Join Denyse and Guests For The Brilliant Breakfast
Next month, I’m getting together with a group of female founders to host a series of Brilliant Breakfasts during the week of 11-17 October 2021 to help change the lives of young women in the UK who have been the hardest hit group by the pandemic.
The idea for The Brilliant Breakfast came from jewellery designer, Annoushka Ducas MBE, who was one of the first ambassadors for Women Supporting Women. Last October, she launched ‘The Brilliant Breakfast’ with The Prince’s Trust, as a grassroots initiative to raise funds for young, vulnerable women and a cause close to her heart.
Little did Anoushka know when she first proposed this idea in 2019, how pertinent the fundraising and awareness would be in 2020 with the effects of COVID impacting deprived young women harder than most.
Why This Matters Now
COVID didn’t create gender inequality but it has made visible and exacerbated gender equality issues which have always been there. Young women have suffered enormously through this pandemic and are among the hardest hit. But the latest figures show that almost 80% of those who have lost their jobs are women, and two-thirds of these are aged 18-34.
1.5 million women have lost their income since the start of the pandemic.
This increase in joblessness among young women has led to a staggering 119% increase in benefit claimants since May 2019..
The Prince’s Trust have found that more young women than ever (66%) report that gaining employment now feels impossible.
The pandemic has worsened poverty for young women with more young mothers having to use food banks for the first time.
Education has also been massively impacted by Covid-19 leading to a significant decline in girls’ wellbeing from the age of 14.
Last year’s initiative raised more than £300,000. This year, we’re aiming to raise £1 million. The funds we raise will enable The Prince’s Trust to help more young women – providing life-changing support to help rebuild lost confidence and mentorship, plus help to move forward into a job, further training, or self-employment.
The young women it supports are truly incredible. Many have faced issues, such as domestic abuse, bullying, long-term unemployment, addiction, homelessness and the challenges of single parenthood. Others have no emotional support at home. However, it's incredible to see what they can achieve, with just a little bit of the right help at the right time.
Join Us!
I do hope you’ll join me this year. You can register for our online Brilliant Breakfast here and our Hove Brilliant Breakfast here. Tickets cost £5 with proceeds going to Women Supporting Women.
For more information on The Brilliant Breakfast, visit www.thebrilliantbreakfast.co.uk/