What others say

“I remember when I was starting out in politics how difficult it was. Nobody in my family had gone down that route, so I had nobody to show me the ropes or tell me what it was all about. And it’s for that reason why I’ve always strongly supported the Patchwork Foundation, because they give political connections to young people who don’t have any but nevertheless want to come into politics and get their voice heard. It’s brilliant. There are so many graduates of the Patchwork Masterclass now working at senior levels in our civil service. It’s a wonderful organisation. They’ll always have my strong support. Patchwork exists to open up politics to people from all backgrounds and walks of life, and that’s why they’re a great organisation, and why you should give them your support too.”

”I am proud to support the ground breaking work of the Patchwork Foundation. Patchwork is one of the few organisations I know that trains young people from diverse backgrounds on political campaigning and then helps them to implement those skills on the doorstep through their GetInvolved programme.”

“I am proud that the Government I lead is the most diverse the UK has ever seen and the Patchwork Foundation is leading the charge in making politics more accessible to all, proving that young people from any background can be at the heart of British politics.”

“Encouraging the next generation to participate in the political system and affect positive change in society is vital for a healthy democracy. Patchwork Foundation is creating a space to make politics more accessible, and I credit you for the exemplary impact you are having.”

“Parliament should reflect the population we seek to represent. People shouldn’t see Westminster as remote, irrelevant or off-limits to them, they should know that it is something that serves them, something in which they can play a part. That is what the Patchwork Foundation sets out to achieve. Over the past decade, you have touched and transformed the lives of thousands of young people.” See her full statement here.

“As an MP, and as a liberal, I have consistently championed the idea that our democracy is only as good as the people who engage with it, and so it is vital that all parts of our diverse society feel empowered to participate within democracy and public life.

Britain’s democracy is being strengthened every day by the efforts of Patchwork to engage people of all communities, so even to be a small part of this journey is a privilege.”

…No-one should feel disadvantaged if they want a career in Parliament – and I am fully behind the Foundation’s efforts to support and equip young people with the skills, experience and know-how to succeed in public life.

Over the last five years, I have seen Patchwork grow from strength to strength. It’s work with underrepresented communities, especially young people, is not only important to get young people involved in our democracy, but has also completely changed so many people’s lives.

“Promoting and inspiring young talent from all backgrounds to engage in the politics and civil society strengthens political participation and our democratic process. The Patchwork Foundation is due enormous credit for their work in encouraging the positive integration of underrepresented communities and I am pleased to have been able to support the Foundation over the years as they have grown from strength to strength.”

“As a former Patchworker who learnt about the inner sanctums of politics through a Masterclass several years ago, it’s very special to now use some of that knowledge to help guide my journey as a Member of Parliament.

Getting involved in a Patchwork Masterclass and a visit to No10 played an important part of me realising that I could have a seat at the table, and that the political world was open to me too.

I’m now determined to pay that forward to ensure that the young people of today have the confidence, the knowledge and the insights to be the politicians of tomorrow”

“Patchwork is a loudhailer for the voices of underrepresented groups right across our islands and their Parliamentary Awards recognise the endeavours of individual MPs across the parties who are making efforts to get people from all walks of life engaged in politics.”

”I remember how lively and engaging it was and how passionate a room full of young people were so bought into the idea of democracy changing their own and other lives for the better. Thank you, Patchwork Foundation for all the work you do, it is an honour for me to support you.”

“The greatest impact of Patchwork has been the people. Meeting patchworkers and speakers from different backgrounds and hearing their journeys inspired me to stay curious, embrace new opportunities and continually push beyond my comfort zone.”

“The Masterclass Programme changed my life. Because of the foundation, I got to train in Geneva, and now, I’m a Green Councillor in Lambeth, working full time in Westminster for a pro-Europe organisation.”

“Patchwork has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to making its masterclasses, ranging from discussions with permanent secretaries to frontbench politicians, as accessible as possible to all participants. I would like to give particular thanks to my Patchwork mentor, Natan Doron, whose support and encouragement have been instrumental in helping me navigate my career both during and beyond the programme.”