On a World Of Work visit to One in a Million Corporate Partner Emerald Group Publishing back in 2023, Shipley attendee Kayleigh (aged 16), showed great interest in the world of books and connected with former Inclusion Lead, Danielle Ormshaw. Danielle, moved by Kayleigh's passion and potential, offered to mentor her.

“I just want to start by saying, having my own mentorship is an opportunity I never thought a girl like me would have. I will always value the relationship I have with Danielle because, not only is she a fantastic leader, she has become a wonderful friend.” (Kayleigh)

“On Wednesday at youth club, Kayleigh mentioned to me that because of the trip and all the encouraging comments she's received, she wants to go into publishing/journalism. I told her about the opportunity to be mentored by Vicky (CEO, Emerald) & Danielle, to which she replied, "Really? For me?". Anna Mitchell, OIAM (Kayleigh's Community Activator).

This was a completely unexpected outcome of our World of Work adventure and presented an incredible opportunity for Kayleigh, so we worked with our team to organise a formal mentorship.

“This mentorship has made my dreams possible. I want to say thank you to Anna (OIAM) and Danielle (Emerald Group Publishing) because without them it would never have been possible. They have helped me grow and pushed be to where I am today by allowing me to pursue my dreams.” (Kayleigh).

Kayleigh was incredibly excited and has been regularly visiting Emerald for 2 years ever since. With the guidance and encouragement of Danielle and the team, Kayleigh is writing a book about Dyslexia - something that is personal to her, as she and all her siblings struggle with it.

Now 17 years old, she's written 3 drafts of her introduction so far. During this time, Kayleigh’s confidence has flourished, and she has now decided to go to university! Danielle has supported Kayleigh with applications to 5 universities, and we are delighted to say that she has been accepted to her first choice!

“Creating my own work and working on my own book sounds unbelievable coming from my mouth, but luckily it is the truth. I can also proudly say that I am going to university.” (Kayleigh).

We'd like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all Emerald Group Publishing, and all our incredible Corporate Partners for your continued support and commitment to our children & young people. Kayleigh has transformed from a shy girl, who was struggling with college work and struggling to express herself, into a confident young lady who has found her voice and is ready to tackle university. A life truly changed!

“Having this opportunity has made me forever grateful as I am only getting closer to owning my own publishing company and without this help I would not be where I am today.” (Kayleigh).

A HUGE thank you to all of our corporate partners who supported our soft launch of the Change campaign. Pictured below are the wonderful teams at Azets & United Gas & Power. Brilliant effort!

Azets chose to use the occasion of Alan Wintersgill’s retirement lunch as an opportunity to donate funds for Change. Thank you Alan and Azets.

United Gas & Power got their work place ‘buzzing’ with a fantastic raffle and prize draw for all those staff. It was a wonderful team event!

One In A Million Charity has received a £20,000 boost to continue its work in Keighley thanks to funding from chemical specialist Airedale Group.

The funding will help One In A Million – which engages with children and young people in disadvantaged areas through sports, the arts and enterprise – to maintain its hub at the Sue Belcher Centre, Bracken Bank.

And the donation – has also provided training for one of the programme's young people, Daniel Pearson, to gain a qualification in youth work.

Craig McHugh, corporate relations executive with One In A Million, says: “The funding we have received from Airedale Group has been fantastic for the running of our much-needed Keighley hub. Our hubs are essential for us to be able to engage with communities that need our support the most, and to help break the cycle of deprivation.

"But the donation has also been transformational for Daniel. It has allowed him to gain a youth work qualification and begin his career with One In A Million, providing fantastic peer support for the other children we see at the centre. At just 16 years old, Daniel has already achieved great things, and he has an incredibly positive and exciting future ahead of him”.

Daniel says: "Volunteering with One In A Million has helped me find my passion for youth work. I help plan and develop sessions, and work with the kids club and youth club, and I have gained several qualifications – including for forest schools training, food hygiene and youth work. I love facing new challenges which take me out of my comfort zone, and with the team’s support I get to lead some of the sessions. Now I feel really excited about the future”.

Airedale Group managing director, Richard Ward, said the company was delighted to see the results of its community support and he paid tribute to the charity's work. He said: “It is incredibly rewarding to be able to see so clearly the benefit of the donations we make to our communities and to hear what Daniel has been able to achieve with the support of One In A Million. The charity provides a greatly-appreciated service in the community, which is making a meaningful difference to the lives of young people in the area”.

Cross Hills-based Airedale Group, which was established in 1973, provides products to an extensive range of market sectors across the UK and Europe.