Let’s chat about the moments that stay with you…

In March 2026, I had the privilege of hosting the inaugural Bridge the Gap Gala Dinner in Derby.

At the time, I remember thinking what an incredible evening it had been.

Now, with a little space to reflect, I realise there was something much bigger happening in that room.

I have known Jennifer Wyman for a number of years and I still remember sitting over a coffee hearing her talk about her vision to support young people and families before they reached crisis point.

Even then, there was something about the conversation.

You could hear the passion in her voice. You could see the determination in her eyes.

Fast forward less than ten years and there we were at Vaillant Live, surrounded by hundreds of people who had come together around one shared purpose.

When you host events, you become used to remembering the obvious things.

The stage.

The entertainment.

The moments people laugh.

The moments that surprise people.

The fundraising totals.

But when I think back to that evening now, those are not the things that stay with me most.

People do.

Three young people supported by Bridge the Gap shared their experiences and their journeys.

I remember Alana’s story and then speaking with her afterwards, seeing the young woman she is becoming.

I remember Oliver speaking with such honesty and courage that the room felt completely still.

And I remember Jess being asked to describe Bridge the Gap in one word.

“Haven.”

No hesitation.

Just one word that somehow managed to explain everything.

Those moments reminded me why organisations like Bridge the Gap matter so much.

Because support is not always about fixing things.

Sometimes it is about creating spaces where people feel safe.

Spaces where people feel seen.

Spaces where families and young people can breathe.

Bridge the Gap shared a line after the evening that has stayed with me:

“This is where hope lives.”

That landed with me because at Value for Schools I often speak about the idea that to work in service of education is to work in the business of hope.

Hope is sometimes spoken about as though it is a soft idea, something difficult to measure.

But hope can look very practical.

Hope can look like early intervention.

Hope can look like community.

Hope can look like somebody deciding that young people should not face things alone.

Nothing sits in a vacuum.

Mental health does not.

Education does not.

Communities do not.

Young people certainly do not.

When schools, charities, families, organisations and businesses come together around a shared purpose, something powerful happens.

Potential is everywhere, but opportunity is not.

That evening felt like a reminder of that.

Not because of the lights or the stage.

Because of the people.

Some events you host.

Others stay with you.

This one will stay with me.

Something to think about…

Sometimes we assume impact is found in the biggest moments.

Maybe impact is actually found in creating places where somebody feels safe enough to believe things can get better.

Because perhaps that is where hope really lives.