Last week we were delighted to welcome Matthew Broadbent to our Keighley Youth Club, where he shared his powerful journey from “Buttershaw rogue” to firefighter and recording artist.

Speaking honestly about opportunity and ‘controlling the controllables’ - like self-discipline- Matthew’s story was truly inspiring.

The evening became especially memorable when one girl who now dreams of becoming a fire officer, tried on Matthew’s uniform, saying, “I’m in shock, I’m speechless, I don’t know what to say,” as everyone cheered her on.

Another young person who loves singing was invited to perform alongside Matthew, with the whole room encouraging her - WATCH HERE

It was a truly special night, showing how music and a safe space can lift confidence and bring people together. May we say a huge thank you to Matthew for giving your time, your passion and encouragement.

Families have been coming together at All Saints Church as part of Jamie’s Ministry of Food, an 8-week Cook & Eat programme bringing healthy eating, learning, and family connection together.

Each week, children and parents prepare and cook nutritious meals side by side. Four families are currently taking part — 10 young people and five parents — learning new skills while supporting one another and enjoying time together in the kitchen.

In a recent session, families focused on vegetarian cooking by making a four-bean chilli. Young people experimented with different beans and flavours, discovering a healthy alternative to a traditional mince chilli. It was great to see everyone getting involved and expanding their knowledge of new foods.

With just two sessions remaining, families are looking forward to 'sweet week' before finishing the programme with a visit to Darley Street Market, where they’ll receive a budget to buy ingredients and make healthy pizzas together.

Thank you to Inn Churches, Soraya, Julie, and All Saints Church for creating such a welcoming space where families can learn, connect, and grow together.

There's more on the menu- keep an eye out for further updates!

Our children and young people in Ju-Jitsu Development have been celebrating fantastic achievements at their latest belt gradings, reflecting their hard work, dedication, and growing confidence.

At the December gradings, newcomers Azan Ali, Waseem Chowdhury, and Mahidur Rahman proudly earned their White Belts, marking an exciting first step in their Ju-Jitsu journey. Jacob Thornton progressed to Orange Belt after demonstrating strong commitment in training. Congratulations also go to Daniel Mndima on achieving Green Belt, Shah Ishaaq Ahmed on Purple Belt, and Clinton Donnellan on Brown/White Belt — a brilliant achievement for all involved.

Sensei Mumtaz (Onna Ju-Jitsu), our Ju-Jitsu coach, shared:

“I’m incredibly proud of the young people. Their hard work, dedication, and determination have been outstanding. It’s a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when the wider community works together to support and inspire the next generation.”

Parents have also praised the positive impact of the sessions. Sarah Jane, whose daughter Mazie achieved her brown belt last spring and is now working towards her black belt, said:

“Sensei Mumtaz is one of the best coaches you can ask for. She has brought my daughter out of her shell and the confidence she has gained through Ju-Jitsu is incredible.”

Our Ju-Jitsu Development Centre continues to provide a safe, inspiring space where young people can build skills, confidence, and achieve their goals.

We’re delighted to introduce Pam as our new Young Person Support, Wellbeing & Development Lead.

Pam’s part-time specialist role focuses on supporting young people who may be facing challenges, helping strengthen their emotional and physical wellbeing while encouraging positive outcomes. Working alongside families, schools, and our community programmes, Pam helps young people build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

Through one-to-one support, small group sessions, mentoring, and practical guidance during difficult times, Pam creates space for young people to reflect, grow, and make positive choices.

She also runs short courses in our Kidz Club and Youth Club, exploring identity, values, and beliefs, where young people can earn certificates for their learning.

"Pam has been a great addition to the team! You can clearly see her heart for the children and young people. She shows our values of Compassion, Honesty, Integrtiy, and Excellence in abundance, and is always finding ways to encourage the young people through her calm, bubbly and positive demeanour." - Anna (OIAM Community Activator)

New Gymnastics Development Centre Launches

Over the past few years, our children and young people have loved visiting Bradford Gymnastics Centre during school holiday trips. From trying the bars and beams to bouncing on the trampolines, the enthusiasm has always been clear.

