Uprising Youth and Community

26/08/2026

Big apologies but St Stephen’s Walk session this afternoon 3-5pm is going to have to be cancelled as we have last minute staffing issues. Noakes Meadow will be still be happening.

25/08/2026

Bit of fencing today at the office. Been a bit of work to get here but nice to get the yard area started

21/08/2026

It’s Week 5 of Hang10 and the final one of the summer. We would love to see you there and remember it is all completely free

15/08/2026

Week 4 of Hang10. We can’t believe how quick it is going and as always we would love to see you there

07/08/2026

A real privilege to be one of the Mayors Charity this year 😁

💬Young people are the future, so let's not waste them"

Just one of the many passionate views new Mayor of Ashford Cllr Winston Michael has shared in a new feature as he looks to focus on increasing opportunities for young people during his Mayoral term, regardless of their personal circumstances.

Winston has also confirmed the two Mayoral charities that he'll be supporting during his term through regular fundraising activities are Uprising Youth and Community and Includes Us Too.

Uprising is a growing charity based in Ashford, Kent, supporting young people, families and communities facing significant challenges. Its work aims to improve lives and support personal and community transformation.

The charity runs a range of coordinated projects across the region. Hang 10 is Uprising’s youth outreach programme, engaging young people in local parks and housing estates through sport, games, and access to staff who can offer support and advice.

This outreach work is central to Uprising’s mission and has helped shape all of its projects and has transformed the lives of those on the streets through them gaining work experience and money in their pockets.

Includes Us Too is a local, parent-led charity supporting disabled children, young people and their families across Ashford, Folkestone and Hythe, and Dover. Its mission is to ensure families raising a child with a disability or additional need feel understood, supported and included.

The charity offers free practical and emotional support, social opportunities, and a strong voice for change so families do not have to face challenges alone. Its support includes one-to-one advice, inclusive family events, youth groups, access groups for children not in school, and a lending library where families can try sensory equipment before buying.

Speaking passionately about both when asked why these particular organisations were chosen, Winston explained: “Uprising undertake community projects that help to turn around the lives of young people through training, basic education and hands-on work experience. The outcomes that they’ve achieved over the years have been remarkable.

“I met with parents working with Includes Us Too and it was emotional. The experiences they relayed to me on the huge problems they encountered dealing with officialdom was heartbreaking and some of the parents suffered mental health problems of their own trying get the best for their children.

“Free of charge, the charity provides an incredible service to the community whether that’s helping residents in the borough to complete necessary paperwork to simply fighting to get a successful outcome.

“I also attended a class run by the charity for children not at school and I could see the huge value that the charity brings to the large number of parents and thanks to the charity, I also witnessed first hand the children enjoying this learning environment that they otherwise may struggle to obtain elsewhere.”

"During my term, I hope I can contribute to making a difference for young people regardless of their circumstances. I shall be undertaking a number of fundraising activities for my charities. Please look out for them and support as we can all make a difference for young people with a disability be it health or physical.”

Read the full feature with our Mayor through the link below 👇🏽

07/08/2026

A bit later than expected but it has been a busy week but here are our plans for next week. We would love for you to come and say hello.

05/08/2026

It’s here! This will be a great event and we would love for you to come on over and say hello

30/07/2026

SUMMER HANG10 wk 2. Here’s our plans for next weeks Hang10. A special shout out for the Reach Out Festival on Thursday this is definitely worth coming along too.

23/07/2026

First Panna session of the summer tomorrow 12.30-4.30pm at the bandstand, we would love to see you and see some of them mad skills

22/07/2026

Our Summer programme kicks off next Monday and we are very excited. All our sessions are completely free and we would love to see you.