Accountancy firm, Kreston Reeves and law firm, DMH Stallard LLP have teamed up with Portslade Aldridge Community Academy (PACA) to deliver the inspirational Dare to Dream programme to 210 year 10 students.
Throughout the 2021/22 academic year, both Kreston Reeves and DMH Stallard LLP have supported the Dare to Dream programme, which aims to develop vital life skills, boost self-confidence, and help the next generation realise their potential.
Focusing on the themes of self-awareness, mindset, gratitude, resilience, teamwork and employability, programme lead and local radio presenter, Jack 'the Lad' Hayes uses his own personal experiences and unique way of engaging the students to challenge the way they think and raise their aspirations.
In addition to Jack’s inspirational assemblies, six members of staff from across Kreston Reeves and DMH Stallard LLP have volunteered to deliver one-one-one mentoring to 18 of PACA’s students who could benefit most from some extra support and guidance.
Drawing on their own unique experiences and routes in the workplace, their role is to support the students by boosting their confidence, preparing them for the future and helping them visualise their own pathway into the workplace.
Through both these one-on-one sessions, and a series of interactive team building exercises, each mentor plays a vital role in reinforcing Jack’s message.
The Dare to Dream programme finishes with the opportunity for the students to go on a workplace visit to the offices of the mentors. This gives the students a closer look at corporate life to gain an understanding of an average day working in the office and learn that employment doesn’t have to be scary.
Jake Standing, Partner from Kreston Reeves said:
“This is the second Dare to Dream programme that we have participated in with the Love Local Jobs Foundation, with this programme being run alongside our friends at DMH Stallard LLP.
It is easy to say that we are supporting young adults against the challenges of the current economic and social turmoil, but the reality is that our team get as much out of the programme as the students do!
The feeling that we get when our mentees get progressively more comfortable discussing themes from each session, is really warming. This gives us such confirmation that we make a difference with those we interact with and serves as a reminder to act as a good role model through everything we do.
The sessions are organised so well, and the themes are presented immaculately by Jack (in his unique way!). It has been a real pleasure being one of the mentors this year and supporting the LLJ Foundation to inspire young people to reach their full potential, personally and professionally.”
Jo Potbury, Senior Associate at DMH Stallard LLP said:
“Being involved in the Dare to Dream programme has been a great experience for me and the rest of the DMH Stallard LLP team. It has been truly inspirational seeing first-hand the positive impact the initiative has on young people in our local community.
Having the opportunity to mentor some of the students at PACA has been incredibly rewarding - it's been lovely to see the students develop over the sessions we've had with them. A fantastic project to be a part of!”