A girl who comes to the youth club has a terminally ill father. The group started a collection to raise money for her to do something nice with her dad before he dies. My manager banned the collection, saying we should not encourage young people to give money away. I disagree and want to help them.
What the young people have decided to do sounds lovely. It shows genuine support and empathy. It shows the young woman that her friends are thinking of her and recognise the importance of the forthcoming days. There might be an issue if they are asking people outside of their network to contribute such as neighbours. This could be seen as inappropriate.
However, if they are considering opening the collection up to a wider market, talk to initiatives such as Space Hive, which set up not-for-profit fundraising web pages for local projects. It may link you to other groups in your area that could help.
But the idea is a very considerate one. Encourage it as far as you can - it can also provide a way for the young people to deal with their own sadness and fears.
Tracie Trimmer-Platman is senior lecturer in youth and community work at the University of East London
Email questions, marked "Experts", to cypnow@markallengroup.com
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