Love Local Jobs Foundation Celebrates the Impact of the 2024/25 Dare to Dream Programme—And Calls for more Partners to Help Empower Sussex’s Young People

As schools close their doors for the summer and the 2024/25 academic year draws to a close, the Love Local Jobs Foundation reflects on the successful wrap of another inspiring season of its flagship Dare to Dream programme.

The Foundation’s passionate team, its army of dedicated volunteer mentors, and the generous support of local businesses have helped hundreds of young people across Sussex build vital life and workplace skills. Today, the Foundation urges the Sussex business community to step forward —because young people need support and inspiration now more than ever before.

Helping Young People Find Their Purpose

For over a decade, the Love Local Jobs Foundation has worked tirelessly to develop programmes that not only raise career aspirations but also ignite a sense of purpose and confidence in the next generation. The Dare to Dream programme, now a staple in Sussex secondary schools, provides teenagers with unparalleled access to practical wisdom from business mentors, delivering more than just “employability skills”, it offers hope, direction and a belief in what’s possible.

“At Love Local Jobs Foundation, we believe that every young person is born with a unique purpose, though some just need a little support to find it. That’s the catalyst for everything we do,” says Jack Hayes, Programme Lead at the Foundation. “The impact of simply believing in a young person, giving them a platform, a mentor and a vision, can be truly life-changing. And each year, we’re humbled by the transformative effect Dare to Dream has on both students and the adults who support them.”

A Community Effort: Volunteers, Businesses, Schools Unite

Over the past academic year, Dare to Dream saw an incredible cohort of volunteer mentors and partner businesses give their time, energy, and wisdom to support students across Sussex. Together, they delivered workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and real-world insights that opened doors, sparked ambitions, and helped students connect classroom learning to the wider world.

Behind the scenes, the Love Local Jobs Foundation staff worked tirelessly, not only running the programme but also listening to feedback, evolving activities, and ensuring each year is even more impactful than the last.

“To every volunteer, business partner, and school who welcomed us this year, thank you,” says Hayes. “It’s your commitment and generosity that make everything possible. Every hour spent mentoring, every story you share, every encouragement you give — it all adds up to brighter, more hopeful futures for the young people of Sussex.”

Room to Grow: The Need for More Partners and Support

While the achievements of Dare to Dream 2024/25 are worth celebrating, the Foundation is keen to highlight that the need for inclusive, purpose-driven youth support has never been greater. Economic uncertainty, rapidly changing job markets, and the impact of social media on young minds mean that too many students face a future clouded by anxiety and self-doubt.

“The next generation faces challenges, and opportunities, that are totally unprecedented. The truth is, young people need our support more than ever, and as a Foundation, we can only be as effective as our community enables us to be,” says Love Local Jobs Foundation Chairman Gary Peters. “If you’re a business that believes in giving back, or an individual passionate about making a difference, now is the time to join us.”

How You Can Help: Business and Community Call-to-Action

The Love Local Jobs Foundation invites all local businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals who are passionate about empowering young people to get involved. The Foundation’s mentoring model is flexible, offering opportunities ranging from single school workshops to year-long partnerships, with options for sponsoring programmes or volunteering directly.

There are many ways to make a difference:

• Become a business partner: Sponsor or co-deliver Dare to Dream opportunities for schools in your area and help unlock potential for hundreds of students.

• Volunteer as a mentor: Share your career journey, life lessons, and encouragement — often, you’ll find yourself as inspired as the young people you assist.

• Spread the word: If you know someone passionate about supporting youth, tag them on the Foundation’s social media or forward this story to them.

• Champion purposeful careers: Collaborate to create meaningful work experience placements and help make Sussex a beacon for empowered young talent.

A Summer of Reflection and Renewed Determination

With another Dare to Dream year complete, the Foundation team refuses to rest on its laurels. Summer is spent reviewing feedback, refining curriculums, and exploring innovative ways to reach even more young people across Sussex and beyond. The ambition is simple: deeper impact, wider reach and brighter futures.

“We’re only just getting started,” says Peters. “The impact is undeniable, but the need is enormous. Help us give every young person in Sussex the chance to discover their purpose, develop confidence, and dream big. Join us, because together, we can ensure that no young person is left behind.”

Find Out More

To explore partnerships, learn more about Dare to Dream, or volunteer as a mentor, visit the Love Local Jobs Foundation website or connect with the charity on LinkedIn, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok.

Together, let’s inspire, support, and empower the next generation of Sussex.

www.lovelocaljobsfoundation.org.uk