Be the Change - inspiring young people to reach their full potential

An inspirational programme to help local young people fulfil their potential was launched for a third year running with 100 school students from six Crawley secondary schools on Friday, November 9 at the Charis Centre, Crawley.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Nov 2018, 12:56 BST
Updated 14th Nov 2018, 14:01 BST
Be the Change 2018Be the Change 2018
Be the Change 2018

The Be the Change programme has been developed by LoveLocalJobs.com and Be the Change co-founder Graham Moore also of metamoorephosis to help 13 and 14 year-olds negotiate the gap between education and employment.

Volunteer business guides from the local business community play a pivotal role throughout the programme, providing guidance, support and advice for the young people.

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The impressive list of businesses supporting include First Central, B&CE, Crawley Borough Council, L3 Commercial Aviation, NatWest, Search Consultancy, SHW and Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust.

At the ground breaking launch, the students and business volunteers took part in activities that focus on happiness, confidence, hope, relationships and employability. The activities were created and expertly led by Be the Change co- founder, Graham Moore, a former teacher who understands the challenges facing young people today.

Graham 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. Be the Change is a perfect vehicle to help young people develop the qualities and qualifications they need for a better future. The volunteers and the invaluable support and belief of local businesses adds a further dimension and depth to the engagement and journey the young people will experience.”

Founder of LoveLocalJobs.com, Gary Peters said: “So many people leave school without the tools, confidence or belief to realise their full potential and Be the Change helps ensure our local next generation can thrive, irrespective of any barriers that may be in their way. Anybody can work to be the best they can be; it’s our commitment to give them the tools, confidence and inspiration to do so. We’ve seen outstanding outcomes from all Be the Change programmes and we are looking forward to making a positive difference to the young people involved in the Crawley and Gatwick programme this year.”

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Andy James, Chief Commercial Officer from Headline sponsor, First Central, said: “We discovered this programme through the valuable work that Hastings Direct were doing and thought it was a really inspirational initiative to support. It’s incredibly important to us that we give back to the communities that we serve and it completely resonates with our brand promise, empowering people to get on with what matters.”

The schools involved in the programme are: Ifield Community College, Hazelwick School, Holy Trinity Church of England Secondary School, St Wilfrid’s Catholic School, Oriel High School and Thomas Bennett Community College.

Steph Hancock, Year 9 Leader at St Wilfrid’s Catholic School said: “Wow! What an incredible day the students have had. Many of them were apprehensive about stepping out of their comfort zones but from the word ‘go’ they’ve been encouraged to put their trust in others and take a leap of faith. All have done something today which they never would have done without the ideas and motivation received at Be the Change. I can’t wait to see them blossom through the next five sessions.”

Be the Change programmes have been running for the past four years in other parts of the country including East Sussex, Coastal West Sussex, Brighton and Leicester.

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Related topics:Gary Peters