Young Westminster Foundation were at the Houses of Parliament recently, celebrating the fantastic contributions of businesses who have been working with us to ensure brighter futures for young people.
Local MPs Georgia Gould and Rachel Blake led the event giving messages of thanks to business representatives from all across Westminster. Businesses like Shaftesbury Capital, Veolia, WPA and Mount Anvil, whose commitment and generous donations have enabled YWF to significantly grow our grants and programmes for young people in recent years.
Working together with all our business supporters we’re investing in spaces in which young people can feel safe, nurtured, appreciated and in which they can have fun, developing new skills and confidence.
Alongside our MPs we also heard from our CEO of Young Westminster Foundation, Helen Mann, and two of our Youth Associates, Ishaaq and Sajul. Ishaaq and Sajul enjoyed working the room – chatting to many of our business supporters and sharing their experiences and involvement with Young Westminster Foundation.
We have heard time and again from attendees that the main highlight of the event came from meeting these young men and hearing them talk about their experiences and the programmes they’ve been part of.
It was the first time in parliament for both Ishaaq and Sajul. Once they had got through some very thorough security checks (including close inspection of an umbrella) they found themselves in Westminster Hall which is the oldest building in Parliament having stood there for over 1,000 years. After which they were warmly welcomed to the event in the Jubilee Room by their MPs, Georgia and Rachel.
Reflecting on the event Sajul told us “Young Westminster Foundation is a key – it opens the doors to so many different opportunities”
“After my speech, so many people came up to congratulate me and Ishaaq and that made the experience even more memorable and encouraging.”
Both Ishaaq and Sajul enjoyed their conversations with business leaders, charity grantmakers and Westminster City Council representatives in attendance, as well as joining a tour of the Houses of Parliament.
Ishaaq added: “In the end I’m glad I got this opportunity as it isn’t something you get to experience every day!
Their reflections are a powerful reminder that the continued financial and meaningful support from Westminster businesses has the power to changes lives. With demand for funding far exceeding availability, business support isn’t just appreciated – it’s essential.
Together, we’re not just celebrating impact – we’re building it.
Thank you to everyone who attended!
Our donors and supporters who were able to join us include:
Aziz Foundation, Baker Street Quarter Partnership, BEAM, Berkeley Homes, British Land, Capital Arches Group, Cordet, EYRE, FM Conway, Global Holdings, GPE, Grosvenor, Opportunity London , Harley Street Bid, Howard de Walden Estates, John Lyon’s Charity, Kensington and Westminster Chambers of Commerce, Landsec, Morgan Lovells, Mount Anvil, Westminster City Council, Pollen Estate, Shaftesbury Capital, Soho Estates, St Giles and St George, Westminster Almshouse, The Other House, Media Plus, Veolia, Westminster School, Westminster Property Association
