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Sage Foundation has launched a partnership with national cricket charity Chance to Shine in a bid to help hundreds of children learn important life skills.

The partnership was launched this week with the help of young people from one of the charity’s Street cricket projects in Benwell, Newcastle, where weekly sessions take place at St John’s School. They were joined by cricketing stars Kathryn Bryce, from Trent Rockets, and Sarah Bryce, from Welsh Fire, who played in matches with the children.

Helen Devanny, VP of the Sage Foundation, said: “Just as Sage is trying to knock down barriers for small and medium businesses, the Sage Foundation is helping people in disadvantaged areas to thrive. The partnership with Chance to Shine aligns perfectly with the Hundred’s aims to engage new audiences and make cricket as accessible to all. You cannot underestimate the power that sport has to positively impact the lives of young people. It is a great way to build confidence and self-belief, which can set them up for life.”

Laura Cordingley, CEO of Chance to Shine, said: “We are really excited by our new partnership with Sage and are looking forward to making an impact in communities such as Newcastle. Over the years we’ve seen almost 6 million children pass through our programmes and have witnessed first-hand the incredible things cricket can do for the development of young people. Whether it’s keeping participants active, or building their confidence and teamwork skills, this partnership will make a real difference.”

Staff from professional services firm Accenture took part in a beach clean at Seaton Sluice. Led by Accenture associate director, David Darlington, the team put its commitment to the North East community into action as 20 Accenture colleagues spent more than eight hours litter picking at the beach.

The beach clean was organised as part of Accenture’s Sustainability Value Promise, a strategy to embed sustainability into everything the company does as a means of helping to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Following the beach clean, Accenture worked with Soul2Sand - a local sand artist called Claire Eason - to produce an artistic recreation of the Accenture logo in the sand.

David Darlington said: “At Accenture we want to play an active role in the community. The North East’s coastline is one of the country’s most beautiful sights, and we want to ensure it remains that way.”