North-West charity Pure Insight invited by Princess Kate to royal Christmas celebration recognising acts of kindness

Sarah Sturmey, founder and CEO of North-West-based charity Pure Insight, had the honour of attending the Princess of Wales’ annual Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on Friday, December 6th.

The event, themed "How much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives," brought together 1,600 guests from across the UK to celebrate the transformative power of kindness, unity, and hope.Sarah represented Pure Insight, her team, and the charity's network of volunteers at this prestigious event, hosted by Princess Kate and supported by Prince William.

Now in its fourth year, the Together at Christmas Carol Service recognises and celebrates the extraordinary work of charities and individuals who uplift their communities.A poignant illustration by Charlie Mackesy featured on the cover of the order of service, depicting a group of individuals with arms around one another walking toward an abbey. This illustration struck a deep chord with Sarah, as it perfectly encapsulates the charity's vision: to provide a family-like support network for those who have no one to turn to.

Through its mentoring programs, Pure Insight ensures that no young person feels alone on their journey to independence.Pure Insight is dedicated to supporting young people transitioning out of the care system—many of whom face adulthood alone, without the safety net of a family or support network. These young people often carry the weight of childhood trauma, making the journey even more challenging.“At Pure Insight, we understand the importance of providing support to young people leaving care,”

Sarah said. “Just like any other young person, they need a guiding hand—someone who will champion them through both the challenges and successes they encounter.

"This, to me, is the ultimate act of kindness."We are fortunate to have dedicated groups of local volunteers who generously commit a few hours each week to help young care leavers thrive. They have a passion for helping young people, particularly those who have faced the toughest circumstances.”

The royal recognition underscores the importance of Pure Insight’s work in providing essential mentoring, life skills, and emotional well-being support for care-experienced young people aged 16 to 28. The charity hopes this acknowledgment will amplify its visibility, encouraging new donors and volunteers to join its mission.As the charity moves into 2025, the focus is on expanding its reach by recruiting more volunteers to support care-experienced young people.

By growing its team of dedicated mentors, Pure Insight aims to provide even more young people with the family-like support networks they need to thrive during their transition to adulthood.Reflecting on the event, Sarah shared, “It was truly humbling to stand among so many incredible individuals and organisations at Westminster Abbey, united by a shared commitment to making a difference. The Princess of Wales’ dedication to shining a light on the power of kindness inspires us to keep working tirelessly to ensure that every care-experienced young person knows they are never alone.”