The inspirational James Aspden has pledged to undertake The Yorkshire Challenge which will see him take on an impressive 100km challenge across Yorkshire to help raise some much needed funds to support the efforts of Merseyside Community Training (MCT). To complete the challenge, James will need to complete the following:
- Day 1 – Southern Loop - Saturday 23 July 2022 - 50km & 930m climb
- Day 2 – Northern Loop - Sunday 24 July 2021 - 50km & 900m climb
Staying true to KOAP's vision "Our vision has always been to help organisations create a psychologically safe environment where diversity and inclusion are acts of kindness and curiosity every day." James has accepted this demanding challenge and has agreed to offer all funds raised to support MCT in achieving their mission.
MCT are delighted to have a continuous partnership with KOAP as they bring so much to MCT that supports the personal development of local young people: "KOAP are pleased to announce their partnership with Merseyside Community Training, a not-for-profit organisation that helps the most disadvantaged out-of-work young people in Liverpool City Region onto the road to employment by offering them work experience placements with local organisations."
Now, more than ever, there's a need for MCT to extend its reach and support the thousands of young people who are needing to achieve their employment and business ambitions, as we aspire to change lives for the better through employment coaching and mentoring and will work for a sustainable future for all who they engage with.
In the words of one of our young entrepreneurs, Dionne, who gives an insight of her time at MCT:
"I'm seriously proud of myself for once, and my fellow young entrepreneurs! I’m still mentally processing the expo, but we all smashed it! Growing up with severe mental health issues, especially anxiety, I couldn’t picture myself ever having the confidence to pitch anything to anyone, never mind my own business to a school, a room full of investors/entrepreneurs & then giving a speech in front of everyone, which included the Mayor and Mayoress of Wirral & the representative of the Queen. I've smashed every goal I’ve set for myself this year and for the first time in my life I can wholeheartedly say I look forward to what the future has in store, as opposed to being terrified at the sheer thought of it.
Big, big thank you to Merseyside Community Training for giving me the means, the skills, and the confidence to hit targets I never thought were in my reach"
So far MCT have engaged with over 400 young people and empowered an impressive 51% to secure their positive destination. In recognition of our impact, MCT won the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Culture and Creativity Award for Future World of Work.
We still have a long way to go to reach the thousands of young people who are unemployed within our region, who are facing unprecedented challenges, making MCT more relevant and important than ever. To make this a reality we need your support to extend MCT's reach to all young people, from all backgrounds, to benefit both them and the wider community.
Thank you James for taking on this challenge, that will support young people who are forced to overcome personal challenges each and every day.