I Dared! launches to young people and parents in Pendle this week
Published Wednesday 2nd June 10
Local young people are fronting a new campaign to inspire other young people and their families to get the most out of their education and training.
A year-long campaign called 'I Dared!' will launch to local young people and their parents this week (Thursday June 3).
The campaign, which is encouraging the whole Pendle community to support young people in achieving their career and life goals, will be officially unveiled at North Valley Community Centre in Colne.
Pendle's Children's Trust, a part of Pendle Partnership, received £375,000 from the Inspiring Communities Grant Programme and Pendle Neighbourhood Partnership will lead on this programme of activities locally.
Now local young people are acting as official role models for the campaign, showing others how many different opportunities are available in Pendle.
I Dared! posters and leaflets can be seen at community venues throughout the borough.
They promote the different activities available to support and inspire young people and their families through their school years and beyond.
And it doesn't just stop there - the whole of Pendle is being encouraged to get involved by spreading the word about the campaign and volunteering to help support some of the activities.
Tim Power and Luke Williams are part of a team of 15 young people acting as role models for the campaign and feature on the 'I Dared!' posters and flyers.
Tim and Luke are both taking part in a scheme at North Valley Community Centre to help young people into work through providing relevant experience and skills.
Tim (21) said: "Working has given me a reason to get up in the morning. I'm learning new skills and feel part of a team. I'd now like to continue with my training and set up my own business."
Luke (19) backs the campaign because he wants to see more young people take up similar work experience and training opportunities.
He said: "I'd just spend time doing nothing at home all day and feeling rejected.
"Now I'm part of a family at work. I'd like to continue doing the job that I'm doing or join the Fire Service when the opportunity becomes available in the future."
Lyn Surgeon, Inspiring Communities Campaign Lead and Principal of Nelson and Colne College, explained that Pendle's Children's Trust aims to raise the aspirations of young people and inspire them to achieve their full potential.
She said: "I'm thrilled that through this campaign we'll be able to provide even greater support to young people and make a real difference to their future lives.
"We want them to believe in themselves and achieve to the best of their ability, regardless of their background.
"If young people believe they're never going to achieve anything, then it's possible they won't.
"But we'll show them that they can, and if they believe in themselves they have taken the first crucial step."
The campaign will help Pendle Partnership fulfil its pledge of making the borough a better place to live, learn, work play and visit.
To find out more information on the wide range of activities available through the 'I Dared!' scheme for both parents and young people, look out for the posters.
You can also contact Claire Grimshaw, Inspiring Communities Co-ordinator, on (01282) 866769 or inspiringcommunities@pendle.gov.uk
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