Brighton and Hove City Council has supported more than 1,600 students from schools in Brighton and Hove as part of the Dare to Dream programme.
Dare to Dream is an inspirational programme created by the Love Local Jobs Foundation, to help young people develop the personal and professional qualities they need to succeed. The Foundation believes that everyone can achieve great things, regardless of their background, and aims to provide the experiences, tools, confidence, and inspiration necessary to help local young people realise their full potential.
Head of Programme Delivery and inspirational speaker is the long serving radio personality, Jack Hayes, (also known as Jack the Lad) who is the former host of the Heart FM Breakfast show with almost 20 year’s experience of waking up Sussex and is currently on air with More Radio.
The deliveries and interactions alongside Jack’s powerful and personal narrative, are designed to promote and reinforce core themes that are central to wellbeing, employability and a positive future. These themes include self-awareness, mindset, resilience, gratitude, teamwork, and employability. Mentors from leading local employers also participate in the programme as role models to help instil these values in the young people being mentored.
With the support from local Brighton and Hove employers - EDF, Legal and General, Tillo, Paxton Access and A.P Security, the Dare to Dream programme has given 1,611 Year 9 students at Hove Park School, Portslade Aldridge Community Academy (PACA), Patcham High School, Blatchington Mill School, Varndean School and Dorothy Stringer School workplace experiences and the skills and confidence to fulfil their potential.
The programme is made up of multiple interactions including inspirational assemblies, one to one mentoring, an interactive workshop, and a workplace visit to the school’s partnering local employer.
Tim Clarke, Curriculum Development Manager, Varndean School said: “This inspiring programme teaches students key life skills and helps them to develop career aspirations. The programme includes a series of workshops which enable students to reflect on their own behaviour and choices. Throughout the programme, students receive mentoring from a business mentor, who provides additional support. This is a fantastic programme that I would recommend to all students at my school.”
Natalie Ottaway, Careers Advisor at Patcham High School commented that: “Dare to Dream offers our Year 9 students a space to listen to Jack's inspiring journey. His infectious manner gains their interest and trust from the get-go which is a real skill. His heartfelt passion to better our students and make them believe in themselves, is truly uplifting and aspirational. The business mentors and HR team at Paxton Access are really committed and inspired our students no end, simply by listening and being incredibly supportive. We have been very lucky to be paired with such an innovative, community spirited and caring company.”
One of the participating students said: “I have learnt about the importance of being a decent person and if you work hard you can go places in life. It is important to believe in yourself and what you are able to achieve.”