慈善部 | Eikon:改变生活,从启发儿童和年轻人做起

讲座信息

  • Presentation Title: Inspiring children and young people, transforming lives
  • Time: Monday 17/05/21 8:00pm
  • Presenter: Nigel Blair MBE
  • Host: Minnie

01 About The Eikon Charity

The Eikon Charity supports children and young people to overcome difficulties, become resilient and develop into confident adults who contribute positively to their communities.

Wherever a young person is on that journey and whether they’re feeling good about life or are really struggling, we’re there for them. We believe in their potential.

We invest in young people and give them the skills to respond positively to life’s challenges. We believe in prevention, and where that’s not been possible, in helping early on, before a concern becomes a crisis.

We work with young people directly in schools and communities across Surrey and beyond, one-to-one, in groups and clubs – and with and through partners, supporting them to deliver services that improve young people’s physical and emotional wellbeing and mental health. We work in partnership with schools, communities, health & social care and other organizations because we believe that working together works.

We recognize that the environments, systems, and people surrounding young people play a huge role in achieving the best outcomes for them. So, we work collaboratively with others to understand and shape those influences on their lives and the services that we and they provide. We help other organizations in their work by providing resources and working alongside them to develop whole system and whole-school approaches to wellbeing.

We recruit and train volunteers, releasing the potential of our communities to come together to support young people.  And we actively involve young people in the design, delivery, and evaluation of our work.  We always put young people first.

02 Interview of Nigel Blair

Why do you choose to devote your time to Eikon?

I was fortunate to have a very stable childhood with supportive parents, this is not the case for so many young people.  Being able to be a small part of turning young people’s lives around is so rewarding and gratifying.

I know you have been awarded MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) as recognition of your work at Eikon. Could you please tell us a little bit about it?

I knew nothing about it until a letter arrived on one Saturday morning in April 2016. It was formally announced on Queen’s birthday honors list in June later that year.  That took place at Windsor Castle in December where I was fortunate to have the Queen herself make the award.

What challenges have you encountered?

A big personal challenge was that of time.  Being a Chair of Trustees of a Charity is a big responsibility and takes up a lot of time. Fundraising and finance were other challenges. 

What was your best moment while working for Eikon?

Attending a weekend outdoor activities residential being alongside young people was a great experience.  Other highlights have been listening to young adults speak at events explaining how Eikon was there to support them when and journeyed with them overcoming major issues in their lives.