Charities / Initiatives That Jimmy, Jonesy, and Robert Support

[Patrycja]

So most of these have been posted already, but as they accumulate, I thought it would be good to have updates and news about initiatives that the Zep lads support all organized in one place.

First up is Jimmy's patronage of the wonderful Outside Edge Theatre Company. An amazing and important arts outlet:

Outside Edge aims to change the lives of people affected by chemical addiction through theatre and drama.

Through our work we support people affected by chemical addiction to reach and recognise their potential, find an identity and build skills and confidence in order to support recovery at all stages.

Additionally, the company provides theatre productions of new work and training for professionals.

“Outside Edge produces artistically excellent work that challenges and entertains audiences at the same time as making a real difference. Edge’s work with addicts – and the ways in which their performances awaken audiences and provoke debate – is quite simply stunning.”

—Jimmy Page, company patron.

Check them out also on Twitter: https://twitter.com/outsidetheatre

and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Outside-Edge-Theatre-Company-96401722438/

 

 

[Patrycja]

Our Deborah J first posted about this last month (Thanks, Deb! )

STARS ROBERT PLANT, DAVID GILMOUR, YOKO ONO, THOM YORKE & MORE SIGN CLIMATE CHANGE PETITION

Among dozens of celebrities and stars coming together to help prevent climate change, Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, Yoko Ono, Radiohead's Thom Yorke, David Bowie and more have signed an open letter crafted by environmental sustainability non-for-profit Julie's Bicycle. In hopes to combat the alarming changes in climate, the letter was penned to the leadership in charge of the impending Paris Climate Conference.

"We are deeply concerned that our global economic and industrial systems are accelerating rates of extinction, desertification and soil depletion, degrading ecosystems, acidifying and littering our rivers and oceans, and resulting in a relentless rise in greenhouse gas emissions driving irreversible climate change," the letter explained to executive secretary Christiana Figueres and President of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change, Laurent Fabius, according to Rolling Stone. "In short, we are overwhelming the planet's life support systems."

 

The petition aims to make a handful of changes such including "financial mechanisms to stimulate extensive infrastructure for poorer nations to support them in achieving their reduction commitments while permitting

equitable development" and "an ambitious commitment to climate action, starting now, that will limit future global warming to below 2.0°C (3.6 °F) relative to pre-industrial levels." Furthermore, the hefty celebrity endorsed petition calls for a legal, yet powerful strategy, which allows strong global climate governance.

Coldplay, Bjork, Phil Selway, Fugazi's Ian MacKaye, My Morning Jacket, Sting, Dido, Jack Johnson, Tune-Yards' Merrill Garbus, Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson, Andrew Bird and Courtney Barnett and many more artists and creative visionaries have found themselves signing the petition brought forth by Julie's Bicycle,Gigwise notes. Paul McCartney recently penned his own letter in hopes of sparking Meat Free Mondays around the world in an attempt to help save the environment.

November 30 will see the official launch of the Paris Climate Conference until it wraps up on December 11. Yorke, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea and Patti Smith will perform the Pathway to Paris gig on December 4 at Le Trianon theater.

http://www.musictimes.com/articles/56363/20151130/robert-plant-david-gilmour-yoko-ono-thom-yorke-sign-climate-petition-un.htm

[Patrycja]

ROBERT PLANT BACKS WOLVERHAMPTON'S THE WAY YOUTH ZONE

PUBLISHED: December 11, 2015 3:42 pm LAST UPDATED: December 11, 2015 3:42 pm

Rock legend Robert Plant has revealed he is the latest big name to back Wolverhampton’s Youth Zone.

Robert Plant is becoming a patron of Wolverhampton Youth Zone The Way

The West Bromwich born singer and former Led Zeppelin frontman is supporting the £6 million initiative as a patron.

The School Street facility – called The Way – will open its doors in January with a host of sporting and cultural activities for young people aged eight to 19, and up to 25 for those with disabilities.

