A Year On: Reflecting on the Heb Group Centenary Ball’s Impact on Sheffield Youth
It has been a year since the dazzling Heb Group Centenary Ball graced the Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Hotel in Sheffield, and its impact continues to resonate throughout our charity. On a glamorous November evening in 2023, this black-tie, Gatsby-themed celebration not only marked a century of excellence for the Heb Group but also showcased the power of collective goodwill, raising over £35,000 for Sheffield Futures.
A Night to Remember
The event, brimming with glitz, festive décor, and an infectious sense of purpose, transported attendees into a world reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties. Guests, including business leaders, football figures, and Young Advisors from Sheffield Futures, were treated to a three-course meal, live music, and a lively auction featuring extraordinary prizes such as a seven-night stay in Lanzarote and exclusive sports experiences.
Among the attendees were Sheffield Futures’ Young Advisors, Jess, Kate and Tilly, who embodied the spirit of the evening. Though initially daunted by the grandeur of the event, they were warmly embraced by the Heb Group’s staff, partners, and clients, easing their nerves and encouraging them to share their stories about Sheffield Futures’ vital work.
Jess and Tilly fondly recall the night’s highlights in this blog post, from the festive decorations, complete with twinkling lights and a light-up dance floor, to the memorable camaraderie of the evening. They played an active role in promoting the auction and raffle, which boasted enticing prizes like a giant bottle of gin and luxurious hotel stays.
Raising Hope for Sheffield Futures
The funds raised during the Centenary Ball—an impressive £34,500—were dedicated to supporting Sheffield Futures’ Door 43 service, supporting young people in Sheffield with their mental health and well-being.
Young people in the UK have higher mental health needs than ever. 1 in 6 young people in England experienced a mental health problem in 2020, up from 1 in 9 in 2017*. After the Covid-19 pandemic changed their worlds as they knew them, the problem was only exacerbated. Door 43 aims to support young people before their mental health needs worsen or reach crisis point. We use early intervention and prevention models to meet young people where they are, taking a person-led approach to come up with solutions together. From Social Prescribing to Counselling to Health and Wellbeing, young people can access different types of support to best meet their needs. The amount raised by Heb Group has gone a huge way to ensuring that this support remains available, accessible, and free to young people in Sheffield.
Their generosity underscores the Heb Group’s commitment to making a difference, a value that has guided the company through its illustrious 100-year history.
Nick Bass, Operations Director at One2Call and a fellow supporter of the Heb Group, summed up the night’s significance:
“It’s inspiring to see local businesses come together to raise significant funds for Sheffield Futures, whose work is truly transformative for young people. The Heb Group’s centenary celebration demonstrated the power of community and collaboration to create lasting impact.”
Building a Legacy of Empowerment
Now, a year later, the funds raised during the ball have directly contributed to programmes that help Sheffield’s youth overcome challenges and seize new opportunities. From providing counselling to preparing young people for the workforce, Sheffield Futures continues to make a profound difference thanks to the unwavering support of local businesses like the Heb Group and its partners.
The Heb Group Centenary Ball was more than a celebration of a milestone; it was a beacon of hope, uniting Sheffield’s business and youth communities. As we celebrate this one-year anniversary, we are reminded of the transformative power of such events and the importance of continuing this legacy of giving back.
Here’s to another year of building brighter futures together.
How Your Money Helps
£34,500 goes a long way. With this money, we can:
Increase capacity on our counselling team, helping to bring down the waiting list
Deliver more 1:1 sessions through Wellbeing Wednesday
Transform an old, unused office space into a fit-for-purpose art therapy space
Provide Trauma-Informed Training for our staff
Help Sheffield’s young people today.
*NHS Digital (2020) Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2020