UK Top 50 law firm Birketts is proud to announce its role as a founding member of the newly launched Norfolk Taskforce, an initiative spearheaded by The High Performance Foundation to tackle the growing challenges faced by young people across the county.
The Norfolk Taskforce is a bold response to urgent issues affecting youth in the region. With 66% of employers reporting that young people lack essential life skills[i], and Norfolk’s rates of anxiety and emotional distress exceeding the national average[ii], the need for targeted support has never been greater. Schools are seeing rising disengagement, with low resilience and confidence acting as key barriers to learning. Nationally, one in five young people are living with a probable mental health disorder[iii].
Co-founded by broadcaster Jake Humphrey, The High Performance Foundation is an independent charity affiliated with the High Performance Podcast. Drawing on insights from hundreds of world-class performers, the Foundation uses storytelling and role models to help young people build the mental strength and employability skills they need to thrive.
Chloe Dannatt, CEO and Co-Founder of The High Performance Foundation, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Birketts as a founding member of our Norfolk Taskforce. The firm’s commitment to making a positive impact in the communities they serve aligns perfectly with our mission. Together, we’ll be able to create meaningful change here in Norfolk and across the UK – helping more young people, including those in some of the most disadvantaged areas, to build mental strength, resilience, and the employability skills they need to thrive.”
Bhargav Trivedi, Partner at Birketts, added: “Joining the Norfolk Taskforce is a natural extension of our commitment to supporting the communities we serve. At Birketts, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background. By working alongside The High Performance Foundation, we’re helping to equip the next generation with the mindset, confidence and skills they need to succeed in life and work.”
The Norfolk Taskforce will act as a catalyst for change, bringing together local organisations, educators, and role models to ensure every young person in Norfolk has access to the tools they need to flourish.
To date, the Foundation has supported more than 28,000 young people and aims to reach 1 million by 2030 through its flagship programme, Game Plan. This free, high-impact resource brings the life lessons of elite performers into classrooms, helping students grow resilience, wellbeing, and confidence.
[i] Employer Skills Survey, Dept of Education
[ii] Public Health England
[iii] NHS Digital, 2023
