Strawberry Field celebrates 49 trainees at its Summer 'Shine On!' Graduation

Yesterday we celebrated 49 young people at their Steps at Strawberry Field graduation. The summer 'Shine On!' graduation saw 64% of graduates on our Steps to Work and Steps for Students programmes secure paid work, with others moving into meaningful volunteering or further education. It was fantastic to celebrate this incredible achievement with our trainees, who have worked incredibly hard throughout the programme.

We also launched the Shine On! award, in memory of Lisa Graham, which recognises individuals on the programme whose journey has been transformational. We were delighted to present the Shine On! award to Steps to Work graduate Sophie, who has come on leaps and bounds since joining the programme.

Thank you to our Honorary President Julia Baird for continuously supporting our Steps at Strawberry Field programmes and to our volunteers who generously support the Salvation Army’s mission at Strawberry Field. Thank you to all who attended our graduation, including Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mr Mark Blundell CVO, The High Sheriff of Merseyside Mr Billy Hui, The Right Worshipful, The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Barbara Murray.

Thank you to our employer partners, our colleagues from The Salvation Army, and friends and supporters Ricky Tomlinson, Freda Kelly, Jean Catherall and Lizze Acker.

We would also like to thank our Steps Alumni Jake and Megan for providing their skills and services in the form of music and photography, and to our sponsors JBL, Harmon, AKG and Orange.