JLGB were just about to celebrate our 125th Anniversary on 1st April, when like so many charities we had to suspend all our face-to-face youth activities due to COVID-19. 

Pivoting our entire organisation, thanks to existing support from the #iwill Match Fund and the Youth United Foundation, on the 23^rd March all JLGB activities went virtual. JLGB Virtual is, in our own unique way, our response to ensuring that children and young people can continue to have fun, learn new skills and make a difference whilst at the same time still being able to complete all their awards during lockdown.

We are delighted that our nightly online programmes have been viewed by over 1.8million people since lockdown began. Social action and acts of kindness continue to be a huge part of the programme each evening. Sessions have seen young viewers take part in workshops on human rights, join discussions on Black Lives Matter and campaign during Refugee Week, to name a few. Skills sessions have included cartoon drawing, learning to code, first aid and photography.

We have been joined by some inspirational guests to delight, inform and entertain our youngsters, including Minister for Civil Society, Baroness Diana Barran, Countdown Co-presenter Rachel Riley, Vice President of Facebook Europe & Africa Nicola Mendelsohn, Professor Robert Winston, Judge Rinder, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Craig David and our President, The Lord Levy, who have all been interviewed by our incredible youth hosts.

JLGB President, The Lord Levy said: “JLGB has captured the mood and imagination of the community. You are showing our community how it should be done and leading the way.” In praise of Cidney Miller, 17 who interviewed him for the show and all the other JLGB youth presenters, Lord Levy said: “You guys are going to be our inspirational leadership for the future. I know when I listen to you that our community is going to be in very secure and safe hands.”

Rachel, aged 11 sent in the following quote about JLGB Virtual: “I love JLGB Virtual so much this is what I look forward to at the end of the day, I just wanted to thank you so much. I am tired at the end of the school day then I come and relax on JLGB Virtual and I know that I am always going to have a good time, so thank you.”

More information and highlight videos can be found here.