News
Three years of Blues Foundation
Another landmark milestone has reached our charitable arm as we celebrate three years of Blues Foundation and the impact they’ve already been able to undertake within Bedfordshire – and look forward to the future full of promise and opportunity.
From rugby camps to outreach projects, golf days to disability sport and everything else in between – all delivered by a dedicated and resourceful group of staff – it has been an incredible three years for everyone involved with highly promising and inspirational results.
Particular highlights include some fantastic Foodbank collections here at Goldington Road to help others across the Festive period, bridging the Digital Divide by donating technology to schools and families, and more recently hosting Blues Foundation running events within the town to promote the charity to a wider audience alongside promoting physical health.
The societal impact from the work Blues Foundation do is inspiring and we encourage everyone to check out some of the case studies from their first three years as a charity simply by heading across to their website by clicking here for further details.
While it is hugely important to reflect on what has gone before, Blues Foundation are already re-focusing and looking towards the future with big ambitions and plans to continue impacting on the lives of as many people as possible across Bedfordshire.
We, of course, would love you to join us on the journey with us – whether that be through monthly donations on their CHAMPION scheme, volunteering at fundraising days or however you best feel you can also make a difference to those in our community who may need that little extra bit of support.
The sky really is the limit at Blues Foundation and any support you could give would result in a huge societal impact. Please do get in contact with tom@bluesfoundation.org.uk to see how you could get involved with our charitable arm!
As mentioned, we’re proud of the impact Blues Foundation have made within Bedfordshire; now it’s time to kick on even further and expand the offering to provide even more alternatives targeted towards a variety of different demographics.
Blues Foundation Manager, Tom Harwood said: “From what felt like a small acorn at the start of being granted charitable status has grown into a huge community that has proven societal impact, brings people together and ultimately succeeds in our biggest objectives; including promoting positive physical, mental and emotional health.
“Having been involved right from the start, I’m extremely humbled to see what we have managed to achieve, the support we’ve been able to give to so many in our local communities, as well as planning for the future with prosperity and excitement.
“We can’t do the work we do without the support we receive from so many, and we’d encourage others to reach out and lend a hand to be part of what is already a phenomenal journey and will continue to be in the future.
“It’s been a fantastic three years so here’s to the next three and beyond!”
SOME KEY STATISTICS OF BLUES FOUNDATION WORK SINCE LAUNCHING AS A CHARITY INCLUDES:
- Over 6000+ children supported through projects and activation
- Over 8000+ hours of physical activity delivered
- Over 3,200 children engaged through rugby specific activation since merging with Bedford Blues Community
- Over 40,000 items donated to Bedford Foodbank in the past three years.
- Over 5,500 meals delivered to vulnerable families and individuals
- Over 1,800 laptops and devices donated to help bridge the digital divide
- Multiple flagship projects including Tackle LIFE & ABILITY Blues launched and piloted
- Partnerships developed with Bedford Borough Council and Bedfordshire Police, supporting young people at risk of offending
- Relationship built with Bedford College to deliver well-being and activity packages
- Over 700 children aged 5 – 15 engaged with as part of our Summer Holiday Programmes
- More families encouraged to exercise as part of our Families Fund Project
- Bespoke physical activity project for Penrose Housing targeting the promotion of positive mental and physical health
Don’t forget, there are plenty of other ways to support Blues Foundation so keep checking their website regularly and all social media channels to hear first about latest initiatives; or sign up to the official newsletter by clicking here for regular updates.
You can find Blues Foundation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Alternatively, you can contact Blues Foundation Manager, Tom Harwood via email at tom@bluesfoundation.org.uk with any specific questions you may have.
