Kids Inspire turns 15! Birthday messages from some of our supporters.
We have been busy celebrating our 15th birthday across the whole of September, with many events and celebrations to mark this major milestone for the charity, including our latest birthday fundraising campaign. We have been truly overwhelmed by the support we have gained over the last fifteen years from local networks, service users, corporate partners and our amazing group of volunteers and mentors.
So many of you have taken the time out to wish Kids Inspire Happy Birthday that we wanted to share just some of the warm wishes below.
Happy 15th Birthday Kids Inspire
15 really is the magic number this year for Kids Inspire!
On September 23rd, Kids Inspire officially turned 15 years old from when the charity was formed back in 2007 by our CEO and Clinical Director, Sue Bell. Since then, thanks to your support and donations, we have been able to help so many Children, Young People & their Families. To help celebrate this fantastic milestone, we now want to challenge YOU to help fundraise to support additional families across September.
Starting with Sue King, one of our longest supporters has these lovely words and memories about Kids Inspire when it was first founded.
“I have been fortunate to have been involved with Kids Inspire since its inception. Firstly, receiving help from Sue at the very beginning. As a parent I knew how important this service could be. My earliest memories are of Sue’s first office/therapy room a few floors up in a deserted old school building. A quiet start to the success that Kids Inspire has become.
My favourite memories are of the early Christmas wrapping days when we spent many a happy hour in the dilapidated demountable buildings matching presents to children, listening to Christmas songs and eating mince pies. Despite the surroundings there was always a feeling of hope and positivity and belief in the need for the services KI offered then. Of course, it has flourished and grown but it is a sign of an inspirational organisation that so many people there at the beginning are still involved 15 years later. Happy Birthday KI and hoping you are present for as long as children need you.”
Shirley Glossop, our Counsellor and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner remembers the very early days when Kids Inspire was simply just a dream and concept of Sue’s.
“I first met Sue when we worked at the same school. Our children also went to the same primary school so we would sometimes have a chat as we were waiting during pick-up. I can remember her speaking about her concern for the young people whose mental health needs were not being met by local services. She was determined to put something in place to provide a therapeutic space for these individuals to improve their, and their family's, mental wellbeing and to give them opportunities and possibilities for the future.
When I started my counselling training, and having been inspired by Sue in our previous chats, I offered my services as a volunteer mentor which was accepted and this became the start of my journey with Kids Inspire. My next role was admin and was based in South Essex where I saw the amazing difference the support made to children and families there. Over 11 years with Kids Inspire and my location has changed to Head Office and I have also moved over to the Clinical Team where I remain to this day. During my time with Kids Inspire, the focus has always been fixed on the child at the centre but also engaging with parents to ensure a positive outcome with increased mental wellbeing for both the child and their parents.”
Josh Musk, one of our youngest volunteers and member of our community youth group The Voice forum, told us how much Kids Inspire has meant to him over the years.
“Over the last few years, Kids inspire have help me get out the house more and meet new people. I have been able to try lots of new things thanks to the charity, such as day trips, fundraising challenges and networking events. My favourite memory has got to be the silent disco we held very recently at the Chelmsford Street, Eats n Beats festival. Happy Birthday Kids Inspire!”
Video Birthday Messages!
Dick Madden has been involved with Kids Inspire for over 12 years after meeting Sue at a voluntary sector event in 2010. He soon after became Essex County Council's Cabinet member for Children and Families. He has long been a supporter of Kids Inspire and the work we do across Essex. He shared this brilliant video message about his thoughts on our work and to wish us a Happy Birthday!
Our patron, Ruthie Henshall, had the below words to wish us a Happy Birthday, alongside speaking about how much the charity means to her.
Simon Carpenter, our Chair of Board of Trustees, worked with Sue in the very beginning to help set up a safe space for young people to gain mental health support within St Peter’s College. He kindly shares his birthday wishes with us.
Last but by no means least. Sue Bell OBE, the CEO, Founder and Clinical Director passed on these words to all who have played a part over the past 15 years.
“Reflecting on the last 15 years, I realise that my core emotion is one of gratitude.
Firstly, to all the thousands of children, adolescents and families who have trusted the Kids Inspire team to support and empower them. We exist for the children who struggle with emerging mental health problems, who have experienced trauma and who need support in order that they may move forward in life. It is their bravery in overcoming challenges to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives that is the true inspiration and gives meaning to all that we do.
To the communities, schools, local authorities, statutory and non-statutory partners who have welcomed us, promoted our services and acted as advocates for the individuals who need them most.
And of course to each and every one of you for everything you do. Whatever your role (employee, volunteer, supporter, funder, ambassador…) and however long you have been part of Kids Inspire, you make a difference to the lives and futures of the children, young people and families we support.
We have grown and achieved so much in 15 years. Our aim now is to continue growing to reach more of the children and young people who need our help. So here’s to our next 15 years: with your help and support, I have no doubt they will be as remarkable as the first.”
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow” (Melodie Beattie)
Thank you to everyone who has played a part in our 15 year story. If you would like to send a personal Happy Birthday message to the Kids Inspire team, please drop us a message below!