The pandemic has had a particularly negative impact on the wellbeing of our young people. Indeed, in our June 2022 survey 81% of young people supported by Potential Plus UK have suffered with anxiety and a further 34% have suffered with other mental health issues. And whilst demand for our services increased, our fundraising was significantly reduced due to cancelled events and increased competition amongst funders. However, we are determined to continue our support to ensure young people thrive - and we need your help!

What is Potential Plus UK's Challenge55?

Since 1967, Potential Plus UK's mission has been to discover young people's potential, nurture their gifts and talents, and support them to succeed and thrive with confidence - regardless of background or circumstance.

You can participate in Challenge55 in any way that suits you - it simply needs to be based around the number 55. Just ask your family, friends and colleagues to sponsor you to do anything x 55, such as baking 55 cakes, playing 55 games of chess, running a 55-person relay, taking a 55-question quiz on your favourite topic - the sky's the limit!

You can create your own Challenge55 to be done individually (for example, a parent, grandparent, young person), or as a team (family, school friends, sports team) working together towards a collective goal.

The funds you raise will help us to continue supporting people like Bethany, Ravi and Ryan live fulfilling and successful lives through the services we provide (advice, assessment and advocacy services; a community for young people and their families to feel they belong and are heard; workshops, tools and support to empower young people to understand themselves and become their own best advocates).

Find out below examples of how Potential Plus UK has changed 3 lives and thus how your support in taking part in Challenge55 will help us continue to change the lives of more young people.

From disruptive dropout to Honours student - Bethany's story

Academically Bethany showed flashes of brilliance, but a dysfunctional home life and disruptive behaviour meant she was on a downward spiral. Potential Plus UK helped Bethany to turn her life around. Read more: Bethany's Story

From introspective loner to confident social activist - Ravi's story

Ravi comes from an area of high deprivation. He felt very different to his class mates and school didn't know how best to support him. Potential Plus UK gave Ravi opportunities that helped him develop into a confident advocate for social mobility at a top university. Read more: Ravi's Story

From daydreaming delinquent to lifelong learner - Ryan's story

Ryan was unpopular with other children at school and lacked concentration. His Headmaster described him as 'delinquent'. With Potential Plus UK's help Ryan found a social group of like-minded peers and developed his self-understanding. Ryan went on to have a successful academic, professional and personal life. Read more: Ryan's Story

These are not their real names. But they are just some of the genuine young people that Potential Plus UK has helped over the last 55 years.

View the Fundraising Pack to find out how to create your own JustGiving page linked to our Challenge55 page and start your own challenge. When you are ready, simply click the orange Start Fundraising button on this page.

If you would like more information and support from Potential Plus UK, please visit our website Potential Plus UK or email us at amazing.children@potentialplusuk.org