Switch2 is proud to announce that BD4 Community Trust has been chosen as its Charity of the Year for 2026, marking the start of a new partnership focused on supporting families, children and older people across the local community.
BD4 Community Trust’s mission is “Supporting & Restoring Community across the Generations.” The charity delivers vital weekly activities through its BD4 Family Project, supporting pre-school aged children and their families, and its Gems Project, which provides activities for people aged 55 and over.
Since September 2025, BD4 Community Trust has registered more than 200 individual families and older people, with 600 unique individuals engaged through its community programmes.
Through the BD4 Family Project, the charity delivers more than 10 weekly activities for pre-school aged children and their families. These sessions support positive parenting, bonding and attachment, social and emotional development, and evidence-based parenting strategies.
The charity also delivers more than 5 weekly activities through its Gems Project, helping people aged 55 and over improve mental and physical wellbeing, build friendships, and reduce loneliness and social isolation.
As Charity of the Year, BD4 Community Trust will benefit from fundraising, volunteering and awareness-raising support from Switch2 employees throughout 2026.
Dr Cathy Olphin, Sustainability Manager at Switch2 said:
“Switch2 is delighted to choose BD4 Community Trust as our Charity of the Year for 2026. Their work has a real and lasting impact on the community, supporting people from early childhood through to later life. We are proud to support a charity that brings people together, strengthens relationships and helps reduce isolation across generations.”
Mel Astin, BD4 Community CEO, said:
“We are thrilled to have been chosen as Switch2’s Charity of the Year for 2026. This partnership will help us continue delivering essential support to families, children and older people in our community. With Switch2’s support, we can raise awareness of our work and reach even more people who benefit from connection, friendship and practical support.”
Switch2 employees will take part in a range of fundraising activities throughout the year, with money raised helping BD4 Family continue to deliver its weekly sessions and community support.