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Foundation supports young people through the pandemic with virtual programme

BTC 2021 header

FOUNDATION SUPPORTS YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH THE PANDEMIC WITH VIRTUAL PROGRAMME

The LoveLocalJobs Foundation C.I.C is to offer their 2021 ‘Be the Change’ programme to young people in a virtual format for the first time since the programme was launched in 2015.

Be the Change is an inspirational programme aimed at helping students who may face challenges and difficulties to realise their full potential. The programme focuses on happiness, confidence, hope, relationships and employability and encourages students to identify their personal barriers to success, before helping them find ways of overcoming them. 

The virtual offering coincides with the reintroduction of home-schooling, amid a crisis that has seen young people experience more severe stress and anxiety than in previous years. Sponsored by a plethora of leading local employers, the programme is set to make its biggest impact to date. Supporters of the programme include Sussex Police, Legal & General, First Central, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust and PwC.

Business representatives from organisations across the local area have been invited to participate in the programme as business guides and positive role models – they will be sharing their experiences and stories regarding their lives and career journeys on virtual tables, as well as encouraging the students and listening to their day to day struggles.

The need for a programme such as this is greater now than ever, as is the drive to support the local community. The LoveLocalJobs Foundation C.I.C remains committed to supporting young people from the area and is stepping up to support their futures, at a time when they need it most.

“We are incredibly excited to be able to hold our ‘Be the Change’ programme in a virtual format. In the midst of a year unlike any that’s come before, and with schools closed, there really is no better time for young people to be inspired and learn from those who are leading through disruption, confusion and turbulence. We continue to give everything we can to energise, accelerate and support young people in our local area, at a time where the need for this programme is greater than ever before.” said LoveLocalJobs Foundation Founder, Gary Peters.

The LoveLocalJobs Foundation ‘Be the Change’ virtual launch conferences will be taking place across 2nd, 3rd and 4th February. Visit https://www.lovelocaljobsfoundation.com/be-the-change to learn more.

Below are all our sponsors involved this year and a quote of their involvement:

Sussex PolicePrimary funder Sussex Police

A/Inspector Steve Hill, Community Coordinator for Brighton & Hove Division said “Be the Change is a programme that we are proud to support again. With the pandemic, it’s been tough for many people to keep positive with the constant changes and lockdowns, but especially so for teenagers who may be facing other challenges. Children who are demotivated, not engaged in education or can’t see a future in the workplace are more vulnerable to being drawn into criminal activity. Anything that can reduce that risk is a welcome intervention. The schools are having to work really hard at the moment, so I’m sure they’ll appreciate the diversion and benefits Be the Change has proven to bring for the pupils involved. 

During early discussions with the Be the Change team this year, we made sure that we had a ‘Plan B’ if the need for virtual delivery arose but have the ability to do face to face sessions where restrictions allow. For the Sussex Police business guides helping out, it’s great opportunity to work within the community, mentor the next generation and showcase the variety of careers policing has to offer.”

Legal & GeneralHeadline sponsor Legal & General 

Hove Location Director at Legal & General, Phil Anderson, said: “We’re really proud to be supporting the Be the Change programme for Brighton and Hove once again, this time as the headline sponsor. Our colleagues from across the business are really looking forward to getting involved, acting as mentors to the students and helping them to build self-confidence, discover their ambitions and ultimately fulfil their true potential. Supporting the next generation of young people and helping to build a pipeline of talent for the future is one of our key community objectives and this is just one example of our commitment to that.”

First CentralHeadline sponsor First Central 

Jo McGowan, Chief People Officer at First Central, said: “We’re delighted to once again be a part of the Be the Change programme, a fantastic initiative which creates important and impactful partnerships between local schools and businesses. We take great pride in giving back to the communities in which we work, with our business volunteers passionate about equipping young people with the skills they need for a successful future. We can’t wait to start and make a difference to the students participating in this year’s programme.”

Sussex NHSSupporting sponsor Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust 

"Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust is the largest provider of community services in Sussex. We are committed to working with all our diverse communities to support and share our knowledge. Be the Change is another opportunity for staff to engage with young people and share their wide-ranging experiences of study, work and life."

PwCSupporting sponsor PwC 

Gatwick Market Senior Partner, Simon Bailey said: “I am delighted that our PwC Gatwick office is continuing to sponsor the Be the Change programme after a hugely successful experience last year, despite the challenges that COVID 19 has presented us all with. The programme is an incredible opportunity to support our local community, and with the pandemic continuing to deepen the social mobility issues facing society, it has never been more important that businesses such as ours work to ensure everyone has the chance to succeed, regardless of their background. 

Having been a mentor on the programme last year, I am incredibly proud of our involvement in Be the Change and, alongside our other PwC mentors, I am really looking forward to supporting more local young people this year and helping them develop the confidence and skills they will need to reach their full potential.”