Runners, walkers and volunteers brave the heat to support local young people
The hottest June on record has bought Youth Talk some fundraising highlights. And in a fantastic display of community spirit, Team Youth Talk took Active Training World’s St Albans Half Marathon by storm.
Volunteer Showcase
The Half Marathon in its 40th year is a well-established, annual, and community-focused event at Verulamium Park that attracts runners and families.
The team at Youth Talk have worked hard to raise awareness and engage our community in our charity. We were delighted to have an amazing team of 12 volunteers supporting the event with the sale and collection of t-shirts.
It was an amazing opportunity to meet lots of new volunteers recruited from Communities 1st, local businesses, and those who’d heard about us by word of mouth or knew us as a professional who’d worked in health care and wanted to help.
Team Youth Talk run and walk the 13.5 miles in aid of our local young people
We also had a small team of runners and walkers representing and raising money for local young people throughout St Albans. From experienced pros to those who wanted to try something different and challenge themselves for a great cause.
Our Fundraising Manager, Rachel is part of the Alban BNI which is a local networking group. She mentioned Youth Talk had charity places, and two fantastic fundraisers stepped up to the plate – Lee of Fast Signs St Albans, Luke of Car Clean and Gleam.
Another member recommended us to a family friend whose son had autism – he loved running but would need a guide. We weren’t going to let that stop him and wanted to ensure he felt a welcomed part of our team. We made sure he had a runner as a guide and Youth Talk assisted him every step of the way with his fundraising.
Local resident, Dawn, entered herself in the Walking Half on behalf of Youth Talk. As a parent herself, she chose to fundraise for us because she believes in the importance of the counselling we provide to young people throughout St Albans.
Why Luke ran for Youth Talk
Luke is 22 years old, lives in Hemel and has been battling challenges with his mental health. And it’s because of this that he recognises the vital need for mental health services that support local young people struggling in our local community.
He believes – like we do – that money shouldn’t prevent a young person from getting the help that they need. Luke said
“Counselling’s become a luxury. How many 15 year olds can afford say a £50 a week counselling session? The fact Youth Talk is free of charge makes it accessible to all which is so important.”
Luke chose to support Youth Talk, so that we can help work to make sure that every local young person can have someone to talk to about whatever’s on their mind.
“I genuinely, absolutely loved the St Albans Half Marathon. It’s the event as a whole – the people you meet on the run, the friendships and the sense of achievement at the end – it’s incredible”
Luke Swan
Car Gleam and CleanThank You Team Youth Talk
Like troopers, Team Youth Talk got up in the early hours, braving heights of 31° to do their part for local young people struggling with their mental health.
Our Fundraising Manager, Rachel says:
“Our whole team – volunteers, runners, and walkers – were truly amazing on a blistering hot day. The way they raised awareness for the vital counselling we provide and soldiered on through the heat made me feel proud of each of them and to be part of such a supportive community.”
Thanks to the generous donations from supporters, together, they managed to raise a total of £1952. That’s 39 more counselling sessions for local young people who need our support.
Inspired and want to join us?
At Youth Talk, we absolutely love the positive wow factor you get from a running event. Whether you’re volunteering or participating, the atmosphere is fun, light, and full of community spirit.
Email getinvolved@youthtalk.org.uk to secure your place in Team Youth Talk for next year’s St Albans Half Marathon.
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