Adele becomes youth charity ambassador

The Feathers Association, the charity that provides engaging opportunities for children, young people, and communities, to develop via a programme of informal education, sporting, cultural and recreational activities, is celebrating its 90^th anniversary in 2024, with a number of new initiatives and partners.

In its first officially announced Ambassador role, the charity named Welshpool’s very own British Olympian, Adele Nicoll. Known for her achievements in sport, she takes on the Ambassador role with a passionate commitment to inspire the Feathers Association teams, support fundraising initiatives and spearhead activity taking place across the charity projects in London, Glasgow and Wales. The Ambassador role is voluntary, and her position takes effect immediately.

During its 90^th anniversary year, Feathers Association is acting to increase the geographical reach of its work, with Adele and further Ambassadors, including actress Keeley Hawes, supporting plans in the works for new projects planned to open in Birmingham and Blackpool. In the meantime, Adele will work closely with the Feathers projects based in Wales, including the one in Welshpool. A third Ambassador is to be announced to support the project teams in Glasgow, later this year.

The projects, situated around the country, aim to enable young people to cope more effectively with the transition from adolescence to adulthood and to enable young people to understand and act on personal, social and political issues which affect their lives, the lives of others and the communities of which they form a part. The activities and weekly events also support local communities offering shared experiences.

Multiple national champion shot putter, discus thrower and bobsledder Adele, also a health and wellbeing coach, said: “I’m really looking forward to inspiring some of the younger generation and hopefully seeing a glint in their eye when they realise that anything is possible.”

David Jones, CEO Feathers Association, said: “Adele agreeing to take on Ambassador role at this pivotal time for the charity, in its 90^th year, with plans to widen our services, is very exciting for us.

“With her support, we hope to increase conversation of the pressing issues we provide support for. Having first-hand knowledge of Feathers Association, we’re delighted that our Ambassadors aren’t just putting a name to a campaign, but support for our wider cause and the effect that we hope to create.

At its projects, the Feathers team have developed a comprehensive calendar of activities to engage and support all visitors to the centres.

Welcoming children, young people, families and members of the wider community, all can enjoy:

1. Club nights featuring games, sports, arts and crafts, PS5 gaming, and music sessions.
2. Opportunities to seek information and support from dedicated team members.
3. Nutritious food offerings.
4. Gardening clubs and activities for the wider community members too. 

PICTURE (from left): Jade Holkham, Feathers Volunteer; Gwen Evans, Club Leisure Manager Welshpool & Newtown; Michelle Vorel-Adams, Business & Innovation Director Feathers; Adele Nicoll, British Olympian & Feathers Association Ambassador and David Jones Feathers CEO open Feathers Welshpool in May.