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Employees and students at ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ today joined a county-wide campaign for the young people of Shropshire.

The campaign – spearheaded by the county’s High Sheriff, Jane Trowbridge JP – aims to offer support for youth charities –through raising both awareness and funds.

With rising demands for help – such as doubling mental health referrals, child exploitation referrals rising by 45 per cent, and a growing number of households in the county food impoverished – the county’s youth charities are struggling to meet the needs of Shropshire’s young people.

Throughout her Shrieval year, which began in April, the High Sherriff has pledged to work to support .

Youth Awareness Day – being held today, October 16 – is the latest in a series of events where people can lend their support to her campaign.

The day sees people choosing to wear something blue to support young people in Shropshire – and making donations towards the county’s charities.

A group of Harper Adams staff and students joined organisations across Shropshire to show their support this morning.

Among those who are supporting the day is Senior Lecturer in Food, Business and Enterprise, Zoe Harrison, and Students’ Union RAG Chair, Faith Hepple, whose committee has named the campaign as one of a group of initiatives it will be fundraising for throughout the year.

She said: “With charity being at the heart of Harper Adams, as the RAG Committee we can’t wait to host an event in honour of Youth Awareness!”

And Zoe added: “Youth Awareness Day is a powerful campaign designed to spotlight the needs and potential of young people across Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.

“Today’s event reflects our wider commitment to engaging with and supporting young people in Shropshire and beyond.

“Beyond today, we remain dedicated to the cause through several initiatives. Faith will continue to raise awareness and foster student-led action.

“In addition, our Foundation Year students will explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through the lens of youth awareness in the Global Challenges, Local Impact module.

“Jane’s dedication to youth development and community resilience lies at the heart of this movement in the county, and we were delighted to be able to support her today by helping turn Shropshire blue!”