Changing the way young people think about their future
Dare to Dream is an inspirational programme that challenges young people to change the way they think about themselves, their future and their place in the world. By partnering with local employers, educational institutions, public sector entities, and community leaders, our programmes equip young people with the confidence they need to reach their full potential.
Using themes of identity, character, self-belief, employability, resilience, and happiness, our speaker, and mentors use their own experiences and extensive knowledge to drive and motivate our local next generation of talent.
Our charismatic Head of Programme Delivery and inspirational speaker is the long serving radio personality Jack Hayes, (also known as Jack the Lad, the former host of the Breakfast show on Heart FM and is now on air with More Radio). As a professional speaker Jack engages with youth audiences in a unique and memorable way. The deliveries and interactions are designed to promote and reinforce core themes that are central to wellbeing, employability and a positive future. Jack tells his own story whilst also utilising opportunities within the programme structure via workshops, mentoring and workplace visits to engage with young people and promote better understanding of the challenges and barriers that stand between them and fulfilling their amazing potential whilst also hearing about the many incredible stories that already exist within their journeys.
In addition to Jack's personal narrative and inspirational speeches, local business volunteers play a crucial role as mentors in the programme. They offer invaluable support, guidance, and encouragement to a selected group of disengaged students, who are often educationally disadvantaged but recognised for their potential. These volunteers bring their own personal and professional experiences to the programme, helping to promote and reinforce the core themes.
Dare to Dream Core Themes
Identity, Character, Self-Belief, Employability, Resilience, Happiness
To drive and motivate young people of today.
Why Jack?
Jack "the lad" Hayes is a familiar name to many people in Sussex as the former long standing host of the Heart Sussex breakfast show, a position Jack held for over fifteen years making him one of the longest serving same show breakfast presenters in the UK. Over those years Jack’s cheeky chappy character amassed a following and support from the local community, however what many people may not be aware of is the journey he went on before finding his place in radio. Jack was bought up in very poor and tough surroundings in south London, struggled at school and struggled to find his identity and place in the world. Once he had finished school, Jack bounced around jobs which led him to live a somewhat hedonistic lifestyle.
When presented with that first opportunity to begin working in radio, Jack faced a crucial crossroad where he had two paths to choose from: one that had the potential to define his future and lead to a successful career, and the other that would maintain his current situation. He seized the positive opportunity and never looked back.
Now, after fifteen years and receiving numerous national awards, Jack feels compelled to give back to the Sussex community that embraced him and support local youth in making informed decisions about their own future. His goal is to guide them towards the right paths and share the valuable life lessons he has learned throughout his journey. By sharing his personal and professional insights alongside inspirational content that reinforce not only his own beliefs but also the core themes of the programme, Jack aims to instill confidence, determination, and the belief necessary for young people to succeed in life.
Dare to Dream supporters
Thank you to all the amazing supporters and sponsors who have enabled us to deliver programmes for over 23,000 young people across Sussex. Without your incredible generosity and support we simply wouldn't have been able to do the work that we do.