Our Introduction to the World of Work programme is designed to give our children & young people first-hand experience of what the working world looks like. We explore all aspects of brilliant Bradford businesses, from the CEO's office to the shop floor.

“I learnt that a good attitude will take you a long way in life and work” (Ayo).

During the February half-term, 33 young people had the fantastic opportunity to visit some of our wonderful Corporate Partners, including The Midland Hotel – Bradford, The Broadway, Bradford, Vanquis Banking Group, and Emerald Group Publishing.

Vicky Williams, CEO – Emerald Group Publishing: “We had another brilliant day with the young people. As always, it was an absolute pleasure and a highlight in the year for us”. 

Here’s what our young people had to say: 

 “The sales team said I can have a job here when I leave school. They said I was a natural at sales, I loved that part of it”.

“You don't have to have a good upbringing to have a good job”.

“I learnt there are many different types of jobs in a bank, ones I didn’t think there would be”.

We are so proud of our youngsters for showcasing their entrepreneurial and kindness. During 'Youth Voice’ sessions, they decided that they would like to plan and host a Valentine’s Day Bake Sale to raise money for Cancer Research & new equipment for their community centre.

They are delighted to have raised over £60 in total and enjoyed their Valentine’s games afterwards, which included a 'Love' themed treasure hunt & musical chairs.

One young person said, “I’m spreading the love so people can be happy!”.

During our recent Kidz Club Sessions in Shipley, we’ve dived into character building… literally! Dance Tasters have provided a safe space to develop social cohesion, teamwork skills & confidence. 

Through fun games and challenges, we’ve been introduced to theatrical concepts such as improvisation and freeze frames.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful Kala Sangam team for delivering such engaging sessions. We can’t wait to see how our young troupe thrives.

We are delighted to now offer ‘Cook & Eat’ as a new Development Centre.  It’s a brilliant opportunity for our young people to express their creativity, try new things, and learn crucial life skills. Over the past few months, we’ve learnt how to prepare different fruits & vegetables and explored how to combine spices.

We focus on healthy eating practices and create a variety of dishes such as savoury rice, fruit smoothies, and pitta pizzas…  but we do believe in balance and make sure to include the occasional treat. 

“I don’t like vegetables, but I’m trying three in my rice!” 

“I’ve never tried fresh tomatoes before.” 

“What’s a quesadilla? And where do they come from?”.

We had a wonderfully busy February half-term this year, full of exciting trips and experiences.

Highlights included:

• A sweet voyage to Cineworld to get lost in the world of ‘Wonka’!
• An energetic excursion to Laser Zone, where the children and youngsters quickly outperformed their Community Activators at laser-tag and arcades (much to their delight).
• A bouncing outing to Bradford Gymnastics Club, where we were proud to witness the passion, resilience,  and natural talent of some of our young people. Watch this space! 
• And a victorious visit to BCAFC to watch some of the most exciting games of the season, including the epic 4-0 win against MK Dons.

“I liked the second laser-tag game because we were able to work as a team”.

“I really want us to come to a game again, the atmosphere when we scored was loud!”.

A few weeks ago, we embarked on our first trip to Headingley Stadium this season to watch an epic Super League showdown between Leeds Rhinos v St Helens.

It was an exhilarating game with an electric atmosphere, thoroughly enjoyed by the young people.

“I was shaking with excitement when we reached the stadium. It's the biggest crowd I’ve ever seen, and its my first rugby match!” 

“I loved the atmosphere and watching Leeds play, especially the tackling.” 

With many thanks to the Melissa & Keith Howard Foundation for making our Headingley trips possible.

On Friday 22nd March, we held our much anticipated Streetwise 5-A-Side finals!

Streetwise is our 11-week  Friday night football project that we run thrice per year. Each project finishes with an epic final where our youngsters from across the district come together to compete for the Gurmit Chand Memorial Cup.

Our theme of 'The Body Keeps The Score' continued from January to March. During each session, our team gave out reinforcing messages and encouraged the children and young people to scan QR codes that took them to a page on our website where they could watch short films by sports professionals speaking about physical health and mental wellbeing, substance abuse, exercise and nutrition.

A big well done to all 200+ players who joined us for this season's project, and to the 83 players who made it to the finals. Huge congratulations to our winning teams; Bierley FC (seniors) and Manningham Excel (juniors)!

"I love coming to Streetwise and being able to have the opportunity to play football on a decent surface every week. It's good to play alongside my friends and, of course, get better at football" - Andrew, Keighley, Winner of the OIAM Values award

On Saturday 9th March 2024, we hosted our 7th annual Sparkling Afternoon Tea in the stunning Princes Ballroom at The Midland Hotel, Bradford. We enjoyed fantastic food, fundraising games, and free prize giveaways, with 150 fabulous guests.

A huge thank you to our event sponsors, Thomas Niamh Contracting Limited, Bermar Building Limited, JCT600 and The Broadway Bradford, whose invaluable support helped this event be a success and a big thanks to all those who attended and generously donated throughout the event.

The One In A Million Charity Business Lunch, ‘Building for Success Bradford 2024’ returned for its 8^th year on Thursday 21st March at The Midland Hotel, Bradford.

160 members of the Bradford business community came together to enjoy an afternoon of food, networking, and insightful presentations from our wonderful guest speakers; Kersten England (CBE Chair of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture), Mark Cowgill (Bradford Chamber President), and Dr Lorraine O'Donnell (Chief Executive of Bradford Council).

 A big thank you to all those in attendance and to all the fantastic businesses represented and to our generous sponsors; Business Enterprise Fund,  Complete IT Systems, LCF Law and Lily. 

“It was a privilege to speak to a room full of people who love Bradford and want to work together to make sure that this is our time”. Dr Lorraine O’Donnell.

The Campaign (change a child’s life for the cost of coffee) - with Mark Cowgill, President of the Chamber of Commerce - Tuesday 30th April 2024

Packetts Tour De Dales 2024 Charity Bike Challenge - Sat 11th/12th May 2024

Yorkshire 1, 2 or 3 Peaks Challenge - Saturday 6th July 2024 (Please contact us for more details)

Charity AM/AM Golf Tournament - Friday 9th August 2024 (registration window opening soon).

Contact us for more information or to sign up for an event today? Email us at events@oneinamillion.org.uk or call our friendly Corporate Events & Sponsorship team on 01274 723439.