Seema Malhotra, the Member of Parliament for Feltham and Heston, hosted the inaugural Hounslow’s Promise Gala on the 16th of July.
Hounslow’s Promise is a local charity that aims to improve the young people of Hounslow’s employability, educational attainment and aspirations by running initiatives based on five promises:
- A network of caring adults
- Safe spaces and facilities
- Support our teachers
- A healthy start
- Youth leadership
The charity was founded by Seema Malhotra MP and Ruth Cadbury MP in 2016 and Seema Malhotra chairs the quarterly meetings of its advisory board. So far, Hounslow’s Promise has successfully delivered two initiatives: a community mentoring scheme, and a series of masterclasses.
This was the first Hounslow’s Promise Gala. It connected Parliamentarians, local councillors and representatives of business and community.
Alongside the dinner, there was a live and silent auction and raffle, a dance from Lopa Vadgama of Lopa Dance and Oskar, a student of hers, and songs from several young people who attend Hounslow schools.
Also speaking at the dinner were, among others, Lord David Blunkett and Councillor Tom Bruce, Hounslow Council Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Youth Services.
The dinner raised over £30,000 for Hounslow’s Promise in the next year.