The Way Youth Zone is in School Street, Wolverhampton

Plant, a lifelong Wolves supporter, will boost the community investment already pledged by business leaders, city institutions, local firms and philanthropists.

He said: “The Way is a remarkable and unique venture and a fantastic facility for young people in Wolverhampton.

“If you’re interested in sport or music and art or just want somewhere to go, something to do or someone to talk to – this is where it’s at. Young people in Wolverhampton are set to be the first in the Midlands to benefit from this remarkable opportunity!”

 

General manager of The Way Alice Davey said: “We are thrilled and delighted to count on Robert as one of our patrons.”

The Way will include an array of activities, including a climbing wall

Activities at The Way will include football, basketball, martial arts, fitness and dance, arts and crafts, media and music, enterprise, wellbeing and self-improvement.

The state-of-the-art facility boasts a high spec music room, a 3G pitch, enterprise media suite, climbing wall, multi-use four court sports hall, cafe, dance studio, gym, cooking area, general recreation area and much more.

For further details visit www.thewayyouthzone.org or follow The Way on Twitter at @thewayyouthzone

 

MORE ON THIS STORY:

• Steve Morgan and Jez Moxey shown The Way at new Wolverhampton Youth Zone
• WATCH: Fun times on The Way as £6m Youth Zone prepares to open
• Wolves' Kourtney Hause and Sheyi Ojo back The Way Youth Zone
• WATCH: Pupils are showing The Way with 100 days to go until Wolverhampton's youth zone opens
• VIDEO and PICTURES: Behind the scenes at Wolverhampton's amazing new youth zone

 

Wolverhampton Youth Zone is an independent charity, established by The Morgan Foundation, the charity OnSide Youth Zones and Wolverhampton City Council.

OnSide Youth Zones is a charity set up in 2008 to improve young people’s futures by building and supporting places for young people to go, with positive things to do, staffed by people seven days a week.

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2015/12/11/robert-plant-backs-wolverhamptons-the-way-youth-zone/

[Patrycja]

Some info about another initiative that Robert is backing to benefit young musicians:

Bristol bands could get free rehearsal and recording time through Robert Plant supported scheme

By L_Churchill  |  Posted: January 05, 2016

    

Robert Plant ex-Led Zeppelin is patron of the MAS Records programme                                         

Aspiring young musicians in Bristol are being given the chance to gain free rehearsals and recording time through a scheme supported by Robert Plant.

Factory Studios in Barton Hill are working alongside Mighty Atom Smasher Records (MAS Records) on a non-profit music development programme.

It will see bands, aged between 16 and 18, receive around £3,000 of free services including rehearsal and professional recording time, mentoring, help in promotion, finding gigs and setting up tours.

Studio owner Leon Curry said Factory Studios had already 22 bands in Bristol gain access to the government funded educational program, which runs annually.

"It is a fantastic scheme and really beneficial to young musicians," he added.

Funding for equipment is also available for low-income families and the scheme is open to musicians of all abilities.

Musicians can be students, unemployed, work full or part time or be semi-professional.

Kevyn Gammond (ex-Band of Joy), Robert Plant (ex-Led Zeppelin) and Karl Hyde (Underworld) are the programme's patron.

Auditions will be held on the week commencing January 25, this year at Factory Studios. Anyone interested can contact Factory Studios on 0117 9525655 or info@factorystudios.co.uk.

       

Bristol bands could get free rehearsal and recording time through Robert Plant supported scheme      Factory Studios in Barton Hill: Bristol bands could get free rehearsal and recording time through Robert Plant supported scheme

http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-bands-free-rehearsal-recording-time/story-28467665-detail/story.html#1

 

 

[anniemouse]

I think this a fantastic idea.

