Author: Caitlin Herman

Ring of Steall and Ben Nevis Challenge

Tuesday 25th June 2019

Chief Executive Chris Hickford will lead a crack team of adventurers to tackle Ben Nevis and the Ring of Steall – 28th to 30th June 2019

 

On the weekend of the 28th to the 30th June, some of Eikon’s most committed and brave supporters will be taking on a mammoth challenge in order to raise much-needed funds for Eikon’s vital, award winning work with young people.

Based upon a classic route set in the Mamores mountains, but with the added challenge of ascending Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, this physically very demanding test of endurance includes 8,500 feet of ascent!

Please encourage participants with a donation – and make a real and lasting difference to the lives of young people who are very much in need of Eikon’s support. Thank you. You can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ros

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Ben Nevis

Downing Street Reception for Eikon

Wednesday 12th June 2019

Eikon CEO Chris Hickford and Chair Jenny Griffiths OBE with Philip Hammond, Chancellor of the Exchequer and MP for Runnymede and Weybridge

We had a wonderful evening at the end of February when we were guests of the Chancellor of the Exchequer at 11 Downing Street. Eikon’s constituency MP, Philip Hammond, hosted this prestigious event in which we were able to thank our current supporters and introduce new potential donors to Eikon’s work.

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Eikon CEO Chris-Hickford and Chair Jenny Griffiths OBE with Philip Hammond

The room was packed, as two ‘Eikoniks’ (young people helped by Eikon) told their immensely powerful life stories. They explained the almost unimaginable circumstances they’d experienced and how they’d been helped by Eikon’s dedicated staff. The impact on all those in the room was deeply moving and inspirational. Jenny Griffiths and Chris Hickford, Eikon’s Chair and CEO respectively, explained Eikon’s founding story, the reason for our existence and the principles and values that underpins all that we do.

Chris explained that early intervention and strong and trusted relationships with young people are the key ingredients that power the transformation we see in young people. Eikon is incredibly passionate that these principles remain at the core of every service offered to young people. Eikon will continue to lead with courage, resolve and by example in promoting prevention and the strong bonds that young people need if they are to thrive.

The Chancellor also gave a very powerful endorsement of Eikon: “Over the past twenty years, I have seen Eikon grow from the small charity it started out as (the New Haw Youth Project), to the great charity it is today. This year, Eikon will support 15,000 young people across 132 schools.”

He commended Eikon for being well run and retaining the passion and commitment to the wellbeing of young people throughout the twenty years. He encouraged those who were curious about Eikon’s work to become committed donors to it.

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Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Early Intervention

Eikon continues its role delivering child and adolescent mental health services on behalf of the Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Eikon has successfully built, led and managed a partnership with four other Surrey organisations: Step by Step, Relate West Surrey, Learning Space and Heads Together ─ part of the YMCA East Surrey.

The Eikon Partnership was initially commissioned to deliver a preventative programme in schools and one-to-one early intervention for 600 children and young people. However, since the start of the contract, in April 2016, there has been a very significant demand for therapeutic support for children, young people and their families, far outstripping the level of demand expected.

 

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Surrey Borders NHS Foundation Trust

The Partnership responded to this increased demand and in the last financial year, delivered 11,500 counselling sessions to over 2,100 children and young people. This proactive early intervention approach is at the core of how Eikon works. Getting involved before problems escalate is key to the success of the Partnership, particularly in an area of need that continues to grow.

We have also addressed the priorities for transforming Children and Young People’s mental health and emotional wellbeing services, as set out in Surrey’s own transformation plan and more recently in the Government’s Green Paper, by recruiting new staff to train as Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners (CWPs).

The CWPs are trained to deliver evidence -based guided self-help to young people experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and to parents of younger children experiencing anxiety or behavioural issues.

In addition to the ongoing delivery we are delighted to be involved in strategic discussions with Commissioners looking to the future development of this work in 2021, emphasising the importance of working collaboratively with Public and Third Sector Partners; an approach that Eikon has always advocated.

Head Smart – Wellbeing Ambassadors in schools. Delivering prevention & early intervention work such as this is a core principle of our work.

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Head smart logo

Work in Memory of Henry Suggitt highlighted on BBC Radio Surrey

Thursday 20th April 2017

This morning on BBC Radio Surrey Laura Suggitt gave an emotional account of her brother Henry’s death from a one time experience with drugs.

Laura and her family’s work with Eikon is outlined in the Autumn 2016 Eikonnect Magazine.

 

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Autumn 2016 Eikonnect Magazine

Head of Youth Work, Caroline Olivero was later interviewed on Drive Time highlighting how it is important we maintain the conversation with young people on drugs and offer them safe spaces to ask their questions.