During February half-term, a group of girls from our Windhill Hub enjoyed another fantastic visit to the gym, trying new skills and growing in confidence. Chloe proudly shared, “Irene thinks I’m a natural at the bar!”

Seeing the passion and excitement our children have shown over the years, we decided to take the next step. At One In A Million, we want our work to be child-led — creating opportunities based on the interests and activities our children ask for.

We’re therefore delighted to have launched a brand-new Gymnastics Development Centre. The weekly Monday sessions now see 16 young people from our Woodside and Canterbury hubs attending, with numbers expected to grow.

From the first sessions, the effort and commitment have been fantastic, with coaches Irene and Caroline leading the young people through the fundamentals of gymnastics.

Parents have already shared their appreciation, with one saying their child has been so excited about the sessions they could hardly sleep.

Our young people are already looking forward to next week!

February Half-Term proved to be another week filled with fun, friendship, and new adventures. Our highlights include: 

Gymnastics: Another inspiring trip to Bradford Gym Club. 

"I want to come here everyday!" - Maya.

BCAFC vs Stockport County: An enjoyable 1-0 win for the Bantams!

"You need to bring us again!" - Scarlet.

Bowling: A classic still loved by our children and young people.

"I got a strike on my first go!" - Isaac

Ice-Skating: A first for some of the young people, all encouraging one another.

"Elloura is doing very well even though it's her first try." - Emilia.

Streetwise: Centres coming together to enjoy the beautiful game.

"The lads welcomed us all, it was great to see them integrating teams and getting along- a quality atmosphere." - Dave (OIAM Community Activator).

Our young people in Keighley recently celebrated the launch of a unique art installation created in partnership with Keighley Creative. Over several months, artists Lauren and Sian visited our Keighley Hub at the Sue Belcher Centre to work alongside our Youth Group, helping them design and build a giant interactive art bus that reflects their passions, memories, and community.

The idea for the project came from our OIAM minibus, which regularly takes young people on trips and activities during school holidays — including camping, seaside visits, and trips to the cinema. For many of our young people, the bus represents fun, friendship, and exciting opportunities.

Working closely with local artist Sian Atkinson, the group filled the bus with colourful artwork telling their stories. The installation explores their past, present, and future — celebrating memories of shared trips and friendships, showcasing their current interests like music and youth group, and expressing their hopes, dreams, and ambitions.

The artwork was created during weekly sessions at the Sue Belcher Centre before launching in November 2025 at Keighley Creative, where it was seen by more than 400 visitors. The installation has since been displayed across Bradford!

With special thanks Lauren and Sian from Keighley Creative for their passion and dedication in helping bring this special project to life.

This project formed part of an ambitious two-year engagement programme (April 2024–April 2026) led by Bradford Arts Centre, working in partnership with Keighley Creative, South Square Centre, and Bloomin’ Buds Theatre Company to create a network of creative venues across the Bradford district. The programme is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Cultural Development Fund. We at One in A Million were delighted to be chosen for a collaboration.

We were delighted to welcome Dr Sally Barber to our recent community staff meeting. Sally leads the physical activity research group at Born in Bradford and is a Research Director for the Join Us: Move Play Programme.

Born in Bradford is a world-leading research study tracking the health and development of thousands of children and families across the city. Walking with families from pregnancy through to adulthood, the project gathers data and personal stories to better understand why most people are happy and healthy, but some are not.

During the meeting, Sally shared how this research is informing policy across the UK and supporting communities across Bradford. One example highlighted is the low participation of teenage girls in outdoor activities, underlining the importance of safe spaces and accessible opportunities.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to Dr Barber for her time. It was a valuable and inspiring session for our team, strengthening our understanding of local research and how our work can better support the development and well-being of our young people and families.

