Area Youth Foundation, Jamaica. Patron
Since 1997, the Area Youth Foundation has been changing the lives of young people and building bridges of friendship between the divided, marginalised communities of Kingston, Jamaica. AYF uses the enthusiasm for drama, music and dance amongst young men and women to teach skills which will enhance opportunities for employment and teach skills to deal constructively with conflict.
"I had heard about the work of Area Youth in Jamaica, but first saw them in action in the UK when they put on performances in north London amongst the black communities and in schools. Their talent and enthusiasm, bringing messages of peace amongst communities, was greeted with enormous excitement by audiences. Their vibrance and talent has to be seen to be believed, and I have been a committed supporter of their work since that time."
Black Boys Can. Patron
www.blackboyscan.co.uk
Bill Morris is Patron of Black Boys Can, a community-led organisation which aims to provide black boys with educational opportunities and valuable life skills as well as the self-esteem, confidence and determination to succeed.
"Raising black boys' awareness of the barriers which many of them face, and empowering them with strategies for overcoming those barriers, will pay dividends to the boys not only throughout their years at school but throughout their adult years too."
Breast Cancer Care.
www.breastcancercare.org.uk
Breast Cancer Care is the UK's leading provider of information, practical assistance and emotional support for anyone affected by breast cancer.
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Bill Morris's wife, Minetta, died
of breast cancer in 1990, and his support of Breast Cancer Care has included a contribution to their report: 'In it together' which is a resource for
partners of people with breast cancer:
"As someone with first-hand experience of this situation, I know the emotions that have to be faced. It affects your every-day life and your relationships; you cannot take in all the information that is being thrust at you. Personally, I now understand the importance of continuous communication with your partner." |
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Chance to Shine. Vice President
www.chancetoshine.org
A national appeal to revitalise competitive cricket in state schools, raising £25 million over five years through corporate sponsorship and private donors. The government is commited to matching the funding pound for pound. This money - potentially £50 million to be spent over ten years – will give cricket in state schools a massive boost.
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Member of the TUC
cricket team. |
When he was growing up in Jamaica, Bill Morris skipped lessons to play cricket:
"I was sure I was going to open the batting for the West Indies. Cricket has helped me to develop a sense of fair play - how to win and how to loose - and to learn the importance of being part of a team." |
Family Welfare Association. Vice President
www.fwa.org.uk
FWA works with some of the poorest families in the UK, giving practical and emotional support for individuals and families, including children and family centres, grants to families in need, educational grants advice and mental health services. |
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Relaxation with some young steel drummers. |
| "Something is wrong when we still need charities to provide grants for essential items like beds and bedding, clothing and cookers to some of the poorest families in the country. The Government is making a huge effort to end child poverty, but much more is needed. Since they were set up in 1869, FWA has reached corners of need in this country which others ignore - they are never afraid of being brave and imaginative." |
Jamaica Basic Schools Foundation (UK). Patron
www.blackukonline.com/black/126/online.html
The charity supports Basic Schools in Jamaica for children aged 3-6 by helping to provide facilities for the education, development and recreation of their students and the training and development of teachers. Basic Schools Education is central to the early childhood education programme in Jamaica, and there are over 1,500 basic schools that rely in large part upon voluntary effort and charitable contributions.
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| "I am proud to invest some time in Basic Schools education. We must invest in education because we cannot afford the cost of ignorance."
Refugee Council. Patron www.refugeecouncil.org.uk
"Now more than ever Britain needs an asylum and immigration policy that has integrity, not one that is dictated by hostile headlines or driven by fears about security and terrorism. That is why I am pleased to become a patron of the Refugee Council, which has taken a lead in supporting asylum seekers and refugees.
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Bill's birthplace in
Bombay, Jamaica. |
"Whilst holding office as General Secretary of the T&G, I worked closely with the Refugee Council to end the government's voucher scheme. I believe that refugees, like other immigrants, make a huge contribution to the UK, and we should be giving them opportunities instead of denying them basic rights. |
"The last general election turned into a bidding war between the political parties over who could be nastiest to asylum seekers. We need to keep working with the politicians to make them see how dangerous such policies are. The Refugee Council has a huge role to play in the years to come, and I will be supporting it in every way I can."
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Soweto, South Africa. |
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Terence Higgins Trust. Patron
www.tht.org.uk
The Terence Higgins Trust was one of the first charities to be set up in response to the HIV epidemic and has been at the forefront of the fight against HIV and AIDS. Terence Higgins was one of the first people in the UK to die with AIDS. The Trust was named after him, hoping to personalise and humanise AIDS in a very public way.
"The Trust believes that individuals and communities have the potential to change their own lives, and people living with HIV have always had a central role in the development of THT. This is an important principle which all organisations might follow. As a Patron, I am proud to be associated with their work, and I share their view that people are entitled to live as healthy a life as possible, free from prejudice, discrimination, isolation, hardship and distress."
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