About this Kane FM story
This Friday Red Apple Events is hosting an ‘Evening with Ricky Hatton & Frank Bruno’ from 7pm at the Princes Hall in Aldershot. The event is being held in aid of The Amber Foundation which is a local charity supporting young people who are homeless and unemployed to live independent and fulfilling lives. The evening will feature a master of ceremonies and comedian, an auction and raffle and interviews with boxing legends Frank Bruno and Ricky Hatton.
The Amber Foundation offers a fresh start for homeless, unemployed young people aged 17- 30. At three residential centres in Devon, Wiltshire and Surrey, they work with around 200 young people each year for an average of six months. They offer a temporary, safe place to live - in a community of around 30 peers - and deliver a structured blend of support, training, new experience and opportunity that encourages young people to move forward positively.
Many of their residents are ex-offenders or recovering from substance misuse or mental health problems so we work closely with a wide range of statutory and voluntary agencies to ensure they have a bespoke, practical programme of activities that addresses their individual needs and focuses on their strengths and their aspirations.
Ultimately, their aim to inspire each individual to find the self-belief and determination to take responsibility for their life, achieve their key goals and move on to employment or further training and safe, sustainable accommodation.
Keith’s Story
Keith came to Amber back in 2014. He had been homeless for some while and had lived a life of crime, drugs and alcohol.
“My life has transformed dramatically since I came to Amber. I was in a very dark place with my past life. Even from when I first came here I was totally different. Amber has helped me grow, supported me with my life in developing new skills. It’s an amazing feeling; it gave me a chance to change my life. I have a bank account, a provisional driving licence, all the things I just never had. Amber has helped me find my passion in working with food, it has given me my independence again and it has opened doors to job opportunities”.
Wanting to follow his passion in working with food, Keith started to volunteer at a local pub as a way of increasing his knowledge in food and building his skills. His hard work and commitment led him to apply for a job which he now has as chef de partie. This has meant he has been able to successfully move on from Amber.
Keith explains “I love everything about the job I do; I love being creative, I love cooking, I love the pressure in the kitchen and I love seeing empty plates. I have come from a bad place to where I am now. If you want something enough, you can have it. The buzz I get out of work is better than any drug or alcohol. To plate up food and see people come in and say ‘wow’ is just amazing. It’s hard work and long days but it is definitely worth it”.
We are extremely grateful to all those attending this evening’s event, taking opportunity to learn more about our work with young people and kindly supporting our cause.
If anyone is interested in learning more about the Amber Foundation please visit: Website: www.amberweb.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmberFoundation/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/AmberFoundation
If you would like to visit one of our centres, please call us on 01306 627927 - we would be delighted to hear from you.