So many times I am asked; “What is BRIT?” – BRIT is about Pride in our People
I and all those who have and are supporting me, understand that BRIT aspires to support those in desperate need of inspiration. We are focussing on Young People facing Adversity.
I know very well the kindness of the public in their support of our Wounded; their support to the Armed Forces has been exceptionally kind. The last two years though, has educated me to a situation I never knew existed, nor the figures of those Young People going through similar journeys to that of our wounded. I am and will always be a staunch supporter of our wounded, but it is astounding that 700,000 disabled people in Great Britain are unemployed. Only 1 in 4 disabled people are in full time employment and there are 600,000 under 25s who face Adversity (disabled, medical conditions and wounded). This does not include Young Carers. Why when you reach adulthood does the situation grow worse?
As an example, take a young girl who, due to an accident, becomes a double amputee at 17. She will not finish her education, nor be entitled to rejoining the system at 20+, when she is fit and ready to continue her life. At 20+, she has limited opportunities, yet she desperately wants and needs to move forward. As life continues to deal her hard knocks, she feels more and more disillusioned and depressed. When we build the BRIT Centre of Inspirational Excellence, this is where BRIT aspires to assist; her charity sends her to a BRIT residential course during a specific themed month and she meets inspirational people (BRIT Mentors) that give her the spark to believe she can move on. BRIT will also pick up the phone to employees in her area that so she can converse, participate on work experience and see what opportunities exist.
BRIT aspires to bridge a number of gaps and it is all about people;
· We aspire to support, educate and enthuse Young People facing Adversity to move forward and believe they can achieve
· We aspire to enthuse the most inspirational figures to become BRIT Mentors and stand with us and inspire others
· We aspire to enthuse Businesses, Corporations and Employers to show empathy, understanding and support to employ and educate Young People facing Adversity
· We aspire to partner with charities, support groups and governing bodies and provide ONE network of supportive information
We are proud of individuals, groups, accomplishments and achievements, however we should be proud of those who battle hard to face tomorrow. We are a nation that thrives and strives on being the best; being proud and being part of a great nation....
...I believe now is the time to be proud of all our nation is – there is no such thing as “disability”; it is a label, purely a label to explain what someone cannot do. If we class someone with a disability, medical condition, deprived background or special needs, do we look at them the same way? We are all able and we can all offer something very special; we just need to find that link. There may be limitations for some, but then there is a need for humility, empathy and understanding – quite simply, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) should be about throwing that lifeline.
We need to inspire others and the power is in the people that can inspire and by tacking this situation together. I will ask the most inspirational figures that Young People find inspirational and ask them to be BRIT Mentors. On the 24th January I will ask the British Media to spread the word and on that day, ask British Philanthropists, Businesses and Corporations to stand together and build the first Centre of Inspirational Excellence. BRIT is all about Pride in our People; no matter what their situation, we must help others and provide that vital inspirational they so desperately need.
Be Proud of our People – Be Proud together.
Phil