Break, a charity working across East Anglia to improve the lives of children and young people on the edge of care, in care and leaving care, have presented Jake Humphrey with a piece of art by artist Mik Richardson to mark the end of 10 years of partnership.

The presentation took place in Eaton Park with an audience of Norfolk leaders attending the monthly Nelsonspirit leadership mentoring community and refreshments in the form of the CoffeeBreak van, a Break-run project which trains up and employs care-experienced young people as baristas. Entering the world of work can be a daunting place for anyone making their first steps into employment, but to young care leavers it comes with even bigger challenges. Taking part in CoffeeBreak increases the confidence of the young baristas and teaches them the important key skills employers will be looking for.

The gifted canvas shows just a few of the many instances of support Jake has shown Break across the past decade, from the Norwich and Norfolk sculpture trails through to his gift of an ultra-VIP F1 experience for a charity auction and the opening of a games room at one of Break’s children’s homes.

Michael Rooney, Break’s Relationship Development Manager, said:

“You cannot place a monetary value on the support Jake has given us over the past decade and more. Whether it’s been donating prizes, encouraging friends to purchase sculptures at our auctions, spending time with young people in our services or just simply giving us confidence, like we are always there for the young people we support, Jake has always been there for us. We cannot thank him enough.”

Jake Humphrey said:

“When I started my career in broadcasting I was inundated with requests from charities for support. It was overwhelming and I was having no real impact. I decided to say no to everyone so I could say yes to one. It was my dad who told me to go and find out more about Break and it was my first visit to one of their services in Long Stratton, where they provide short breaks for families with children with disabilities, that my mind was made up.

“In Long Stratton I spoke to a family with a son with significant learning disabilities. When I asked them about the challenges they go through they said that because of the constant care needed by their son, their daughter was forgotten. It was only when they came to Break, where their son could get the care he needed away from the home, that they could actually spend quality, desperately-needed time with their daughter. Without Break, there wasn’t anyone to provide them with that.

“For me to be involved for over a decade and see the charity grow to this point is absolutely remarkable.”

Visit break-charity.org to find out more about the charity’s work.

CoffeeBreak can be booked for events across the East. Whether it’s for an event you’re organising, your company away day or to mark a special occasion, get in touch by emailing coffeebreak@break-charity.org to find out more.