New Charity Ambassador Looks to Business Community to Create Partnerships

Inspire Chorley Youth Zone has appointed Andrew Dunn as a trustee and Partnerships Director to help raise awareness of the charity, especially amongst the town’s business community.

Inspire has been helping 1,000s of young people in Chorley since opening its doors in May 2018.

It provides a safe environment for them to spend time with friends, enjoy a nutritious hot meal and escape the pressures of normal life to focus on their own development.

The charity, which has to raise more than £1million to operate, relies on the fundraising efforts of the local community and businesses. Andrew, who is Client Relationship Director at law firm CG Professional, will help by building relationships with the business community.

Andrew Turner, Chair of Inspire, said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew onto the Inspire Board as a trustee and Partnerships Director. Andrew will be a huge asset to the board.

“As a local business owner there is really no better feeling than supporting the next generation. Every single penny at Inspire Youth Zone is focussed on achieving the best outcomes for 1,000s of local children so we know absolutely that our investment is very well spent.

“Inspire changes lives, it is that simple, and I would wholeheartedly encourage any business to contact Andrew and get involved.”

Janine Blythe CEO at Inspire says the need for Inspire is greater than ever before. “Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more young people who are really struggling and some children in incredibly desperate situations.

“It’s one of the reasons we offered free attendance and food over the summer holidays, to make sure they know they can not only come to Inspire and get the help and support they need, but they can also get a hot, cooked meal, something they aren’t necessarily guaranteed when schools close for the summer.

“However, we are a charity, and we get no statutory funding at all, which is why I am especially excited to welcome Andrew onto our board of trustees. Our partnerships with local businesses and the community are the only reason we are able to support thousands of local young people. Our partners really do help us to change lives, and sometimes, even save lives.”

Andrew said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be helping Inspire as a trustee. I was born in Chorley and I’m extremely proud to be a part of it. I recognise how important it is for the business community to support our young people and if I can facilitate that happening, then I’m more than happy to do so.

“Businesses that get involved with Chorley Youth Zone are making a positive impact to the lives of Chorley’s young people — and ultimately their future workforce.

One in three young people from Chorley and the surrounding areas regularly visit the Youth Zone and Lancashire Police have commended Inspire for their work helping reduce youth anti-social behaviour across Chorley.