To find out more about Born in Bradford, check out their website.

On Wednesday 11th February, we were delighted to host our annual One In A Million Charity Business Lunch at The Midland Hotel in Bradford. Sponsored by Complete IT Systems, Schofield Sweeney, Support 2 and T L Dallas, Business Lunch 2026 was our best yet, bringing together a packed room of Bradford business leaders united around one shared purpose: investing in the next generation.

The afternoon began with a welcome to guests, speakers and sponsors before our Co-Founder and CEO, Wayne Jacobs, reflected on 20 years of One In A Million. Speaking with honesty and passion, Wayne shared stories of resilience and transformation, highlighting the life-changing journeys of young people who have moved from disadvantage to opportunity.

Guest speaker Louise Ellis-Frankland, CEO of Mansfield Pollard, then shared her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to leading a global Bradford business, reminding us that culture and people are at the heart of lasting success.

After a delicious lunch and valuable networking, guests enjoyed a lively round of Heads & Tails, with the winner generously donating the prize value back to the charity.

Rebecca Fitzgerald, Director of Data & AI at Yorkshire Building Society and President of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, also spoke about her Bradford roots and the importance of keeping people at the centre of leadership in a rapidly changing world.

A panel discussion on 'When Business Meets Community' reinforced the power of collaboration between businesses and charities.

Thank you to everyone who attended, and to our sponsors and speakers for helping make the day such a success! Your support enables us to continue creating opportunities for children and young people across Bradford.

We were delighted to benefit from a fantastic community fundraising event at Bolton Abbey Village Hall at the end of January, where around 100 people gathered for a lively traditional Ceilidh in support of local charities.

The evening was organised by Addingham resident Sophie Pringle alongside friends Fiona Kelleher, Anna Nolan and Judy Patterson, who chose to support both One In A Million and Ilkley and District Good Neighbours. With music from the Wharfedale-based band Buttered Peas, guests enjoyed reels and ceilidh dances that kept the floor full throughout the night.

The village hall was decorated with tartan for the occasion, and guests were treated to a hearty supper of haggis, neeps and tatties. A raffle, featuring prizes generously donated by local people and businesses, helped raise an impressive £4,000!

Reflecting on the event, Sophie said: “We were delighted with the enthusiastic support from everyone involved. After a little rest, we will certainly consider running a similar event again in the future.”

Craig McHugh from One In A Million added: “This generosity means a great deal to us. It will help us continue providing safe and inspiring spaces where children and young people in some of Bradford’s most disadvantaged communities can grow, belong and thrive.”

Our sincere thanks go to Sophie, Fiona, Anna, Judy and all the volunteers who made the evening such a success and for choosing to support our children and young people. THANK YOU!

JOIN US FOR ONE OF OUR UPCOMING EVENTS - THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

SAT 21st March: Spring Sparkling Afternoon Tea 

SAT 27th June: OIAM 20th Anniversary Dinner

SUN 5th July: Dragon Boat Race (Booking available soon)

SAT & SUN 25th-26th July: Packetts Bike Ride

FRI 21st August: Annual Golf Day (Booking available soon)

TBC: Corporate Partner Thank You Dinner (Booking available soon)

Twenty years ago, One In A Million was founded with a simple but powerful belief: that every child and young person is unique and valued, and deserves opportunity, dignity, and hope.

In 2026, we will mark 20 years of community impact celebrating lives changed, communities strengthened, and the partners who have helped make it possible.

Please save the date and join us for an evening of celebration, gratitude, vision, and fundraising, set in the grandeur of the ballroom (at Bradford Live), as we look back with appreciation and forward with courage - ending the night with live entertainment and dancing as we step into the next chapter of lasting impact.

• Date: Saturday 27^th June 2026
• Time: 6pm onwards
• Location: Bradford Live, Ballroom

Sponsorship opportunities are available.

More details to follow.

For all enquiries, contact us at events@oneinamillion.org.uk