4 minute read
Launchpad
AFFINITY 2020 CIC
Charlotte Elliott, CEO of Affinity 2020 CIC, shares her team’s mission to support care experienced young people locally through sustainable growth and collaboration – and how Launchpad has been ‘instrumental’ in the rapid development of the organisation
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Tell us about your company?
Affinity 2020 CIC works with care experienced young people in Rotherham. Affinity 2020 was created by three experienced educational leaders, who want to tackle the gaps in support for care experienced people.
When did you first decide to start up on your own and what inspired you?
As both a dyslexic person and a foster sister, I understand the challenges traditional schooling can present.
Barbra Crawshaw is a trained foster carer and special educational needs leader from one of the most disadvantaged areas in Rotherham and knows how opportunities can change lives. Sam Kirtly is an educational leader who as a young child secured a top scholarship to an independent school, which helped launch her own educational journey out of disadvantage.
Our collective experiences inspired us to conceive Affinity 2020 in September 2019, with an appetite to support care experienced young people locally. To date, we have collaborated with 15 partners and worked with more than 120 young people through our different projects. COVID has not blocked our work in supporting young people. We are very proud to have secured over £41,000 in funding for our work to date.
How has Launchpad helped you?
Launchpad has been instrumental in the rapid development of the organisation from concept to reality. The workshops that are on offer from Launchpad really supported us in drilling down and creating our business model, which is rooted in social change.
Each unit was specifically tailored around growing a new business. Our business coach Julia Millea is exceptional – her knowledge of developing business concepts into the startup stage demonstrates true excellence. One-to-one support from Julia helped us shape our products and services, which has continued as we are growing. Julia is skilled in business coaching truly understanding how to work with innovators. I would recommend the programme to anyone who has a concept they want to explore.
What are your hopes and aims for the business?
Our audacious goal is to provide £1000 of cultural and leadership opportunities for care experienced young people in Rotherham, by 2030. We wish to grow sustainably, keeping at the heart of our work collaboration not competition with all local and
CHARLOTTE ELLIOTT, CEO OF AFFINITY 2020 CIC
national partners.
Launchpad advisor
Julia Millea said: “It’s been a pleasure working with the Affinity 2020 team and it’s no surprise to see them making such a promising start. They’ve worked hard to turn their initial ideas into a unique offer, making the most of the broad range of free specialist support available through the Launchpad programme.
“Starting and growing a business is not easy and that’s why the Launchpad programme was created. Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and our partners means there is no cost to the entrepreneur, so we can get straight to work on turning those dreams into reality.
“Stop dreaming and do it. Contact us for information now on 03330 00 00 39 or email growthhub@ sheffieldcityregion.org.uk.”
OUR LOCKDOWN HERO, CAPTAIN TOBIAS RAISED £150,000! David Vernon-Edwards, director of The Children's Hospital Charity, shares how lockdown hero Tobias Weller’s ‘remarkable determination and generosity of spirit’ in his marathons has touched the hearts of people around the world
Back in April when everything changed, when only key workers went to work and the rest remained at home and we were encouraged to go out once a day for exercise, nine-year-old Tobias Weller decided to use his daily exercise to make a big difference.
Tobias has cerebral palsy and autism and before he started his challenge could only manage 50 metres with his walker, but he was soon able to cover 750 metres a day and his determination captured the hearts of the nation.
Over the past seven months Tobias has completed two marathons, walking (and running!) the length of his street, cheered on by his friends and neighbours.
He has become a media sensation and has been interviewed on news channels across the country, even making an appearance on ITV’s This Morning with Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes!
Tobias initially set out to raise £500 to be split between The Children’s Hospital Charity and Paces school. But, thanks to his incredible efforts, cheeky personality and inspirational challenge he has raised a whopping £150,000 in total.
David VernonEdwards, director of The Children's Hospital Charity
added: “Tobias’ remarkable determination and generosity of spirit in completing his two lockdown marathons has touched the hearts and inspired people not only in Sheffield, but across the country and around the world. Being joined by our charity patron and Olympic Gold medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill for the final stretch of his second marathon was a fitting finale for his summer of hard work. "We're very proud of him and all the staff at Sheffield Children's, whose excellent care continues to help children like Tobias to pursue their dreams every day. The £150,000 raised for Paces School and the hospital is a phenomenal achievement and we're so thankful to everyone who has supported the effort over the last six months.”
