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Be the Change Coastal West Sussex, launch conference Feb 2016

Written by: Be the Change
Published on: 1 Mar 2016

Be the Change, CWS2

The inspirational programme that is helping young people fulfil their potential and improve their life chances, launched for local school students on Thursday, February 25, at the University of Chichester’s campus in Bognor Regis.

Around 100 Year Nine students from 9 secondary schools in West Sussex are taking part in ‘Be the Change’, a detailed programme focussing on raising the confidence and aspirations of 13 and 14 year olds.  Over the course of the school year the students will come together with business volunteers on five occasions, including a workplace visit.

The programme is a collaboration between us (LoveLocalJobs.com) and humanutopia. Carlo Missirian and Graham Moore, the founders of humanutopia, are both former teachers who understand the challenges facing young people today. They said: “Our vision is for every young person to have raised hope and confidence, to have the chance to develop life skills and create positive cycles that will prepare them for life. We believe in putting people first, and the ‘Be the Change’ programme is a perfect vehicle to work in partnership to help young people develop the qualities and qualifications they need for a better future. Working with corporate volunteers and the invaluable support and belief of local businesses and universities, adds a further dimension and depth to the engagement and journey the young people will experience.”

Schools taking part in the programme are Bourne Community College, Southbourne; Davison Church of England High School for Girls, Worthing; Durrington High School; Felpham Community College; Midhurst Rother College; Steyning Grammar School, The Angmering School, The Academy, Selsey and Chatsmore Catholic High School, Goring-by-Sea.

Danielle Cook, Assistant Head, Steyning Grammar School, commented:  “What an incredible day! 'Be the Change' had many teachers both utterly inspired and extremely emotional. What a phenomenal occasion for our most vulnerable students. Thank you LoveLocalJobs and humanutopia for literally changing the lives of our young people.”

The idea for ‘Be the Change’ came from Gary Peters, Founder of LoveLocalJobs.com.  He said: “We believe that ‘Be the Change’ has the power to dramatically improve lives.  David Cameron said last month that there are around 25,000 pupils about to start their GCSEs who are at-risk of under-achieving or dropping out and that he wants businesses to mentor at-risk teenagers. Well, this is exactly what we are doing right here in Sussex in collaboration with local employers, universities and local authorities.”

There are three ‘Be the Change’ programmes rolling out across East and West Sussex over the coming months. The Coastal West Sussex programme is a collaboration between LoveLocalJobs.com, Humanutopia, Sussex Learning Network, University of Chichester, Heart FM, West Sussex County Council, Coast to Capital LEP and The Careers & Enterprise Company, along with support from local businesses.

Sarah Williams, Director of Sussex Learning Network, said: “The Sussex Learning Network is delighted to be sponsoring the Be the Change programme right across Sussex this year – it’s providing a fantastic opportunity for our educational partners to engage with young people in a really innovative and inspiring way, and we hope to be able to continue to support the programme for years to come.” 

Claudia Harris, CEO of The Careers and Enterprise Company, commented: “We are delighted with the launch of the Enterprise Adviser network in the Coast to Capital region and our aim is to build on the excellent work that is already taking place, and the commitment of the local business community, to extend the careers and enterprise provision for young people. Our approach will, above all, ensure every young person in England has access to encounters with business and the support needed to fulfil their potential.”

For more information and how you can be apart of Be the Change please contact Rose Farrar on 01273 651100 or rosanna@lovelocaljobs.com

 

 


Photo caption: A student from Bourne Community College                                                                                                                              

About humanutopia

humanutopia is a social business that creates and runs inspirational courses in schools for students and staff.  Their courses are based on personal, social and workplace skills development, and improve the hope, confidence, happiness, relationships, and employability of participating students. Over the last 11 years Humanutopia have worked with over 200,000 young people, 200 schools, 25,000 adults and 20,000 heroes.