With such a deserving selection of charities applying for next year's Big 4, our student group, RAG, had some difficult choices to make.
RAG's Big 4 charities for the 22-23 academic year are Food Cycle, Off the Record, Teenage Helpline and 1st Impressions. RAG is delighted with the variety of causes that they can support this year, with two charities focusing on mental health and peer support and the others focusing on supporting women in employment and providing free meals to those in need, respectively.
Off the Record
Off the Record aims to improve the emotional health and wellbeing of young people in the Bath and North East Somerset area. They provide a range of free services including listening support, an LGBTQ+ focussed youth group and counselling. They also have advocacy and specialist groups, working towards all young people in the area being emotionally healthy, confident and empowered.
Teenage Helpline
Teenage Helpline provide a 24/7 listening service, with mentors on hand to listen to any issues that a teenager may be facing. They aim to put young people in contact with their peers, but also provide other support and wellbeing resources online. They lead with a youth focus to ensure they are offering what young people may require.
1st Impressions
1st Impressions is a charitable organisation that focuses on supporting those who identify as female, with getting back into employment. The first impression at a job interview is incredibly important so 1st Impressions offer coaching and a makeover to help an individuals’ self confidence and belief. They offer a profiling, interview coaching and a choice of clothing for the interview and the first few weeks of work from a pre-loved donated wardrobe.
Food Cycle
Food Cycle offer meals to people who may be more vulnerable, from older people to people who cannot afford food. They provide a free hot meal to anyone who turns up, with an aim to meet new people and have conversations over a meal. They offer this at the Nexus Methodist Church in Bath and are actively fighting for a society where no-one is hungry or lonely.
These charities will receive all funds raised for them between 1st August 2022 and 31st July 2023.