Blenheim Palace is strengthening its links with Oxfordshire Youth as part of a new long-term partnership which will see them generate £50,000 a year for youth development.
The money from the new five-year partnership will go towards improving the lives of young people affected by disadvantage, through increasing education, employment, and training opportunities.
Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Oxfordshire Youth is the leading charitable organisation for the youth sector in the county.
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Its links with the Woodstock stately home go back more than 60 years.
In 2011, Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill became President and she remains closely involved in supporting the work of the charity.
Heather Carter, operations director at Blenheim Palace, said: “ Blenheim and the Spencer-Churchill family has had a long and very close relationship with Oxfordshire Youth.”
“This new agreement underlines our close association and our commitment to working together to address the many issues facing young people today.”
As part of the partnership Oxfordshire Youth will offer learning and development opportunities to apprentices at Blenheim, provide Blenheim staff with free access to educational workshops and a range of informative sessions on youth issues which will empower employees who are parent or carers.
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“With Blenheim’s support, the future of Oxfordshire’s youth looks incredibly promising, ensuring that whatever background young people grow up in, they will have the opportunities, support and skills needed to grow into successful, happy, and healthy adults, leading successful lives, giving back to Oxfordshire, and creating a better future for all,” said Emmy O’Shaughnessy, Director of Innovation and Growth at OY and Deputy CEO.
“The funds raised will be directed towards expanding our leadership and employability skills programmes for disadvantaged young people, accreditations and qualifications for young people at risk of homelessness, and expanding our mental health and wellbeing offer to children and young people across Oxfordshire,” she added.
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As part of its support, Blenheim also hosts an annual fundraiser for OY in December which raises around £12,000.
For more information on the work Oxfordshire Youth carries out visit oxfordshireyouth.org .
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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF
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