In partnership with Henry Suggitt’s family Eikon want to enable young people across Surrey to gain information, knowledge and develop their own strategies to cope with pressures which may otherwise lead to drug taking

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Signposts to 'Happy', 'Thriving'. 'Resilient'

Surrey Young People under Increasing Mental Health Pressure

Thursday 26th January 2017

A few days ago the Prime Minister announced a new initiative to address the ever increasing numbers of young people suffering from mental health issues. Whilst welcoming the new proposals the local young people’s charity, Eikon, based in New Haw, expressed concerns. Eikon Chief Executive said “Young people need help now”.

“Eikon has been working in this area for over 21 years and demand for our services has never been higher. People who believe that Surrey is a leafy gladed, highly prosperous county do not see the underlying problems facing many of our young people”.

Recent reports have shown that 27,000 under 19s live in poverty. 12,000 young people act as the main carer for family members. 7 of the 11 boroughs rank in the top 10 nationally for hazardous drinking amongst adults. All 4 postcode areas in Surrey are in the top 15 nationally for unsecured debt. It is not surprising that these issues amongst many others are having a profound effect on young people.

Across the UK, young people are subject to a wide range of additional stresses. Of particular concern is family breakdown. Surrey has the highest divorce rate in the country outside London. Media pressure relentlessly urges the latest gadgets and fashions, a perfect body shape and lifestyle. 24 hour social media challenges their image and reputation, often from within their own peer group. Add to that family and school pressure to get the right grades. Sexting is becoming a new norm. In October The Times reported that 48% of girls between 13 -17 have sent “pornographic” pictures of themselves via social media. Increasing levels of online grooming and other forms of child sexual exploitation are constant concerns, as is self-harming.

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Boy in hoodie sitting

As Chris Hickford puts it: “It is not surprising that the number of young people experiencing mental health issues is rising rapidly. We exist to help young people navigate through all of these issues. It takes time and individually designed support programs can be short or long term. It needs to be relationship based. Gaining trust and belief. Young people tell us that they much prefer one to one support instead of becoming “patients” going through a process and being passed from person to person and from one organisation to another.

One of the government’s initiatives is to train teachers in schools to recognise the symptoms of mental health issues. Hickford agrees. “This is a good idea but what then? Into a system?” Eikon’s primary focus lies in putting trained Youth Specialists into schools where they are available to work with young people on a daily basis. Often the relationship will last for several years. They currently work in six schools in Surrey, working with over 1,000 young people a year. And it works. Peer group review has shown Eikon’s methods to be highly effective.

“Regrettably the demand for our services is increasing year on year” says Hickford and we need financial help if we are to grow to meet this need”

Eikon are running a campaign across social media to highlight the transformation in young people their preventative and relational approach delivers. To donate and support positive change today visit #eikonpositivechange.

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Chris Hickford

Charity of the Year success!

Tuesday 13th December 2016

Head of Fundraising for Eikon Natasha Iles, collected a cheque for over £9,000 from Bill Williams, Seniors Captain at The Drift Golf Club.

The Drift Golf Club chose Eikon as their Charity of The Year 2016/17 wanting to support Eikon’s work with young people across Surrey building resilience, strengthening well-being and raising aspirations.

As Seniors Captain Bill put the successful year down to well attended events, good weather and a collective engagement in Eikon’s aims.

The amount raised can deliver 12 months of early intervention for 35 young people, ensuring personalised and sustained support.

A huge Thank You from everyone at Eikon!

Picture of Bill Williams, Seniors Captain at The Drift Golf Club and Head of Fundraising Natasha Iles.

Bill Williams, Seniors Captain at The Drift Golf Club and Head of Fundraising Natasha Iles.

Eikon awarded £10,000 by BBC Children in Need

Thursday 20th August 2015

Today The Eikon Charity’s youth work team embarked on their annual residential trip to Devon; taking 23 young people away for a week of fun, learning and friendship building experiences! The Eikon Charity is delighted to announce that BBC Children in Need has awarded them a grant of £10,000, which has made this trip possible.

This residential trip and will help make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged young people right here in Surrey as it is aimed at helping young people who have difficulties with self esteem, risk-taking behaviour, emotional instability, economic and social deprivation and lack independent life skills. This trip will allow these vulnerable young people to engage with a different and completely new experience which will allow them to grow and develop as individuals. Half of the young people attending this residential trip are young carers, meaning they are heavily depended on within their household. Their caring duties mean that many of these young people have never spent time away from home, making this trip an incredible experience for them; allowing them to make new friends, whilst boosting their confidence and self esteem.

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Children doing outdoor activities

Caroline Olivero, Head of Youth Work at The Eikon Charity, said “We are so thrilled to have the opportunity to support more young people over the Summer months thanks to this generous grant from BBC Children in Need. With the recent government funding cuts, financial support like this is vital in ensuring more vulnerable young people are given better opportunities which will change the lives of many across Surrey”.

BBC Children in Need funding relies on the energy and commitment of thousands of fundraisers and supporters across the UK who donate their time and money to support the Appeal. Whether it’s through cake sales, wearing pyjamas to school or having a song and dance, every penny of the money raised goes towards supporting projects across the UK.

