FYA Annual Festive Event!

Our annual winter event took place on Saturday 16th December at Indian YMCA. Guests were entertained by brilliant talented performances, a crowd favourite – BINGO, facepaint and a brillaint photobooth. Tables included ways to connect with fellow guests as well as a delicious roast dinner shared. 

At the beginning of the event,  43% of attendees reported their sense of community belonging as 8 or more out of 10. After the event 62% of guests reported their sense of community belonging as 8 or more out of 10 and there was a 56% increase in sense of community belonging overall (one of the highest increases this year!). 90% of guests rated the event good or brilliant, with 67% rating brilliant.

I am writing to say how very, very much I enjoyed this afternoon’s Christmas lunch, and how very grateful I am for your invitation, to what was, as I say, was a hugely enjoyable afternoon.

Thank you so much again for this year Xmas lunch and activities. A perfect start of the weekend and festive days to follow. And a very big thank you to all the volunteers.

Lovely warm environment and appreciate how much effort is made!

The Bingo and the food are my highlight – but the best thing is the friendly staff and volunteers! Big thank you to you all

The photobooth was wonderful! We were able to get some lovely photos together. People often forget how expensive it can be to get nice photos of family together, so this was wonderful.

Today truly lifted my sprit. Good afternoon with family, fun games of bingo and the kids were happy!

Ellie made it so I made new friends today! She knew exactly what people to sit me with and I am so glad – it was my first time and this event is brilliant, getting to meet other members of the community.

The event was organised by a group of young people, working together since October to bring the event to life and they were joined by 30 young people as stewards and performers. They have all achieved brilliantly, developing lots of skills and acheived AQA certificates in event management, customer service and leadership. We are very proud of them and how they considered what the individuals and families might want or need this year considering the continuing cost of living impacts.

We also had some corporate volunteers from Mogan Sindall join us for a volunteer day to help action the stage props the group asked for, taking the time to wrap the present props and create the sign the young people designed for the back of the stage.

Thank you to Clarion Futures for supporting this group!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5oN8sHH4RI