11Mar 2021 by Melmanning

Changing the world for the one

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Trigger Warning: The content of this blog centres on adoption and does mention child abuse, which may affect some readers. I recently read a quote that was not attributed to anyone in particular which read, “The world may not change if you adopt a child, but for that child their world will change.” We have recently embarked on an incredible adventure with our son, who came to live with us two days before the first lockdown in March 2020. His story is so reflective of so many little ones caught in abuse, neglect and hopelessness. Pre pandemic statistics reveal a difficult picture, in a nutshell, just one quarter successfully make it through to a forever home. Imagine how different this will be in a new emerging landscape and all…

18Feb 2021 by Melmanning

This months ‘For the 1’ blog is a Q and A with our new Youth Trustee Elsa!

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Tell us a bit about you My name is Elsa, I am 19 and have lived in East London my whole life. I am currently in my first year of university, studying at Goldsmiths college in London which, despite the challenging circumstances, I am making the most of and enjoying as much as I can. In my spare time I currently tutor and support some local families with home schooling online as well as continuing to enjoy all of the charity work that I have always loved being a part of. I also enjoy playing music, attending dance classes and spending time with my family. Why are you passionate about helping young people? I am passionate about helping young people because I have experienced and seen first-hand some of the…

01Feb 2021 by Melmanning

Some exciting news!

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PRESS RELEASE DATE: 1.2.21 FREEDOM 2 AWARDED A GRANT FROM COMIC RELIEF COMMUNITY FUND (ENGLAND) FREEDOM 2 have been awarded a £4000 grant from the Comic Relief Community Fund (England). FREEDOM 2 Create is a 7 week art programme that is run with girls aged between 12 years and 17 years old focusing on important topics such as self worth, identity, healthy relationships and empowerment. The Comic Relief Community Fund (England) invests in grassroots community-led organisations to bring about lasting change and legacy through projects that support ComicRelief’s themes: Children Survive & Thrive; Fighting for Gender Justice; A Safe Place to Be; and Mental Health Matters. Grants of up to £4,000 are available to strengthen local organisations to give with skills and advice to drive community projects forward, as…

15Jan 2021 by Melmanning

For the 1 – The next phase

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Many of us are pleased to have seen the end of 2020, with a hope that 2021 will be a better year. Yet if you ask people about their highlight of 2020, most people can think of at least one thing that they enjoyed. One of the things that I enjoyed during the first lockdown, was the clapping on a Thursday evening for the NHS. It was a small way of being able to say thank you to each and every worker who had risked their lives to help others. I think though that we can all think of a person we know or who is in our community who have helped ‘the 1’ through this worldwide pandemic. Through the work that we do with FREEDOM 2, we have our…

15Jan 2021 by Melmanning

Welcome to our new Youth Trustee

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Last night we welcomed Elsa as our new youth trustee. Here is a bit about Elsa: 'I’m a first year University student at Goldsmiths College studying Education, Culture and Society. I am really passionate about the power of youth voice and being a part of inspiring change. I love community centred work and currently run a local initiative aimed at spreading small acts of kindness and am very involved some charity youth boards which focus on mental health and anti-bullying awareness. I’m really excited and grateful to be a youth trustee and am looking forward to bringing my experiences and ideas to this exciting role. In my free time I enjoy playing music, attending dance classes and spending time with my family.' We are so excited to have Elsa as…