All grants go to projects working with children and young people living in the UK who may be affected by homelessness, neglect, abuse or poverty, or those who have faced challenges in their lives such as serious illness, disabilities and psychological disorders.

The Eikon Charity is very grateful for the support given by BBC Children in Need and are thrilled to have been able to take 23 young people away a residential trip on 21st August 2015.

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BBC Children in Need logo

Eikon Charity Wins National Award!

Monday 9th February 2015

In 2014 we were honored with a Centre for Social Justice Award. Eikon were the 2014 Award Winner in the CSJ’s “Early Intervention” category. This award marks the first time in our 20 year history that we have been recognised on a national scale for the transformational work that we deliver to vulnerable young people throughout Surrey.

The Centre for Social Justice is an independent think tank founded 2004 by the Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP. The fundamental hope of the CSJ is that every person, family and community in the UK is given every possibility to achieve their full potential. The CSJ is comprised of individuals with both policy-making and poverty-fighting experience and has formed an alliance with over 320 charities across the UK. This Alliance acts as a bridge between Parliament and the UK’s most deprived communities; the Eikon Charity has been a part of this Alliance since 2013.

The CSJ was awarded Prospect Magazine’s “Think Tank of the Year” in 2013, “Joint Think Tank of the Year” in 2009 and in 2008 was awarded “Best Publication of the Year” for its piece entitled, ‘Breakthrough Britain – ending the costs of social breakdown’.

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Social Justice logo

The annual CSJ Awards Programme recognises charities, small voluntary groups and local projects that display innovation and effectiveness in addressing the root causes of poverty, turning lives around and reversing social breakdown. The 2014 awards ceremony took place in Westminster on Thursday evening, October 23rd. In attendance were over 400 politicians, members of the media and many leading figures from throughout the voluntary sector.

The Eikon Charity was one of six charities to be recognised with a £10,000 cash award at the awards ceremony and was the award winner in the “Early Intervention” category. There were over 250 applicants for the awards this year. The award, presented by Rt Hon Nicky Morgan, was given to Eikon in recognition of the variety of innovative ways that we work with young people throughout Surrey, such as 1:1 mentoring in schools, youth centre work, mobile outreach, extensive school programmes, group work, youth development board opportunities and organised summer trips. The demand for our services is huge and growing. Last year we worked with over 3,000 young people from all corners of Surrey.

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Our CEO, Chris Hickford, says…

 

“We are delighted and very grateful to the Centre of Social Justice for this award. It recognises the transformational work that we do with young people and underpins the immense dedication of all our Eikon staff and army of volunteers. I thank them all”.

We are immensely proud to have received this award and wish to thank the CSJ for their formal recognition of the work that we do with young people throughout Surrey.

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https://youtu.be/m9QpMwdb2gI
CSJ Awards ceremony
CSJ Awards ceremony
CSJ Awards cermony

Opening of Our New Offices!

Sunday 16th November 2014

After several years of planning and six months of construction, our beautiful new offices at Fullbrook School were unveiled to the public during an official ceremony on Friday November 14th, 2014.

Supporters, distinguished guests, friends, employees and young people were all on hand for the Grand Opening. Guests were treated to tours of the offices, where interactive displays were set up throughout and manned by members of our Youth Teams and young people. This gave our guests an excellent opportunity to see first-hand the wide range of Programmes that we offer and the transformational results they provide.

Also in attendance were the talented members of the Fullbrook School Dance Band, who provided an impressive repertoire of live music for our guests to enjoy throughout the evening.

Speeches on the night were given by John Inverdale, (Honorary President of the Surrey Region of Wooden Spoon), Chris Hickford, (CEO, The Eikon Charity), Charlotte Grobien, (Managing Director, Give it Away Ltd) and Jenny Griffiths, OBE (Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Eikon Charity).

 

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John Inverdale and Chris Hickford

The official ribbon cutting was performed by (pictured from left to right): Caroline Fraser, (LandAid), John Goodrum, (The Chertsey Combined Charity), Paul Taylor, (Wooden Spoon), Julian Smith, (Maris Interiors) and Charlotte Grobien, (Give it Away, Ltd).

The new bright, professional and welcoming offices are already making a significant difference to the young people we work with and the entire staff at Eikon. The demand for our services is huge and growing and the new facilities will enable us to expand both the range and quality of Programmes that we offer. This undertaking would not have been possible without the generous donation of money, materials, time and expertise from the supporters of this capital project. On behalf of all at Eikon and the young people we work with, a massive THANK YOU to:

  • The Chertsey Combined Charity
  • Give it Away Ltd
  • LandAid
  • Maris Interiors
  • Peter Harrison Foundation
  • Surrey County Council Councillors
  • The Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation
  • The Clothworker’s Foundation
  • Wooden Spoon
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Opening of new Eikon offices
Opening of new Eikon offices
Opening of new Eikon offices
Opening of new Eikon offices