[Patrycja]

Though I'm not sure about the extent of his involvement these days, Jimmy is the founding patron of ABC Trust, a wonderful UK charitable organization that has grown to help thousands of impoverished Brazilian children and youth and continues to do life-changing, wide-reaching work:

Brazil has 16 of the 50 most violent cities in the World. The international drug trade and its passage through Brazil has led to a crack epidemic. Many children on the street are addicted, have dropped out of school and left home. They spend days without sleeping, eating or washing and engage in crime, prostitution and weapon trafficking. Many become victims of violence, HIV, hepatitis, unwanted pregnancy and murder. 

 

 

Through awareness and funding, ABC supports local organisations to take the lead in overcoming the problems of extreme poverty, abuse and lack of opportunity that affect so many children across Brazil.

We have built up strong partnerships with community-led organisations which provide vital training, education and support for young people, and fire their imaginations and creativity through dance, film, drama, music and sport.  

See more info here: http://www.abctrust.org.uk/about-us/how-we-work

Check it out on Twitter: https://twitter.com/abctrustuk

and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCTrust/

 

[Patrycja]

Robert talks about the benefits of The Way Youth Zone in Wolverhampton. (They filmed it in a pub? Well, it's the message that counts...)

 

(p.s. Notice at the end how the place doubles as surreptitious scouting for prospective Wolves talent? )

[anniemouse]

I know but boy will he get told off for referring to soccer instead of football..

[Patrycja]

An auspicious start for The Way Youth Zone:

PUBLISHED: February 5, 2016 6:00 am

Wolverhampton's The Way Youth Zone attracts 1,500 in two weeks

Bosses at Wolverhampton’s £6 million new Youth Zone are celebrating after 1,500 members have already signed up – half the yearly membership target.

The Way Youth Zone on School Street officially opened on January 16

In just over two weeks, hundreds of young people have become members at The Way which has so far delivered more than 280 activities. 

Meanwhile, in the first week alone, volunteers gave more than 650 hours of their time.

Philippa Gregory, development manager at The Way, said: “We’re delighted that The Way Youth Zone is being used by so many young people in Wolverhampton.

“We’ve only been open a couple of weeks and we’ve already reached half our membership target for the year.

“We’re so proud to be giving young people somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to.”

Wolves owner Steve Morgan has backed the project and spoke at the official opening

The centre, on School Street, opened its doors on January 16.

It has been spearheaded by Wolves owner Steve Morgan and backed by a number of high-profile people including One Direction’s Liam Payne, former Wolves star Steve Bull and rock legend Robert Plant.

The centre offers a one-stop all inclusive activity hub for young people aged between eight and 19 and those up to 25 with a disability.

The Way project has been supported by several organisations, including Marston's, Carvers and City of Wolverhampton College

There are more than 20 activities every night for young people to take part in such as indoor rock climbing, football, gym sessions, art, boxing, employability sessions and lots more.

The state-of-the-art facility boasts a high spec music room, a 3G pitch, enterprise media suite, climbing wall, multi-use four court sports hall, cafe, dance studio, gym, cooking area, general recreation area and much more.

The centre has also recently launched a new netball programme for girls in Years 4 to 6. Leading the sessions is Youth Zone general manager, Alice Davey, one of the region’s most highly-qualified netball coaches.

A number of organisations have thrown their weight behind the centre including Wolverhampton Homes which pledged to invest £75,000 over the next three years.

The body – which looks after more than 23,000 homes on behalf of Wolverhampton council – was named as a founder patron of the multi-million pound project.

Underpinning the funding from The Way’s founder patrons is £5.5m of investment from The Morgan Foundation, The Queen’s Trust, St James’s Place Foundation, Sport England, Garfield Weston, Football Foundation and Keltruck.

Wolverhampton council is also investing more than £3m in The Way’s development and running costs. Other supporters include City of Wolverhampton College, Marston’s and Carvers.

 

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2016/02/05/wolverhamptons-the-way-youth-zone-attracts-1500-in-two-weeks/