Be the Change in Hastings and Rother

Youngsters at the launch of Be the Change, pictures courtesy of Southern News & Pictures

Be the Change aims to help young people fulfil their ‘life prospects’ by providing businesses to mentor teenagers at risk of under-achieving.

The launch event, held at Bannatyne’s Hotel, Hastings, aimed to raise the confidence and aspirations of 13 and 14 year olds. Over the coming months, the students will take part in various activities with their peers and business mentors, including a work place visit.

The six schools involved in the program are: ARK Helenswood Academy, ARK William Parker Academy, Robertsbridge Community College, Rye College, St Richards Catholic College and The St Leonards Academy.

Vanessa Gall, student support manager at Rye College, said: “My students were fully engaged and participated with all activities which, with some of the students, came as a wonderful surprise to me.”

Be the Change was developed by LoveLocalJobs.com and humanutopia.

Carlo Missirian and Graham Moore, founders of humanutopia 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.”

Both are former teachers who understand the challenges facing young people today.

Three Be the Change programs are set to roll out across East and West Sussex over the coming months.

The new program has had support from Hastings Borough Council, Sussex Learning Network, University of Brighton, Heart FM and many local businesses, in attempts to boost career prospects in the area.

Cllr Dawn Poole, Hastings Borough Council’s lead member for regeneration, added: “We are very pleased to support Be the Change.

“Providing opportunities and enabling young people to develop skills and qualifications they need for better futures is imperative.

“We look forward to the future success of the scheme and to see aspirations raised in the young people of Hastings.”

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