Each year, BECBC members volunteer hundreds of hours to support young people who are predominantly in education, to raise awareness about the world of work. The BECBC Social Value group is committed and passionate about improving outcomes for young people in our local communities, we dedicate time at every meeting to hear from the Centre for Leadership Performance and Inspira about the events that are taking place in schools and colleges and how we as members can best support.
The focus of this month’s meeting was on Youth Work in West Cumbria and the role that Youth Workers play in the personal and social development of our young people. Jacq Cardy and Mandy Taylor described the provision available from providers in Copeland including youth groups, outreach work and holiday provision. The projects help some of our most vulnerable young people, and there are ways that the business community can help by getting involved in mentoring programmes, providing funding, or the chance for young people to take part in accredited training. Please get in touch with, jacq.cardy@swyp.org.uk, or Mandy.taylor@wcdop.co.uk to keep the conversation going.
Better Tomorrows Programme
Our next speaker, David Beeby recognised the vital role that Youth Work plays in making a significant difference to the lives of young people when he was the High Sheriff of Cumbria. David went on to establish Better Tomorrows, a programme designed to offer in-county training for Youth Workers. Over a 3-year period, over 100 youth worker training places and salaries will be funded which means that more young people in our County will have access to quality youth work provision. CYA provide the youth work training and Cumbria Community Foundation deal with the salary grant applications and programme management. So far, £1.25 million has been raised, which is phenomenal, but the programme can be scaled up to offer an even bigger impact. David asked that if there are companies out there who would like to invest in this amazing project to contact him.
CfLP and The Link
Nicola Wooley from the CfLP described some of the work they are doing out of school hours. She is currently looking for volunteers to Support the Leading Change programme being offered through the South Whitehaven Youth Partnership. Please get in touch with Nicola if you would like to get involved. The CfLP are also looking for volunteers and sponsorship to support online Cumbria Future Leaders events.
There are lots of employer events taking place in schools organised by the Link. Vicky is looking for volunteers for Whitehaven Academy’s Futures Week and mock interviews for Year 11. Activities area also taking place in Beacon Hill, Solway and Cockermouth Schools, as well as West Cumbria Learning Centre; if you can spare the time, please get in touch with Vicky for more information.
CYA, are rolling out a brand-new countywide Social Action programme and are looking for business mentors, please get in touch with becky@cya.org.uk if you would like to be involved!
There is something for everyone here, please spread the word about the ned for volunteers - together we are making a difference!
