Foundation sets out brighter future

A North East community charity has unveiled a new long-term strategy aimed at strengthening skills, connection and wellbeing across the region.

Foundation of Light has launched its new five-year strategy at a ‘Brighter Tomorrow’ business breakfast held at the Beacon of Light, in Sunderland. 

The event, which followed the Foundation’s recent 25th anniversary event at Westminster, brought together almost 100 partners, stakeholders and supporters to explore how the charity will build on its impact across the region.

The breakfast, sponsored by Aspire and hosted by Jeff Brown, featured contributions from former Sunderland AFC player and Foundation ambassador Kevin Ball and David Bruce, chief business officer at Sunderland AFC, alongside personal stories highlighting the charity’s long-term impact on individuals and communities.

These included a video message from former Lioness Steph Houghton, who began her football journey with the Foundation.

Kevin, pictured below, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the event. 

“Listening to people explain the effect the Foundation has had on them is brilliant. 

“One of the young people said, ‘just walk through the door and there’s help for you’ and it just proves what an amazing place it is.”

Under the Brighter Tomorrow banner, the new strategy sets out three core priorities for the next five years: Being Skilled, Being Connected and Being Well.

Together, these pillars focus on widening access to education, employability and training, strengthening community inclusion, and improving physical and mental wellbeing through sport and activity.

Foundation of Light chief executive Lesley Spuhler added: “Westminster marked the start of our anniversary year, but today is about our region, our partners and our shared future. 

“Brighter Tomorrow sets out how we will work together to remove barriers, unlock potential and ensure that no one is left on the sidelines over the next five years.”

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