard out into their communities.
The evening concluded with a fantastic performance by the band of 282 (East Ham) Squadron RAF Air Cadets who played a medley they had created themselves of Christmas, traditional and modern tunes.
Images from the event can be viewed here: https://www.jameswallisphotography.co.uk/You-London-Community-Networking-Reception/n-jkPKJw
