Bondholders’ support recognised at charity celebration

The support of a number of Marketing Derby Bondholders has been recognised at event celebrating the 20th anniversary of Safe and Sound.

The specialist child exploitation charity recently celebrated its landmark anniversary at a special celebration event held at Reach Events, on Pride Park.

Young people and families who have been supported by the charity joined staff and trustees at the event, as well as representatives from key partners including Derbyshire police, Derby City Council and local businesses who have supported the charity to mark the milestone.

As well as an auction, which raised more than £1,500 for the charity, awards were handed out to Safe and Sound’s supporters, staff and young people.

The Supporter of the Year, chosen by the young people working with Safe and Sound, was presented to Natalie Bamford from Colleague Box who, as well as raising thousands of pounds for the charity, developed the ‘Hope Box’ to provide young people with positive memories and activities.

Highly commended trophies were also presented to Wathall’s, Dains Accountants, Loates HR Consultancy, Cosy Direct and the Rotary Club of Derby.

The staff award went to Katie Turner who leads on a new service provided by Safe and Sound – Family Group Conferencing – which is a pilot programme delivered on behalf of the city council to help keep families together in times of crisis.

And the young person’s award went to a 16-year-old local boy in recognition of the courage he showed in bringing a perpetrator to justice.

Chair of trustees Mark Richardson, who is also a partner at BB&J Commercial, said: “The anniversary event was an incredible celebration of the charity but also a sobering reminder that child exploitation is a real and present threat to the safety and wellbeing of far too many young people and their families.

“We are grateful to everyone who has and continues to support the charity to ensure that our team will always be there when young people need us and that we can prevent exploitation where and however we can.”