Carney’s would like to formerly welcome our new Lead Keyworker Layla, who joined Carney’s in March 2023 after having spent the last year studying for an MSc in Youth and Community Work, whilst working as a Youth Worker in Westminster.
Layla has experience working in a range of industries including retail, health and fitness, and personal care. A large part of her ten-year career as a hairdresser involved mentoring young apprentices in their transition from education to the world of employment which she found to be hugely rewarding, witnessing the growth in confidence, and seeing the developing of skill sets through their difficult journeys from apprentice to junior stylist. This encouraged her to seek a more prominent role working with higher risk young people in need of further support.
Layla also values the importance of fitness regarding both physical and personal development which is what attracted her to the safe space that is Carney’s after seeing the positive effects achieved through boxing.
Having previously completed a degree in Psychology, and a Level 3 in Counselling Skills, Layla is passionate about people and working to impact positively on their mental health and well-being. She has also spent time volunteering across different youth clubs to give an insight into varied methods adopted in different environments to enhance her professional practice.
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Clifton “Gad” Edmondson, who was a big member of the community and used to come and cook for Carney’s participants every Christmas (always putting any payment he received in the donation pot). He will be sorely missed.
Our participants have had numerous successes in the last month, with a combination of achieving at school, getting into university, gaining employment, volunteering and many have won awards through either Carney’s or the Jack Petchey Scheme, here are a few of the winners.
Carney’s hosted Fitzroy Lodge ABC’s 1st show of the year on the 30th April. We had a number of amazing bouts, with all of the boxers representing themselves brilliantly. However, the bout of the day had to go to Fitzroy Lodge’s Jericho Reginaldo vs Hawley’s Christian Edano, with both boxers intense work rates leading to a tight points decision in favour of Reginaldo.
Big thanks to all of our volunteers on the day and to Mcdonalds who provided fruit and water for all the boxers.
Applications for 2023’s Make My Mark Awards open on June 5th. This is an exciting opportunity for participants aged between 18 and 25 years old to apply for a grant of up to £3,000 to use towards any number of individual projects. Project ideas could range from, developing or growing a business or community programme in their local area, covering the costs of a training course to taking part in or organising a sporting activity. Not only do award winners receive a grant, but they are also matched with a mentor to help guide them through the development of their chosen project.
** Applications are open from Monday 5th June – Friday 30th June **
We will be holding an open evening Monday 12th June from 6pm at Carney’s for anyone who is interested to find out more!
Speak to Layla if any assistance with applications is needed.
We have another fundraising fortnight, with The Big Give, which will take place from the 6th – 20th June. We will send out more details on the day, but any online donations, made via a special link we will release on the day, will be matched by Champions for Children. All funding will go towards our core key work, boxing and mentoring program.
Our CEO was invited to present at the Wandsworth Mayor’s leaving event, which was dedicated to those supporting the Wandsworth Community. We joined a number of other excellent charities to promote the work we do and our ethos, as well as some of our successes. We thank Mayor Jeremy Ambache, for his service to the community over the past year and look forward to welcoming the new Mayor, Juliana Annan.
One of our participants got the opportunity to meet an old friend of Carney’s Community, Anthony Joshua, at the launch of the new Under Armour Store in Battersea Power Station. AJ had a message for Frankie and the boxers at Carney’s, saying to “Keep up the good work”.
A big thankyou to the Willow Nursery, who did their annual “Sponsored toddle” to raise donations for Carney’s. They managed to raise over £1,000 to go towards our core work.
We’d like to thank Beauty Box, who have donated toiletries for us to pass on to our participants, alongside the food care packages we already provide .
