Since November, I’ve been battling a debilitating condition that has made even the simplest daily activities difficult. It’s taken a toll on my overall wellbeing and ability to function. I’m grateful to say that my issue has now been diagnosed, and I am slowly but surely turning a corner. 

The road to recovery has been long. I was sent home on full absence at the beginning of the new year, but we are very optimistic that I will make a full recovery. 

This season at One In A Million has been even more challenging due to the long-term absence of a couple of other key team members. As you can imagine, it’s placed extra strain on our charity as we continue to serve our children, young people, and families.

The Need Has Never Been Greater:

The young people we serve are facing immense challenges:

• 22% of children are living below the poverty line, according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2019. That’s 1 in 5 children, highlighting the substantial challenges faced by young people in the city. This figure is likely to be much higher today due to the pandemic and current austerity.
  Our response: During 2024, OIAM has delivered 1,784 different sports, arts, and enterprise sessions to 1,320 uniquely-counted individuals. 76% of the children we work with live in the top 20% of the most deprived wards. 52% in the top 10%. 23% in the top 5%.
• Bradford is ranked the 5^th most income-deprived local authority in England.
  Our Response: In the last year, 266 children attended our WOW programme (World of Work), which teaches about employment, seeking to raise aspirations. Prior to attendance, 36% said that they have no optimism about their future. Afterwards, 91% surveyed said that they are now more excited about getting a job.

Despite this, we remain as committed as ever to our mission—and I’m writing with a heartfelt rallying call for your support.

Next year will mark 20 years of One In A Million, delivering in disadvantaged communities in the Bradford District. That’s two decades of impact made possible by the incredible generosity of people like yourselves. Like many local charities, in the current climate, we’re navigating some real financial pressures behind the scenes. This has been made even more challenging for us considering the above circumstances. Yet our resolve to keep going—and growing—has never been stronger.

I am making a heartfelt appeal to you, our supporters, at this delicate time. Please could you play your part in helping us to sustain all that we’ve achieved together.

How you can help:

• Take part in an upcoming event.
• Sponsor an event or campaign.
• Fundraise in your own way or host a fundraiser on our behalf.
• Make a one-off or monthly donation—every pound counts.
• Become a corporate partner and invest in local change.
  For any of the above - contact our team at events@oneinamillion.org.uk

Whatever your support looks like, please know that your act of kindness will make a huge difference at a critical time. 

May I thank you in advance for your steadfast support and for standing with us. We are so grateful and humbled by your belief in what we do. I do look forward to seeing you all in the future. 

My sincerest thanks,

Wayne Jacobs,
CEO & Co-founder
One In A Million