Our story
Our Vision
A Better Bemerton for all
Our long term vision is a better Bemerton Heath for all. A Bemerton full of hope, fun and opportunity. We work alongside partners to build a community as remarkable as its residents. Somewhere that’s a great place to live, learn and grow.
Our Mission
We journey with people, creating spaces where community thrives
Since 2014 we’ve been journeying alongside young people and their families on the estate, providing support and opportunities that will see them thrive.
Our Approach
Place based – our focus is on the Bemerton Heath community, where we take a collaborative, long-term approach to addressing its unique needs.
Trauma informed – protective and compensatory experiences (PACEs) play a crucial role in shaping young people’s health and development, serving as a buffer against the harmful effects of adverse childhood experiences. We therefore seek to create as many opportunities as possible for young people to engage with PACE’s through our work.
Relational – at the heart of our work are trusted, long-term relationships, which serve as the foundation for meaningful change. We view wellbeing through this relational perspective, striving to positively impact an individual’s relationship with their body, mind and spirit, with others, their future and their environment.
Strength based– we focus on improving physical spaces and investing in the development of both individuals and relationships within our community. We connect people to create kind, self-sustaining groups, knowing that a better Bemerton Heath will only be truly achieved when local residents take the lead in creating a neighbourhood where everyone can flourish.
Our Ethos
As a charity with a Christian ethos, our work is inspired by our faith and designed to serve all sections of our diverse community. At the heart of our work is the Isaiah:61 vision (from the Bible) where those that have been broken-hearted, trapped in cycles of poverty and grief become the change makers that bring new life into this community, making it better for all.
88%
young people felt happier in the last 6 months due to our work
78%
young people said someone in Rise:61 was a trusted adult who they could reach out to for support
660
young people and local residents worked with annually
69%
young people experienced improved mental health in the last 6 months due to being part of Rise:61
75%
young people were more physically active in the last 6 months due to our work
Our Values
Passionate – We share our passions to help young people discover and develop theirs.
Potential – We focus on young people’s potential and empower and equip them to shape what we do.
Powerful – We follow Jesus knowing that He has the power to change lives.
Partnership – We are a catalyst for change by partnering with local people and other agencies.
Positive – We celebrate the positive steps young people make, inspiring others to follow their example.
Our History
A knock at the door
A young person knocks on a local residents door asking how they can become a Christian. A girls group starts led by Debbie Mohammed which a number of teenagers attend. Debbie is an inspiration in her generosity in giving the very best to these girls from the little she had.
Community House starts
In 2009 a group of young adults move onto the estate living in a “community” house in partnership with St. Michael’s Church. We dreamt up creative wages to love our neighbours and threw some great parties. We started building relationships with young people through a weekly football group at the MUGA and by helping Debbie with the girls group.
We launch a youth group
The football group grows and we partner with the council to take these young people on trips. We launch a Friday night young group which is attended by 40 young people a week. We are struck by the need and visit projects in Bradford and Oxford to learn more and get inspired.
Rise:61 is set up
To create a sustainable platform to serve the community and its young people Mike, Robin and Debbie setup up Rise:61 as a charity in August 2014 with just a £300 donation in the bank. Mike leaves his job to focus on building the charity full time.
Our work grows
Robin now leads the charity and our clubs and activities expand and we set up the bike, creative and actives hubs, providing spaces for young people to learn skills, make friends and get active.
We celebrate 10 years
With multiple projects, a community garden, alternative education provision and year round community events we celebrate 10 years of Rise:61.