Who we are
If you would like to make a donation to Rainer, you can do so using our online donation form. Thank you.
Doing the mentoring with my young person gave me the push to change jobs. Seeing him change into someone different within a couple of months was the best kind of job satisfaction I could have.
Kerry, mentor, Talented Futures Portsmouth
Letter from the Chair
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Elizabeth Filkin - Rainer Chair |
Elizabeth Filkin, the former Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards joined Rainer as a Trustee in 2003 and became Chair later that year. Here she talks about why she wanted to get involved with Rainer and how she feels about the organisation.
"I was delighted when Rainer approached me about taking on the role of Chair. Early in my career I was a community worker so I feel I've come full circle now!
It's a sad indictment that so many young people have not had a sufficient loving and supportive upbringing that some of us take for granted.
As a result, they are disillusioned and angry and lack the skills to manage their lives successfully. They need help and support to get their lives on track but they don't know where to turn.
This is where Rainer steps in. Staff at Rainer are committed to help young people sort themselves out. They go the extra mile, stick with the young person through thick and thin and do whatever it takes to help them change their behaviour and turn their lives around.
I've talked to Rainer staff who have gone to hospital appointments with young people, sorted out clothes for a job interview or helped with food shopping with a young person who wanted to keep to a budget - often after their official working hours are over.
These small steps forward are very important. And Rainer staff are with them every step of the way. No-nonsense and practical, they care about under-supported young people and they work with them in an intensive, flexible and personal way to make a difference.
Rainer is a vibrant, "can do" organisation which places young people at its heart. I feel privileged to be its Chair. I also feel great sense of responsibility in terms of doing my bit. I have visited Rainer services and met staff and young people across the country. Many of the young people I have met have been inspirational – quite unlike how they are often depicted in the press.
Rainer makes a real difference to the lives of under-supported young people but to put flesh on this read some of their stories in "what we do". Of course, we can't do anything without the support of our partners and funders and we would be most grateful for any support you can give.
Elizabeth Filkin
Rainer Chair
