Celebrating Lifelong Learning: Our 2025 Celebration Event
Each year, as our intern programme draws to a close, we take time to celebrate the incredible achievements of our young people. This year’s celebration was no exception—big, bold, and brimming with energy—centred around the theme of lifelong learning
A year of Growth and Achievement
Over the past year, our trainees have not only developed practical skills but also grown in confidence, creativity, and teamwork. To honour their dedication, we proudly handed out over 300 certificates, each one representing hours of commitment, perseverance, and personal growth.
Stories and Reflections
A special moment came from a video created by trainee Ben, which captured staff and trainees reflecting on the three most important things they learned this year. From practical skills to personal growth, their words captured the spirit of what lifelong learning means in action.
A Touch of Magic
We were also thrilled to welcome Ashley Green, a talented mindreader who wowed the audience with a dazzling performance. His act left everyone amazed—and perhaps still scratching their heads—at how he managed to do what he does so brilliantly.
A Gathering of Community
This event is always more than a ceremony. It brings together trainees, their families and supporters, our staff and their loved ones, corporate partners, and funders. The sense of community, encouragement, and celebration makes it one of the most inspiring dates in our calendar.
And this year, even our therapy dog in training joined in the celebrations—winning plenty of hearts and reminding us all that learning, support, and wellbeing come in many different forms.
Capturing the Moments
A huge thank you goes to Malcolm Hackett, who joined us for the third year running to capture the evening through his lens. His photos—complete with some fun props this year—help us treasure these memories and share the spirit of the event with our wider community.
Gratitude to Our Trustees
We also want to take this moment to thank our trustees, who work tirelessly behind the scenes. From mentoring and strategic guidance to helping us navigate the ever-challenging realities of cashflow, their support ensures we can keep growing and creating opportunities for our young people.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on this year’s achievements, we also look ahead with excitement. With the 2025/26 interns now joining us, we are ready to continue this journey of learning, growth, and celebration.
We hope to soon share a video of one of our interns delivering a heartfelt speech on the night—a speech that perfectly summed up the spirit of the evening and reminded us all why this celebration is such an important part of our yearly rhythm.
Here’s to another year of lifelong learning!
A huge thank you to our corporate partners and fellow Charities and Social Enterprises who support us each and every year. Including The Pig at Bridge Place, Social Enterprise Kent, Produced in Kent, Catching Lives, Whitehead Monkton, Eclipse HR, Holiday Extras, Golding Homes, Fareshare Kent, Workfolk and so many more.
If you would like to know more on how to support us as an individual, community group or as a business then please do drop our CEO a friendly email zoe@lilyscommunity.org – we would love to have a chat!
