Trending named runner-up at North East Young People’s Awards
Actes was recently recognised at top regional award ceremony for its Trending clothing bank, which is designed to help those in need.
Trending Middlesbrough, which describes itself as a new concept clothing bank, was a runner-up in the Social Action category at the North East Young People’s Awards 2017, which culminated in a glittering award ceremony at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Arts last night (Thursday 18 January).
Trending is operated by Actes and is funded by Talent Match Middlesbrough's Innovation Fund and through Middlesbrough Council. It opened in June 2016 to provide quality clothing to help young people be better equipped for employment, education and training, as well as to help other individuals in need. The need for the service was identified by Actes’ own client group, Talent Match young people, who had recognised that young people wanted to access second hand clothing items in a more dignified way.
Trending comprises of a boutique inspired store located at Bowes Road Industrial Estate, a ‘Trending on Wheels’ outreach service and a Facebook page where people can view and bid for items online.
To date, Trending has supported over 600 people who have received around 2500 items of quality clothing. Beneficiaries include Talent Match young people aged 18 to 24 who have been helped with interview wear, homeless people, those fleeing domestic violence and many other individuals and families in need.
Trending has had additional benefits, beyond the immediate needs of its clients. Engagement with the local College and University provided work experience opportunities for over 40 young people. Trending is therefore helping to tackle obstacles to employment for young people both directly through work-experience opportunities and indirectly by promoting increased confidence and self-esteem.
The North East Young People's Awards recognises and celebrate the successes of young people from across the region over the past 12 months.
Commenting on being a finalist at the awards, Sandra Phillips, chief executive at Actes, said: “We were delighted to be a runner-up in the Social Action category of the North East Young People’s Awards for Trending, which has had a significant impact on the wellbeing of young people and other people in need within the local community.
“This recognition, which follows Trending’s success at the Royal Society for Public Health awards, is true testament to the hard work of the team that run the service and our project partners and funders. We have already helped over 600 people to access quality clothing in a dignified way and hope we hope that many more people in need are able to benefit from this support.”
Gateway North East was named winner of the Social Action category for its Stars and Mini Stars project.
For further information about Trending please contact Tel: 01642 858 050, Email: paul.wales@actes.co.uk or visit the website https://www.actes.co.uk/health-wellbeing or Facebook page /TrendingMiddlesbrough. Follow Actes Trust on Twitter @ActesTrust