Bridging Finance Solutions has strengthened its partnership with the Wirral youth charity, The Hive, through its continued funding of a full-time Mentor Co-Ordinator role.
This essential role at the Wirral-based charity has been threatened following cutbacks in local authority funding and support. This is the second year running that the BFS has thrown its weight to begin the Hive through financial support.
Steve Barber, Managing Director of Bridging Finance Solutions, explained: “Since forming our partnership with the Hive, we’ve been able to see first-hand the huge impact that the organisation has on the children and families that they work with, not only through mentoring but in so far-reaching and fundamental many ways.
“The Hive mentoring programme gives young people first-hand access to advice and support, which presents an essential lifeline for many. The work the Hive and its team do with so many children and families is invaluable, and its impact throughout the Wirral cannot be underestimated.
“We are committed to developing our partnership with the Hive and, for the second year running, will be funding a full-time Mentor Co-ordinator role and helping them meet their shortfall in funding.”
The relationship between BFS and Hive has evolved considerably during the past 12 months, and the business has begun working with the charity in other ways. From attending events – the next being the annual Wirral Social Ball – to delivering feed runs, painting, decorating and gardening, and so much more.
Steve continued: “Our entire team are now individually invested in the Hive and their work, and every single one of our staff has personally supported them in some way. I want to encourage staff to give up part of their working days for specific initiatives to show our practical and real-time help and financial support.”
More about the mentoring programme
The Mentoring Programme at The Hive Youth Zone provides mentor support for vulnerable and at-risk children and young people between 8 and 19 years old (up to 25 with additional needs and disabilities). It supports young people who are struggling due to family breakdown, exclusion from mainstream education or engagement in antisocial or criminal activity.
The program was borne out of the belief that every young person should have a positive role model in their life. Volunteer Mentors provide this for vulnerable young people who lead difficult and often complicated lives, building a relationship based on respect and trust.
This programme is a lifeline for young people. It increases confidence, builds their self-esteem, and supports them in making positive choices.