ATQ Christmas Match: Doubling your Impact!

Dear people of West Yorkshire,

We’re Ask the Question, a local Community Interest Company based in Hebden Bridge. As Christmas nears and the days get shorter, we’re seeking funding to support us through the winter months, with our sister private tuition company Tayberry Tuition and Consultancy generously matching what we raise! But first, a little about us:

ATQ provides bespoke educational support and mentorship to children with adverse childhood experiences, with a particular focus on young people who have experienced abuse, trauma or neglect. ATQ is a space for our young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to learn in a way that works for them. Together with her team of tutors, Jo Austin works closely with students to support them throughout their school journey, from homework and exams to developing unique passions and interests. Aside from the academic role, ATQ is a place of advocacy, friendship and community to young people.

As winter approaches, Ask The Question will face many challenges that seem all too familiar to all of us - rising energy costs, transport problems, and for schools (and parents) the struggle to keep young people motivated to study through the colder months. Calderdale will be especially affected by this - upwards of 34% (2020/2021) of children are classed as “living in poverty”, a figure significantly higher than the national average. As a consequence less than a third of Calderdale pupils claiming free school meals achieve 5A* -C at GCSE. We’re proud to say that with ATQ students that proportion is 95%. This winter we’ll be unwaveringly there for our students, providing the same support year round. A big part of this is our ‘Warm Spaces’ scheme, for which we’re opening our office up, not only for lessons, but also as a place for our ATQ students to come and complete homework or study with refreshments and an experienced tutor nearby. Some of our students lack a safe space at home to study, so ATQ is essential in providing an alternative.

Working within Calderdale and West Yorkshire over the years has truly been a lesson in the overwhelming resilience and generosity of its people. This is why we’re asking for your help. No matter how much you can spare, any donation will go directly towards providing extra lesson time and keeping our space open and available for students who need it.

For more information, click here for our website!

Thank you so much and Merry Christmas!

Warmest regards,

Ask the Question :)