Bennetts Funeral Directors Supporting 21UP Movement Youth Empowerment Through Community Initiatives
- Perry Blake
- 9 hours ago
- 5 min read
Supporting Youth at the MBCC Awards 2025
We are incredibly grateful to Bennetts Funeral Directors for their generous sponsorship of the Multicultural Business & Community Champion (MBCC) Awards 2025. Their support enabled young people from the 21UP Movement to attend this inspiring event, experience recognition, and feel truly valued in a celebration of achievement.
Attending the MBCC Awards was a transformative experience for our youth participants. It gave them the opportunity to see community leaders in action, witness excellence being celebrated, and feel included in a professional, positive environment. For many, this was their first exposure to a large-scale community event, allowing them to practice social confidence, observe leadership skills, and understand the power of contribution and recognition in society.
Being part of the MBCC Awards also reinforced their sense of belonging and purpose. Seeing the impact of businesses and community champions in real life inspired them to dream bigger, believe in their abilities, and understand that they too can make a difference in their communities. Parents were delighted to see their children gain confidence, feel motivated, and return with stories of achievement and inspiration.
Thanks to Bennetts, our young participants experienced this inspiring community event.
21UP Movement Youth Empowerment in Action at Stubbers Adventure Centre
From 18-20 February 2026, 40 young people aged 11 to 18 from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and educational settings, including those with medical conditions and special needs, joined us at Stubbers Adventure Centre for a transformative residential experience. This represents significant growth from just 24 participants in the previous residential, highlighting the increasing impact and reach of these experiences. With the support of Bennetts Funeral Directors, our dedicated staff, and volunteers, we delivered a programme that combined fun, personal development, and meaningful learning.
Participants took creative control with cameras and microphones, documenting their experiences while developing media skills such as interviewing, photography, and directing. They also engaged in Head-to-Head challenges and interactive workshops that tested confidence, critical thinking, and teamwork.
Many arrived feeling anxious or unsure, but over three days they stepped outside their comfort zones, built new friendships, and discovered strengths they did not know they had. Away from mobile phones and everyday distractions, young people experienced real-life social interactions, strengthened communication skills, and developed mutual respect.
By the end of the residential, participants returned empowered, educated, and inspired, with many asking to join the next residential this summer and even requesting to make it longer than two nights. Parents were delighted to see their children grow in confidence, independence, and connection with peers from different backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.
Volunteers and staff played a vital role in making this possible, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for every participant. The residential clearly demonstrates that when young people are trusted, challenged, and supported, they rise to every opportunity, showing leadership, resilience, and creativity.
This experience shows why the 21UP Movement’s work is so important. By creating spaces for young people to grow, connect, and be inspired, we are empowering the next generation to overcome barriers, discover their strengths, and become confident, capable leaders.
Thanks to Bennetts’ support, these experiences are possible for young people across the UK.
Bennetts Funeral Directors: A Legacy of Care and Community Impact
Since 1881, Bennetts Funeral Directors have supported families in Essex with compassion, dignity, and respect. As a family-run business serving Brentwood and Billericay, they provide professional care during life’s most difficult moments, earning a reputation built on trust, integrity, and deep community commitment.
Bennetts’ impact goes far beyond funeral services. From traditional and bespoke arrangements to woodland and eco-funerals, personalised memorials, and bereavement support programmes, they are trusted partners to families in emotional times. Recognised for excellence in service and community engagement, Bennetts continually demonstrate how businesses can make a positive, lasting difference.
Their support for the MBCC Awards 2025 and the 21UP Movement Residential at Stubbers Adventure Centre (18-20 February 2026) highlights their leadership in paying forward success. By empowering young people to grow, learn, and lead, Bennetts show that true community care includes investing in the next generation. Through their bereavement programmes, heartfelt guidance, trusted advice, and sponsorship, they inspire youth, strengthen community bonds, and set an example for other organisations to follow.
Bennetts Funeral Directors exemplify how professional excellence and community leadership come together to create lasting impact, supporting both families and young people to thrive today and in the future.
Discover the history, values, and community commitment of Bennetts Funeral Directors.
Collaborate With Us to Empower More Young People
Special recognition goes to Jane Bennett, whose personal commitment was instrumental in supporting both the MBCC Awards 2025 and the Stubbers Residential. Her dedication demonstrates how business leaders can pay forward success, invest in youth empowerment, and create lasting community impact. Because of Jane’s vision and support, young people attending these events felt welcomed, valued, and inspired to pursue their goals. They experienced firsthand the power of intergenerational care and meaningful community support. Jane’s example shows that true community leadership is about more than business. It is about creating opportunities that empower the next generation to grow, connect, and thrive.
We warmly invite schools, SEND teams, business owners, organisations, and community leaders across the UK to collaborate with 21UP Movement in 2026. Together, we can open doors, create opportunities, and empower young people to unlock their full potential.
Supporting brands like Bennetts Funeral Directors, who invest in youth empowerment, helps organisations like 21UP Movement provide life-changing opportunities and inspire the next generation. Their support for the MBCC Awards 2025 and the 21UP Movement Residential at Stubbers Adventure Centre demonstrates how businesses can pay forward success, strengthen communities, and empower young people to thrive.
Collaborate with 21UP Movement in 2026 to amplify impact, create future opportunities, and empower the next generation of leaders throughout the UK. By working together, we can provide safe, inclusive, and transformative experiences where young people build confidence, leadership skills, and meaningful social connections.
Help us create more life-changing opportunities for young people across the UK.
2026 and Beyond: Action Agenda
Looking ahead, 21UP Movement remains committed to creating bold opportunities for UK youth. With the support of Bennetts Funeral Directors and other community-minded organisations, we aim to:
Expand youth programmes into more schools and community spaces
Deliver creative workshops and essential skills development
Enable experiences that build confidence and real-world leadership skills
Foster safer, healthier environments where young people can thrive
Refer young people to structured, positive programme pathways
Co-create youth-led projects aligned with community priorities
By supporting youth programmes, residentials, and workshops, businesses, schools, and community leaders can help young people conquer fears, build resilience, and reach their potential. Together, we can empower the next generation to rise to every challenge, create future opportunities, and make a lasting impact across the UK.
See how Bennetts’ sponsorship and community care helps young people thrive.
Comments