A CANCER survivor has launched her charity’s latest initiative to help support opportunities, education and support to children, young adults and their families.

Vale resident, Soraya Kelly, founded The Gloves Are On (#TGAO) late last year after her cancer battle led to her journey from raising self-awareness to forming the charity.

Now, amid the coronavirus pandemic she is focusing on mental health and wellbeing of young people.

The said it was tough enough today to navigate the pressures of life as a young person, but the adverse effects of this pandemic has also seen their education interrupted, social life slashed, and all the joys of teenage times taken away.

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Launched as part of Black History Month on October 1, the charity’s educational program, will produce a calendar and a diary of events, showing real life inspirational Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic (BAME) members of the community.

These role models, young people included, are from a variety of backgrounds have achieved success against the odds will form part of a promotional video for #OurLivesMatter, in collaboration with South Wales Police (BPA) and other organisations.

Since, the start in January 2018, #TGAO has been making improvements in areas such as wellbeing.

It has raised awareness on many social issues and has broken down barriers with increased positivity on an individual and group youth basis.

Spreading the message on social media, #TGAO have gone viral with mass support from the local community and beyond, including a number of professional sports personalities.

Current projects include #SeeSpeakSave well-being packages are being produced in collaboration with talented university students and alongside our educational mentors, Daydream Education.

A game style interactive App is in the process of being developed with discussions around relevant marketing ongoing.

Designed specifically to gain the interest of younger children, a cartoon character will reach, empower, educate, and support those at a younger age.

#Unite4Youth is a project that provides `real’ paid opportunities for young people in collaboration with Cardiff City Council.

The council fund the relevant course or training programme to enable a young person to work alongside qualified staff receiving wages through the #TheGlovesAreOn charity.

#FadeItOutKnockItOut is a discrimination in sport campaign.

Topics such as, class, racism, male domination and female domination are researched and explored by young people in youth and sport clubs throughout Wales and beyond.

Ms Kelly said: “I had over 30 years of experience working with children, young adults and their families within the community or in the child protection field.

“I proud of my achievement winning the Changing Star award whilst employed at Cardiff City Council that helped to turn young people’s lives around.

“But this this was not enough to make the positive change as quickly as I wanted, so I set up The Gloves Are On.

“Utilising my previous employment skills, knowledge, passion and determination to make a difference – and we have gone from strength to strength.

“Thanks to all who have supported us.”