A Christmas Miracle Has Been Granted.
Youth Adventure Trust Enters A New Chapter
The Brown and Brown Shifting Gears on Brain Health Donor Advisory Committee is delighted to announce that the Youth Adventure Trust (YAT) has been awarded a grant of £20,000 to support their expansion into the Somerset region.
In August 2023, Powell, Kellim, and Barrett Brown undertook a remarkable cycling challenge through the French Alps to raise awareness and funds for brain health—an initiative that encompasses mental health. The Haute Route Alps, held from August 20-26, is renowned as one of the toughest cycling events in the world. Spanning seven days, 470 miles, and climbing 66,000 feet through the mountains of France (from Megève to Nice), this incredible feat has generated millions of dollars to support nonprofit organisations focused on brain and mental health research, education, prevention, and treatment.
Since 2022, YAT has been proud to partner with Higos Insurance Services. This collaboration has involved Higos' participation in events, grant applications, awards, and volunteer support, significantly advancing YAT's mission and inspiring others to contribute to lasting change for vulnerable young people.
Rory Kennedy, Chairman of the Higos Charity Committee, expressed his excitement: “I am ecstatic for the YAT team to receive this award at such a pivotal time for them and their continued expansion.”
YAT is entering a new chapter with the introduction of their Resilience Programme, which was successfully piloted in 2023 and will be expanded into Somerset in 2025. Throughout 2023, 320 young people, aged 11-16, participated in YAT’s programs. Notably, 34% of these young people have a known mental health disorder, significantly higher than the 20% reported by Public Health England for UK children aged 8-16 in 2023.
The demand for YAT’s programs is growing. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis and severe cuts to youth services have left many young people with fewer opportunities to develop essential life skills, build confidence, and cultivate resilience. YAT is ready to meet this challenge, with plans in place to increase their capacity, invest in their team, and ensure the continued high quality of service that has become their hallmark. Their mission is driven by a deep commitment to positively impacting the lives of young people in need.
YAT's success is a collective effort. The YAT community of volunteers, donors, funders, and corporate partners plays a crucial role in inspiring and uplifting young lives. In a difficult landscape, the support YAT receives bridges the gap, offering vulnerable young people invaluable opportunities they might otherwise miss.
Louise Balaam, Director of Fundraising at YAT, concluded, “We are absolutely thrilled and want to express our heartfelt thanks to Higos for their support in recommending us for this award. This will significantly aid us in executing our Somerset strategy and enhancing the mental health of local vulnerable young people.
For charity and giving, it has to be Higos.
