Damilola Taylor Trust’s work honoured at 10 Downing Street reception

Richard Taylor OBE with the Prime Minister at the reception at 10 Downing Street.

Ahead of the annual Day of Hope (7th December), created in memory of Damilola Taylor, on 25 November No. 10 held a reception attended by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Richard Taylor OBE. Richard founded the Damilola Taylor Trust back in 2001 to improve the life chances of disadvantaged young people. The reception was a chance to recognise the achievements of the Trust over the past 20 years and its ongoing commitment to changing the lives of young people and also to mark the inauguration of an annual national Day of Hope on 7 December, Damilola’s birthday.

The reception was also attended by representatives of a number of charities working in similar areas including the Youth Management Group of the Hope Collective. The Collective is working across the United Kingdom to ensure young people can share their views and diverse experiences with government and discuss solutions to tackling some of the key issues affecting young people.

Richard Taylor OBE, Damilola’s father, said:

“I am so grateful for all the hard work that has gone into creating such a strong legacy for my son. So many organisations and charities coming together to form this amazing coalition. It is my wish now that the Hope Collective’s work can be complimentary to the levelling up agenda so that we can all come together to support young people and improve their life chances.”

“I count the Prime Minister as my friend and so it is delightful he has granted this national day of youth empowerment and hope on my son’s birthday, 7th December, in perpetuity.”

Richard Taylor, OBE and the trustees of the Damilola Taylor Trust.