Advance Brighter Futures (ABF) celebrated its pearl anniversary on Friday, October 7, with an open house event at the mental health and wellbeing charity’s newly renovated building at 3 Belmont Road, Wrexham.
The event was a big success, with many familiar and friendly faces coming together to celebrate the charity’s work in the community over the past 30 years.
Guests on the day included staff, trustees and volunteers from past and present, representatives from local organisations, people ABF has supported over the years, and friends of the charity.
“A DAY TO REMEMBER”
ABF’s Chair of trustees, Rick Bedson, said: “It was a brilliant event from start to finish and I want to thank Zoe and the team for working so hard in putting everything together. It was wonderful to see such a big turnout on the day with everyone in such great spirits. We also got to see some friends that we hadn't seen for a while, and they couldn’t believe the improvements that have been made to the building. Overall, it was the perfect celebration of all things ABF, which is what we hoped it would be, and most definitely a day to remember.”
“AN INCREDIBLE ACHIEVEMENT FOR OUR CHARITY”
ABF’s Business Development Officer, Zoe Whitehead, said: “30 years is such an incredible achievement for our charity, and we really wanted to celebrate in style, whilst also showing off the improvements we have been able to make to the building. It was especially lovely to celebrate it with so many of our valued guests, and to reminisce over the last 30 years. I would like to thank everyone involved who helped bring together such a wonderful event for the charity, including all the staff, volunteers, local businesses/organisations and the people we support.” Amongst the guests was Wrexham MS Lesley Griffiths who has been a big supporter of the charity’s work over the years. Rick added: “It was great that Lesley was able to attend as she’s been very supportive to us for many years. Welsh Government made a big commitment to us through its Community Facilities Programme, which has allowed us to massively improve the standard of our facilities, so it was very fitting to celebrate with her.”
A JAM-PACKED DAY!
Rick and Rowena (Engagement Officer and Lifestyle Coach) officially opened the newly renovated building with a ribbon cutting ceremony. A welcoming speech from Rick and Vicky Wright (Interim Chief Officer) then followed.
Next up, the surprise VIP guest was revealed to be Becca Butler, who had previously used the charity’s services. She told her inspirational story before showcasing her talent by singing ‘She used to be mine’ from the musical ‘Waitress’, and ‘Somebody to love’ from the musical ‘We Will Rock You’.
Becca explained in her story how her poor mental health stopped her being able to do the things she loved – like singing and acting - but coming to ABF gave her back her confidence. The event was the first time she had performed as ‘Becca’ in over two years. Zoe explained: “The whole room was moved by Becca’s emotional performance, and some were even moved to tears. The charity would like to extend an extra special thank you to Becca for sharing her story and performing for us and our guests on the day. It was a real highlight.” Then later, one of ABF’s founding members, Rosemarie Williams spoke passionately about the history and future of the charity.
In the Art Room, guests could add a Mental Health Pledge to a garland to support and celebrate World Mental Health Day (October 10). Some wonderful pledges were made and it’s something that will be treasured and displayed proudly in the ABF building.
Throughout the day, guests were able to visit the different rooms around the building where they could learn about ABF’s Allotment/Board Gaming Group, the PRAMS Project, as well as meet ABF’s Talking Therapist’s and hear more about the one-to-one services.
Plus, there were fun games people could take part in, including ‘Guess the ABF Baby’, ‘The Jammy Dodger Guessing Game’ and ‘The Screwball Scramble challenge’.
And between 12pm-3pm, despite the weather not being on their side, ABF’s dedicated team members Matt Humphreys and Ben Williams cycled 30 miles to celebrate the anniversary.
£235 RAISED
There was also a raffle which along with the sponsored bike ride and other activities at the event raised a total of £235 that will go towards supporting local people in the community.
Raffle prizes were donated by Perfect Image Hair, EmzCakes, The Entertainer, Just Desserts (Tŷ Pawb), Candylicious (Tŷ Pawb), The Sugar Spot, Plas Madoc Leisure Centre, Head Office Creative Hair, The Bank Small Plates Restaurant and Banana Bens.
Staff, volunteers, trustees, the Co-op community team, Brymbo FC, Plastipak, Asda Wrexham, and local businesses Bevsbeenbaking and Lakeside Bakes donated cakes, sweets and refreshments. A local student, Abbey Beck also kindly volunteered her time to the charity to take photographs of the event.
Zoe added: “We were overwhelmed with the generosity of local businesses, volunteers and staff who dedicated their hard work, time, effort and money into donating raffle prizes, cakes, sweet treats and drinks for the event. Everyone’s support was really appreciated." To learn more about Advance Brighter Futures and its services please visit www.advancebrighterfutureswrexham.co.uk
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