What is ChariTEA?
We choose a new ChariTEA (Charity!) every quarter which is close to our hearts. They choose a blend that reflects them or what they support and we donate the profits of the blend to their cause!
For the quarter April 2020 to June 2020 our chosen ChariTEA was ThinkForward who are a charity that was started to help prevent the next generation of youth unemployment in areas of the UK that most need support.
The tea they chose as their blend was Mint Choc Rooibos and we were thrilled to raise £1,679.24 for them!
About ThinkForward
At ThinkForward we believe every young person deserves a better and brighter future. We empower young people facing challenges in their lives to develop their skills and access opportunities to help them on their own path to employment. Each young person has a ThinkForward coach who has a deep understanding of their needs and any difficulties they may be facing. Our coaches build trusted relationships with young people, supporting them for the long-term, from age 13 – 18, through one-to-one coaching, group work and activities to experience the world of work. We enable young people to grow their confidence and resilience, realise their strengths and dreams, and work towards their career goals.
‘My coach taught me that not every issue is an issue, sometimes it’s just a bump in the road. Through the work I’ve done with my coach I’ve articulated the goals that I want and how I’m going to get there. I want to be a midwife and right now I’m stepping up the ladder to become that. I’m much more resilient. I feel like I can face anything that’s going to hit me. Now I feel like my future is very bright.’ – Cuba, ThinkForward graduate.
ThinkForward supports young people local to Bird & Blend stores in London, Nottingham and Kent. They also work in the West Midlands.
What else did we do to support ThinkForward?
ThinkForward Ambassadors joined in with our PosTEA Campaign which was set up during the start of the first UK Lockdown to help isolated people feel more connected. Volunteers were invited to write a card, letter or even make a gift to send to someone in need. The letter and gifts were sent to us and we repacked them to include some tea and then we sent them on their way! The Ambassadors were really happy to have the opportunity to work with us on this campaign, it helped them to have a purpose during the pandemic.
Our founder Krisi also hosted a virtual Q&A session with the Ambassadors to answer all of their business, entrepreneurial and important tea questions!
How can you get involved and support ThinkForward?
To find out more or to get involved please visit their website www.thinkforward.org.uk or contact Aimee on aimee.pickering@thinkforward.org.uk. You can also follow them on Twitter and Instagram @ThinkForwardUK
Want to recommend someone for our next ChariTEA?
If you know a great cause that you think we can support through our ChariTEA sales then please get in touch by sending us an email to info@birdandblendtea.com.
There aren't any rigid conditions for who we choose, but we do try to support causes that are close to either one of our team members or customer's hearts for a specific reason. If you have something in mind, send them our way!
