The first ever Youth Patron for Framework will be encouraging other young people to follow his example to support the charity working to end homelessness.
Isa Biçer, 13, of Gedling, has gone above and beyond over the past three years to help make a difference to those who are experiencing homelessness. Now he has accepted the charity’s invitation to become its first ever Youth Patron.
As Youth Patron, Isa will advocate for the work of Framework among his peers, talk in school and at his Scout group about what Framework does and encourage other young people to raise funds and awareness for the charity.
Isa said: “When I was asked to take on this role, I felt so happy. I said yes immediately. The increasing issues related to homelessness continue to concern and upset me. I believe that the only way this is ever going to change is by people getting actively involved, especially young people who are the future of our communities.
“Over the next year in my role as Youth Patron I aim to engage more young people in supporting Framework and understanding the issues surrounding homelessness. I plan to arrange a virtual Sleep Out where any young person can sleep out in their gardens and raise much-needed funds. I also hope to speak at school about my role and the work of Framework.”
After taking part in Framework’s own Big Sleep Out event with his Scout group in 2021 and 2022, Isa decided he wanted to do more to support Framework after members of his family were left homeless as a result of the earthquakes in Turkey last year. Before participating in Framework’s Big Sleep Out event in 2023, he slept out in his garden for three more nights along with his brothers to raise extra funds.
He designed his own Christmas card, which he printed and sold for Framework’s benefit. Selling over 300 copies himself, Framework also adopted his design for its own Christmas card to supporters.
Matt Cooke, Fundraising Team Manager, Framework, said: “Isa’s contribution to Framework by raising money and awareness has been enormous. He’s made an immense impact – not just on our work and the lives of those we support but also on other young people, setting a shining example to his peers and demonstrating the impact young people can have in their local community by simply showing some empathy and kindness towards others.
“It’s for this reason that we asked Isa to represent Framework as our first ever Youth Patron. Given the sheer value of the support Framework receives from young people, we felt it was only natural that we should appoint a Youth Patron to represent our work among their peers, and Isa was the obvious choice. We are so proud of him and cannot wait to see what he achieves in this new and exciting role.”
Whether through sponsored Sleep Outs at school, by taking part in Framework’s fundraising events or by organising their own, a number of schools and youth groups – as well as some very selfless individual young people – make significant contributions each year towards Framework’s mission to end homelessness and tackle disadvantage.
In the year from April 2023 to April 2024, the hard work and commitment of several schools, Scout groups and individual young people across Nottinghamshire generated over £8,000 in donations for Framework, every penny of which has been earmarked for the Building Better Futures fundraising appeal. This total will enable Framework to fully furnish five new flats for former rough sleepers, helping turn brand-new, single-occupancy accommodation into welcoming new homes for people experiencing homelessness.
By way of thanks for all the young people who have contributed towards this outstanding effort, Framework recognised 4 schools and groups and 8 individuals with awards at its third annual Young Supporters Awards.
Year 7 scholars from Djanogly City Academy, children from Brookside Primary School and Beeston Rylands Junior School as well as Scouts from several groups in the Central Notts Scouts District were among those awarded for their support. They were joined by sisters Amber and Jasmine Millar (14 and 12), brothers Isa, Emre and Rada Biçer (13, 12 and 12), Sam Jones (11), Josie Peaurt (11) and Jack Hodson (10).
Well done Isa. Good lad.