The event gave local students the opportunity to meet with business organisations including BUPA, West Sussex county council, American Express and many more.

Some 100 students from across schools in Brighton & Hove aged between 14 and 15 years old took part in the “ Be The Change’ event, which was facilitated by Social Enterprise organisation, Humunutopia.

By volunteering for the event, we had a fantastic opportunity to inspire young students about the world of work and give face-to-face advice about getting started in the workplace. We took part in several workshops and group sessions which included hearing the students’ career aspirations  - we then provided guidance based on our own experiences and emphasised how life skills and personal interests are just as important as qualifications.

Tessa Luke, Account Executive for Oliver and Graimes;  a Founding Partner of LoveLocalJobs.com, was one of the business volunteers at the event.  she said:

The “Be The Change” event was built to inspire, it was an incredible day. Humutopia had a connection with the students straight from the off and with-in minutes built up a huge  amount of energy in the room so that the students would begin to really listen and take part in the event.

What I enjoyed most was how interactive and engaging the day was, all the students got to share their stories and ambitions through numerous activities and as a result; left them leaving the room with confidence, courage and hope. I feel very lucky to have taken part in the “Be The Change” event and would most certainly volunteer again.

The idea for “Be the Change” came from Gary Peters, Founder of LoveLocalJobs.com. He said: “It was a very powerful day, bringing together young people with business volunteers from across Brighton & Hove to raise their career aspirations and demonstrate the skills and mindsets required to be the best you can be in whatever career you choose or find yourself in."

“What made it particularly successful was the way Humanutopia facilitated the whole event.  They made it into an interactive and engaging experience, focussing on the importance of personal qualities as well as qualifications.  They demonstrated that whoever you are and whatever your background, you really can be successful so long as you put your mind to it."

“I’d particularly like to thank Oliver and Graimes for taking part in this amazing event and making it so memorable for everybody involved. Thanks to Oliver and Graimes over 100 local young school students are now much better equipped for the world of work and inspired to be the best they can possibly be, regardless of what challenges they have faced or face them along the way."