Leicester students 'Be The Change' with Hastings Direct

Hastings Direct, in partnership with LoveLocalJobs.com and Humanutopia launched the Be the Change programme to 70 Leicester students this week.

Students from Manor High School, Welland Park Community College, Hamilton Community College and Madani Schools Federation came together at the Curve Theatre to join representatives from Hastings Direct and the partnering companies, to be part of thought provoking and at times emotional, discussions on overcoming behavioural obstacles to positively shape and mould their future.

Hastings Direct Group CEO, Gary Hoffman addressed the students at the beginning of the day, sharing his own experiences from his time at school and discussing the life and career choices he took.

Bringing their own experiences to the day by providing support and offering personal anecdotes to the students, 27 business mentors from Hastings Direct began their journey as Be The Change volunteers. Over the coming months, the business volunteers will meet the students to encourage further understanding on developing life skills to take forward into work life.

Andrea Gray, Operations Director, Hastings Direct said; "The Be the Change launch has been an amazing event – to see so many teenagers find their voice and speak up amongst their peers has been a humbling experience. To witness them realise their own potential through behavioural choices further highlighted that they are in control of their future. As employers, we know the importance of having the inner confidence and belief in order to grab opportunities and work in a team. Hastings Direct's 27 business mentors were also honoured to be part of such a transformational day, being there to help the young adults by giving anecdotal advice on career and life development."

The Be the Change education programme aims to raise the aspirations of year 9 students (aged 13-14), helping them to remove barriers that may make them disengaged at school and provide them with life skills to take into the future.

Speaking directly to the students throughout the launch day, Graham Moore, Co-Founder, Humanutopia reflected; "Launching Be the Change to students in Leicester today has been an amazing experience. Their engagement in the programme produced immediate results in students' confidence and self-awareness. They are a credit to their schools and community. It was a pleasure to once again work with business volunteers from Hastings Direct who further enriched the experience of the students with their commitment, professionalism and a real duty of care to the young people in their community."

Rosanna Farrar, Head of Partnership and Events, LoveLocalJobs.com said; "Seeing the impact of Be the Change on 70 students in Leicester was incredible. Looking around the room towards the end of the day, there was not one student who wasn't engaged, contemplating their future and seriously considering the fact that they themselves have the power to make positive changes in order to be successful and happy in life. We are delighted to once again be working with Humanutopia and Hastings Direct to deliver such a powerful initiative."

For more information on Be the Change – visit LoveLocalJobs.com

About LoveLocalJobs.com

LoveLocalJobs.com has an award winning family of regional job boards in Sussex and Surrey. It works proactively to link businesses, universities, colleges and schools, public sector, charities and community groups and other organisations to promote and create local employment opportunities in the South East, whilst also providing much needed careers, information, advice and guidance to local businesses and job-seekers alike.

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.