Hastings Direct is ready to Be The Change with Bexhill Academy

Hastings Direct (Hastings) in partnership with LoveLocalJobs.com and social enterprise, Humanutopia, announced a new three year education programme this week for Bexhill Academy called 'Be the Change'.

'Be the Change' is the first programme of its kind in the UK and focuses on raising the aspirations of local year nine students (13 years), helping them to remove barriers that make them disengaged at school and in life and providing them with life skills to help shape their future. It is a detailed and sustainable programme of activity designed to bring young people and business volunteers together on five occasions over the course of the school year, culminating in a celebration event at which the students are presented with certificates and meaningful work experience opportunities.

Amanda Menahem, HR Director, Hastings Direct said: 'We are proud to be at the forefront of something so transformational for students in our community. We do a lot of work already with our local schools and colleges to help improve employability prospects and indeed a number of local students have gone on to become colleagues. 'Be the Change' offers us the opportunity to help younger people in our community and with our colleagues' involvement; we hope that we can make a real difference."

Gary Peters, Chief Executive, LoveLocalJobs.com said: "The 'Be the Change' programme focuses on working with young people on what they are able to do, rather than what they cannot do. During the programme the students will learn valuable skills working with business volunteers to help them prepare for their final years at school and most importantly, for their future. Hastings Direct participating in this ground-breaking initiative has led to local government organisations and other large businesses and educational institutes working to get involved in further Be the Change programmes in Sussex and beyond which is fantastic."

Trudy Hillman, Head of Pastoral Care for Bexhill Academy concluded: "This is a great opportunity for Bexhill's young people. The three year programme will give our students the opportunity to learn and put into practise skills that benefit them into further education and employment. Academy staff will be working alongside staff from Humanutopia and Hastings Direct to support Bexhill Academy's work in raising student aspirations and preparing them as tomorrow's leaders within the work place. We would like to thank Hastings Direct, LoveLocalJobs.com and Humanutopia for their work with Bexhill Academy and their commitment to our students through the Be The Change Programme."

For more information on the Be the Change programme please visit LoveLocalJobs.com

Or Natalie Sadlier, Hastings Direct Media Relations Officer. Tel: 01424 735 735 extn. 8225pr@hastingsdirect.com

About Humanutopia

Humanutopia is a social business that creates and runs inspirational courses in schools for students and staff. Their courses are based on personal, social and workplace skills development, and improve the hope, confidence, happiness, relationships, and employability of participating students. Over the last 11 years Humanutopia have worked with over 200,000 young people, 200 schools, 25,000 adults and 20,000 heroes.