It’s an inspiring time for documentary maker and TV presenter Reggie Yates, as he has recently visited three UK project groups to help building stronger communities in Enfield, Wigan and Canterbury.
To celebrate the 550 UK projects receiving funding from the Aviva Community Fund, Reggie together with Aviva went to see Rhema Arts School, Embrace Wigan and Leigh, and Kent Refugee Network.
Each community group Reggie visited engaged with him in a unique experience, showing what they do. In Rhema Arts School in north London (a non-profit group), they use performing arts as a way to help support young people at risk of exclusion, and to bring them back on track.
For Reggie’s visit, the children were encourage to produce their own spoken word pieces and perform them – a booster for confidence and presentation skills.
In Wigan, love was in the air, as Reggie embraced a charity dedicated to support disabled people to find love. The 35-year-old presenter sat amongst the group as they discussed the dos and don’ts of dating, and learned how the group provides a dating agency service to help disabled people find love.
And in Canterbury, Reggie Yates had the chance to observe some drama, courtesy of young asylum seekers at Kent Refugee Action Network. As well as providing a drama club, the organisation provides literacy, numeracy, IT and culture classes to help you asylum-seekers and refugees develop life skills and a sense of independence. An alumnus of a drama club himself, Reggie knows first hand how useful engaging in drama at a young age can be.
‘As a product of a community drama club, I know the positive impact these organisations can have,’ he explained.
‘I wouldn’t be in the position I am today if it wasn’t for my experience at the Anna Scher Theater. I loved visiting these groups and experiencing first-hand the inspirational, life-changing work people across the UK are doing for their communities.’
Tom Daniell, who is the UK retail & Brand Director at Aviva, commented: ‘This year, Aviva is going beyond just providing funding; we are offering our skills, knowledge and connections to help build stronger communities together, and are proud to support the groups who work so hard to make a difference in their local area.’
Aviva Community Fund issues fundamental support for those causes and projects that aim to boost the strength of community. And now in its fourth year, the Aviva Community Fund saw 3,300 projects submitted with hopes of securing funding from £1,000 up to £25,000 for their cause. Project submitters called upon local supporters to champion projects, and an incredible four million votes were placed this year.
To watch all of Reggie’s visits, click here.
Words by Maysaa Jankara
