Shropshire Youth Awareness campaign tops £10,000 mark

The new Shropshire Youth Awareness Day which saw the county turn blue to show its support has so far raised more than £10,000 for youth charities across the county, and the amount is still rising.

High Sheriff of Shropshire Jane Trowbridge spearheaded the campaign to turn the spotlight on issues affecting young people, culminating in fundraising activities across the county on October 16 when supporters were urged to wear something blue.

Funds are still coming in from the many schools and organisations that took part in the campaign and the High Sheriff said that she hoped businesses across the county will also pledge to support the campaign with match funding.

“We had an amazing response from schools, groups and charities across the county who embraced the opportunity to highlight specific youth issues as well as raising funds for Shropshire organisations supporting young people and children. We have raised more than £10,000 and the funds are still coming in.

“The feedback has been fantastic and we will shortly be talking to our appointed youth ambassadors to decide how the funds should be spent,” she said.

A panel of youth representatives from across the region will work with Shropshire Community Foundation to allocate funds to charities and projects they believe will make the biggest impact.

The High Sheriff singled out the Haberdashers Adams’ Grammar School in Newport for particular praise after it raised over £2,000 with its efforts for Youth Awareness Day.

“That was just phenomenal. And then there was Wombridge Primary School in Telford which is much smaller but managed to raise £324. Everyone involved across the whole county put in a fantastic amount of effort,” she said.

George Davies of Shropshire Council’s youth services team described the campaign as an “absolutely fantastic achievement”.

“The youth awareness day was a true success. It was really lovely to see so many young people getting involved in their own communities and taking responsibility for it,” he said.

Support and congratulations also came from schools taking part in the campaign. Naomi Davies of Shrewsbury School said the school had thoroughly enjoyed engaging with the Youth Awareness Day and Mark Hignett of Lakelands School, Ellesmere said students had loved being part of the opportunities and activities.

“They have got so much from it,” he said.

The High Sheriff said that discussions had started on how to maintain the impetus of the campaign into 2026 and continue with both the fund raising and highlighting issues affecting young people and children.

“My term of office comes to an end in April but it would be wonderful to see the initiative continue into the future.

“Anything we can do to help the local organisations and community groups who look after the physical and emotional needs of young people in our county is very much needed,” she said.

Donations can still be made to the campaign through the Just Giving page and at the Youth Awareness Day Facebook page. Or by emailing at youthawarenessday@gmail.com