The 33 finalists of the Bristol Young Heroes Awards are due to embark on a transformative year-long development programme designed to raise aspirations, build confidence and create career opportunities.
Not-for-profit social enterprise Community of Purpose has launched its Purposeful Pathways programme for 2024 to equip these extraordinary young Bristolians with the essential skills and experience they need to succeed. It combines mentoring, goal-setting, networking events and career workshops, with bespoke support provided by peers and professionals.
The programme has already empowered previous winners to reach their full potential. Almost 90% of participants from 2023 reported that they are more confident about their career prospects than before their involvement in the Bristol Young Heroes Awards.
Support from Bristol’s businesses plays a crucial role in enabling this transformational work to create brighter futures for the city’s young people.
Project Manager Gemma Box said: “These finalists have already shown incredible resilience, determination despite challenging circumstances and a willingness to go above-and-beyond for their communities.”
“Purposeful Pathways will provide them with the tools they need to take the next steps on their future journey. I couldn’t be more excited to see where the programme takes them.”
Amy Kington, co-founder and CEO of Community of Purpose, added: “The participation and guidance of the Bristol business community is invaluable to Purposeful Pathways. They provide an amazing insight into the world of work, as well as vital, hands-on experience and key contacts.”
“We have secured funding from the National Lottery Community Fund and investment from Dandara Living, who contributed £6,000 in 2023 and 2024. We’re now seeking support from more local businesses to ensure the sustainability of the programme. We’d love to see more organisations taking part in this scheme, by offering mentoring services or funding.”
10 year old Barney Thomas, this year’s winner of the Overall Hero award, is keen to see what opportunities arise when he starts the programme in September.
Barney said: “I’m really looking forward to meeting the other finalists and the different people involved in Purposeful Pathways. I love sport, especially football and rugby, so I’m most excited about meeting local coaches and players.”
Previous winner Madeleine Nichols spoke about how her life has changed since taking part in Purposeful Pathways: “The support and belief of the team really helped to grow my confidence and supported my personal development. I am about to begin my third year of medical school and I still use the techniques that I was given in sessions about communication, advocacy, active listening and problem solving!”
She has the following advice for this year’s participants: “Purposeful Pathways can open the door to new opportunities, friendships and career paths which you might not have thought you could access before.”
“Go in with an open mind and give everything a go! The whole team are so supportive and will make sure that the programme is tailored to your needs, so you truly get out what you put in.”
Purposeful Pathways relies on the involvement of local businesses to support finalists as they pursue their chosen career.
Amy said: “We’re always on the lookout for businesses who want to see more young people from local communities thrive. It’s a great opportunity to attract, retain and motivate diverse talent, whilst supporting the next generation of Bristolians.”
For more information about Purposeful Pathways, or to discuss supporting Community of Purpose and its projects, get in touch with the team at hello@communityofpurpose.com