More Than Just a Good News Story

I’ve spent the last couple of columns talking about some pretty heavy topics-deprivation, NEETs, and the challenges we’re facing locally.

But last week, walking into Forest High School for their prize-giving evening, I was reminded of something we don’t talk about nearly enough.

There is a huge amount to be proud of.

It was one of those evenings full of quiet moments, proud parents, nervous students, teachers willing them on. But one award in particular stood out: the Maria Simpson Award.

Named after a much-loved teacher, it recognises not just academic success, but something more, belief, effort, and the ability to make a difference.

This year, it went to Evelyn Williams.

As her name was read out, it quickly became clear this wasn’t just about exam results, although those alone are impressive. Evelyn is one of the school’s top academic performers.

But it was everything around that which really struck me.

She’s a prefect. A member of the School Council. She performs in the school band, takes part in productions, and gives her time to others, supporting younger children through scouting and helping at her local church.

And then there’s what comes next.

Evelyn has been selected to represent Gloucestershire at the World Scout Jamboree in Poland in 2027 — a global event bringing together over 40,000 young people from across the world.

An opportunity most would only dream of.

But like many opportunities, it doesn’t come without a barrier.

To get there, Evelyn needs to raise £3,500.

And she’s not waiting for it to happen, she’s making it happen. Fundraising, organising events, taking on challenges, doing whatever it takes.

Watching that, you can’t help but ask a simple question.

If this is exactly the kind of young person we say we want to see more of- driven, capable, community-minded — so how can we support?

As businesses, we talk a lot about skills shortages, future workforce, and the need to inspire the next generation.

But this is what it looks like in real life. Not a strategy. Not a report. A person. Someone already doing the work.

Which is why I’m asking our business community to step up.

Supporting someone like Evelyn isn’t charity -it’s investment in our community and its future. An investment in confidence, in aspiration, and in the kind of people we want shaping our future.

And it doesn’t need to be complicated. It could be a contribution, a raffle prize, sharing her story, or simply opening a door.

Small actions, but collectively, they matter.

Because if we are serious about changing the narrative in places like the Forest of Dean, then we need to do more than talk about the challenges.

We need to recognise and back the people already proving what’s possible.

Evelyn is doing her part.

Now it’s time for us — as a business community — to do ours.

Please visit Evelyn’s JustGiving page for further details, or contact me at [email protected] if you’d like to contribute or explore ways your business can get involved.