Villiers Park: A Year in Review
That's a wrap on 2023! We certainly had a busy year and here's just a snapshot of some of the things we have been up to.
Our 2023 Wrapped!
Our first in-person residential since 2020
We held our first in-person residential since the Covid-19 pandemic, bringing together 86 Future Leaders from 14 schools at the University of Bath for an unforgettable four-day experience. This was an amazing opportunity for young people from across the country to connect, jump into university life and work together on group research projects.
One of our Tyneside Future Leaders said:
"The nights staying away, being thrown together and being in a different setting makes it easier to connect with other people."
A peek into British Politics at the House of Commons
Five Future Leaders had a glimpse into what it is like to work at the House of Commons. They spent the week living and working in London as part of The House of Commons Chamber and Committees Team Social Mobility Work Experience Scheme.
Deborah Richardson, Villiers Park Programmes Director, accompanied students to London:
"It was a fantastic experience for our Future Leaders. This is a brilliant way to observe how our Future Leaders developed their understanding and knowledge of British Politics and also their confidence in being able to formulate, articulate and communicate their own political viewpoints."
Four university insight days
University insight days widen young people’s horizons and give them the chance to step onto a university campus, meet student ambassadors and learn more about different higher education options including apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships. Thanks to Anglia Ruskin University, the University of Northumbria, Canterbury Christ Church University, the University of Gloucestershire, University of Kent, University of Brighton and the University of Sunderland for hosting inspirational insight days for Villiers Park students in the last year. Students tried out an amazing range of courses, including paramedic science, robotics and marine engineering.
Celebrating successes across the country
In the summer we were thrilled to recognise the progress and achievements of Future Leaders in each of our regional hubs, in Hastings and Bexhill, Swindon and Wiltshire, Tyneside and Norwich. We welcomed friends, families and supporters to cheer on Future Leaders who themselves took centre stage, as hosts and award-winners!
One of our Future Leaders Abigail gave an inspiring speech about her experience and the impact of the Future Leaders Programme:
“Whenever we as young people feel inadequate, or like we don't fit in, we shouldn't strive to fit in, but we should strive to embrace our differences. I'm so grateful to Villiers Park for giving me this opportunity because I feel like I've gained so much knowledge.”
Inspiring young people with green careers
Since last year’s launch of Sustainable Futures, a partnership between WWF, Founders4Schools and Villiers Park, we have been running a range of workshops and green careers [link], including courses on biodiversity, conservation and ecology. Young people consider their own green values and sustainable routes to their career goals through our in-person and online sessions. We are looking forward to kicking off 2024 with Sustainable Futures courses for Years 11-13 and CPD for educators.
1,000km Challenge Fundraiser
In October, colleagues set out to cover 1,000 km, the distance between Villiers Park’s four regional hubs. With everyone setting their own goals and getting stuck in, we not only completed but exceeded our goal, with a grand total of 1,592 km covered! The team took on the challenge by walking, running, swimming and cycling – with several four-legged friends involved too!
Amy Belham, Progression Coach in Norwich, pledged to run a half-marathon. Unfortunately, Amy injured herself before the day of the run, but that wasn’t going to stop her! After recovery, Amy set out to complete her run on October 31!
“I ran a half marathon around Norwich solo. Much harder than doing a race with all cheering and support and other runners – but I did it”.
Inspiring employer visits
Career insight days give students the opportunity to experience an office firsthand and consider their possible selves in the future world of work.
This year, Future Leaders enjoyed inspirational office visits to technology consultancy company Sopra Steria in London and Edinburgh. Here, students learned about the different roles in a technology company and met Sopra Steria employees, who shared their insights on careers.
In November, 20 students from Sprowston Community High School in Norwich visited the JLL office as part of Sustainable Futures, learning about sustainability in the workplace and hearing from some inspiring apprentices.
We welcomed new colleagues and Trustees
This year, we welcomed Gaby Sumner into the permanent position of Chief Executive.
Gaby and the team were joined by new colleagues across our Programmes, Finance, Fundraising and Communications teams and we were delighted to welcome Andy Eason, Mary Csillag, Caroline Treacher, Katie Byford, Sue Duma and Bronagh Sumner.
We were also joined by new Trustees Mumin Humayun, Negar Mihanyar, Anusha Nirmalananthan and Harriet Riches, who bring a wealth of experience to our Board.
Thank you!
What a year it's been! Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us this year, our Future Leaders and their families and carers, the schools and sixth form colleges we partner with, the charities and third-sector organisations we collaborate with, and our university, corporate and philanthropic supporters.
Thank you for your amazing support. See you in 2024!
