On 30 June, we were delighted to welcome supporters from across Surrey to Brooklands Museum to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 30 years of The Eikon Charity. The event brought together trustees, volunteers, commissioners, partners, funders, businesses and individual donors who have played a vital role in our journey.
From humble beginnings in a single room at Fullbrook School, Eikon has grown into a thriving charity supporting young people across Surrey, with 71 staff, eight trustees and 43 dedicated volunteers. The evening was an opportunity to reflect on three decades of impact, recognise the collective effort behind our work and look ahead to the future of support for children and young people.
Thirty young people who have received one-to-one support from Eikon attended the event, representing the nearly 250,000 young people we have supported over the last 30 years. Three of them courageously shared their personal impact stories through words and music, moving the audience and demonstrating the life-changing difference that early support can make. 
Another highlight of the evening was a thought-provoking fireside chat exploring the challenges facing today’s young people. Joining the discussion were Lucy Ivankovic, Operational Director for Mindworks, Laura Wright-Smith, Certified Digital Wellness Educator, author and researcher, and Caroline Barnes, Youth Engagement Officer with Surrey Police.
Drawing on their expertise in mental health, digital wellbeing and youth engagement, the panel shared valuable insights into the growing pressures affecting children and young people, from rising anxiety and neurodiversity needs to the impact of online life. Across the discussion, all speakers stressed the need for early, joined-up intervention, strong partnership working and meaningful parental involvement. These themes reflect Eikon’s core approach: providing preventative support, working collaboratively across sectors, listening to young people and families, and helping children before issues reach crisis point.
Our Eikon Founder and CEO Chris Hickford reflected on the charity’s 30-year journey with gratitude, celebrating the thousands of young people whose lives have been touched by Eikon and thanking the volunteers, trustees, partners, funders and supporters who have helped make that impact possible.
He spoke passionately about the strength and resilience shown by the young people Eikon supports, as well as the importance of working together to help children and families before challenges reach crisis point.
Looking ahead, Chris acknowledged the growing pressures facing the next generation, from the impact of technology and social media to uncertainty about the future, and reaffirmed Eikon’s commitment to providing early, accessible support when it is needed most.
He closed with a heartfelt call for everyone to play their part in creating a future where every child and young person feels safe, supported, hopeful and able to thrive.
