An article by Emma Davis - Business Office Manager

At Electric Storm Youth (ESY), we are dedicated to empowering young people across Lancing, Sompting and Adur. Today, we are thrilled to officially launch our new Patron Consortium, a key initiative designed to strengthen our advocacy and extend our reach within the community. Our goal is to create an influential network of high-profile champions for local youth, and we are incredibly proud to unveil the first two members of this consortium: Tom Rutland, Member of Parliament for East Worthing and Shoreham, and prominent business leader Simon Bland. Tom joins us with a deep personal commitment to social mobility and a mission to amplify the voices of the next generation. Having already met with our Youth Forum to discuss local democracy, Tom is eager to use his national and local platform to raise our profile. "Giving every young person the opportunity to achieve their potential regardless of their background is something everyone should support, and very important to me personally," says Tom. "I want to make sure that every young person in Adur has the confidence, skills, and support they need to thrive. I’ve been so impressed with Electric Storm Youth's work, and I'm delighted to be appointed as a patron to help them have the biggest possible impact." Simon brings extensive expertise in economic development and further education, alongside a long-standing commitment to supporting young people. With over 20 years’ experience in local government and various governor roles across Special Educational Needs settings and Pupil Referral Units, Simon offers us deep strategic insight and an influential professional network. “I believe that young people need support to help them achieve their full potential," Simon explains. "Currently, a lack of this support results in many young people being 'left behind.' I am looking forward to using my knowledge and experience to help ESY deliver their mission." So why a Consortium? The formation of this consortium marks a significant step in our growth. By bringing together leaders from politics, business, and education, we aim to bridge the gap between young people and the wider community. Our CEO, Karen Jefford, sums up our vision perfectly, “We’ve been very deliberate in creating a Patron consortium rather than appointing a single Patron. For us, this is about bringing together a diversity of skills, perspectives, lived experience, and professional networks that can actively support our ambition to grow and deepen our impact. Tom and Simon each bring distinct strengths that will help us support young people now while laying the foundations for the future.” The role of a Patron at ESY is about advocacy, influence, challenge, and mentorship. We are currently seeking two additional Patrons to complete our consortium. We are looking for individuals who share our passion for youth empowerment and social inclusion. If you or someone you know wants to help us strengthen the future for local young people, we would love to hear from you.

A blog from our CEO. Karen Jefford

None of what we achieve would be possible without the incredible support of local businesses, funders, and community partners . Many have chosen us as their Charity of the Year, while others have shared time, skills, and resources so generously. We’re also strengthening our trustee board and beginning to build a consortium of patrons who can help champion our work, extend our reach, and support our long-term sustainability. With thanks to: Businesses & Community Partners Thales & U3E – donation of bikes Co-op Lancing – weekly food donations and gingerbread houses for our Christmas event Co-op Sompting - weekly food donations Lancing Bowls Club – Charity of the Year Louisa Moxey Limited – voluntary photography Beehive Care Lancing – collaborative working AVA - collaborative working John Dale Estate Agent - Contributions towards our Summer Skate Jam and Young Carers Worthing Theatres - complimentary tickets Funders & Trusts Ernest Hecht Charitable Foundation Chalk Cliff Trust National Lottery Lancing Parish Council  Individuals & Champions MP Tom Rutland – judge and continued support of our work

Over the final months of the year, this impact was felt in very tangible ways. Through funded support, we were able to take young carers out for a well-earned restaurant visit , offering space to relax, feel valued, and simply enjoy being young. Thanks to the generous donation of bikes from O3E and Thales, our team has been able to be more visible and accessible within the community, spending more time out and about on local streets and connecting with young people where they are. We also gifted bikes to young people, helping them travel to school more easily and making everyday transport more achievable and independent. For some, these opportunities helped remove barriers and open up new possibilities. Our Friday drop-in continues to be a highlight of the week, full of laughter, friendship, and belonging. Demand for this support is growing, and as a result, we’re actively exploring how we can expand and add further services to meet the needs we’re seeing. From January we’re proud to be working alongside Andy’s Angels as their dedicated youth partner, supporting their Sunday grief cafés and strengthening local support for young people experiencing loss. We’re also seeing increasing demand for early, preventative support , as young people and families navigate growing pressures at home, in school, and online. Our close work with schools and partners helps ensure young people can access the right support at the right time. 

We are absolutely delighted to welcome Laurence Davies to the Electric Storm Youth Board of Trustees!

We are proud to announce an exciting new collaboration with Andy’s Angels , a dedicated bereavement charity supporting children and families through grief. Beginning in January 2026, we will partner with them to deliver a youth work project at the Andy’s Angels Grief Play Café. This project is specifically designed to give young people a safe, creative, and supportive space to explore their emotions and connect with others who understand. The Grief Play Café, a welcoming drop-in hub where families can come together to talk, play, and heal, has already made a significant difference to many local families. With Electric Storm Youth joining the project, young people aged 10–18 will now have access to dedicated youth sessions, offering activities, group discussions, and creative expression opportunities led by a qualified youth worker. “We know how important it is for young people to have somewhere they feel understood,” said Kayla Shepherd, Founder of Andy’s Angels. “By working with Electric Storm Youth, we’re creating a space that combines grief support with youth empowerment, helping young people process loss in healthy, positive ways.” At Electric Storm Youth, we are known for our innovative work supporting young people across Lancing, Sompting and the wider Adur area. We will be bringing our expertise in youth engagement, mental wellbeing, and creative participation to the project. Together, our two charities aim to reduce isolation, build resilience, and promote open conversations about loss. Our CEO, Karen Jefford, shared why this partnership is so important to us: “Grief can feel incredibly isolating for young people. Through this partnership, we can give them somewhere safe to just be, to talk, connect, and know they’re not on their own. It’s about helping them find strength and hope in their own time, in their own way.”  With sincere thanks to The David Hunt Foundation for their financial support, the new youth project sessions will run monthly at the Grief Play Café from January 2026.

Electric Storm Youth (ESY) today extended their deepest thanks after receiving an overwhelming donation of 31 gift bags for the Young Carers they support.

CEO Karen Jefford's October Blog