With 2019 in full swing, we thought we’d share some of our highlights of 2018.

1.  In January 2018 , we held our first ever Gala Dinner to recognise the efforts of all those that have supported us over the years, as well as to raise funds that would enable us to expand our programmes and become more ambitious. Joined by over 300 guests, we heard from a range of distinguished speakers including our Patrons John Pienaar, Sir Martyn Lewis and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, along with Sir George Iacobescu – CEO of the Canary Wharf Group Ltd, the Mayor of London Rt Hon Sadiq Khan, Victoria Atkins MP and of course our fantastic Patchworkers.We’d like to thank the Canary Wharf Group Ltd for all of their support with helping to make this a landmark moment for the Foundation. 
2. Our 2018 Masterclass Programme saw 60 young people from across the country embark on a 10 month journey to develop their personal and professional skills, by learning directly from a range of experienced political tutors as well as focusing on soft skill development. Tutors included Rt Hon Sir Nick Clegg, the late Sir Jeremy Heywood, Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, Rt Hon Esther McVey, Rt Hon Gavin Williamson MP, Commissioner Cressida Dick, Sir Mick Davis, Jennie Formby & Sir Lynton Crosby amongst others.The cohort graduated at our MP of the Year Awards earlier this month, with graduate Lovell Owiti sharing his story of why he got involved. You can watch this here.
3. In June we marked a milestone for the Patchwork Foundation, as we celebrated our official charity status at a special reception at 11 Downing Street, kindly hosted by the Chancellor Rt Hon Phillip Hammond MP.
4. Our annual MP of the Year Awards at Speaker’s House saw over 100 MPs nominated in recognition of the work they do to support and champion disadvantaged and minority communities. Winners on the night included; Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP as Overall MP of the Year, Dr Philippa Whitford as People’s Choice MP of the Year and Dr Rosena Allin-Khan as Newcomer MP of the Year. See here for the full list of winners.Thank you to KPMG for their sponsorship, and to COSARAF Charitable Foundation and L’Oscar hotel for sponsoring awards. Nominations for 2019 are now open.
5. This year, for the first time, we partnered with the US Embassy in London to send seven of our talented Patchworkers on the unique International Visitors Leadership Programme. The programme aims to increase mutual understanding, and over three weeks they visited five states exploring political engagement, civic participation and community outreach. We look forward to continuing to work with the US Embassy in London on even more exciting projects.
6. Our #GetInvolved work continued throughout the year, with a range of canvassing and phone banking sessions with the different parties. In Autumn, we took 45 young people to Party Conference for the first time, developing their understanding of how parties work and allowing them to network with those present. Activities included attending fringe events, a tour of the exhibitions, special masterclass sessions with MPs and culminated with attending the leader’s speech.