Participation Works

A new personal development programme has been launched by London 2012 and BP for young people.

The London 2012 Young Leaders programme will give young people from across the UK the chance to make a positive and significant change to their lives and local communities. The Young Leaders will also have the opportunity to contribute to the delivery of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The aim of the programme is to give a group of disadvantaged young people the chance to make positive change to their lives. The programme is delivered in partnership with v, ‘The National Young Volunteers Service’, and the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust and will take place between April 2010 and the end of the Games in September 2012. Successful applicants will take part in an 18 month training programme to improve their communication and leadership skills and will receive coaching support and guidance from one hundred BP employees and a number of high profile athlete mentors.

The young leaders will also develop and deliver a range of volunteering opportunities and seek to promote London 2012 related activities in their local community. The 100 selected young leaders will also work to recruit and engage other young people from their local area in order to support their community activities. The selected Young Leaders who complete the programme will then get the chance to volunteer in the London 2012 volunteer programme.

Speaking about the programme, Seb Coe, Chair of London 2012, said:

“As part of our original bid commitment, the London 2012 Young Leaders project fits clearly with our vision of engaging and inspiring young people. Volunteering is not only an integral part of creating positive change in communities and developing skills in young people, but also essential to the success of the Games.

“Through this project we will be able to help develop the skills in the young people and engage young people across the UK, taking them on a personal journey of development. We’re delighted that BP is our partner on a project that will bring lasting change for individuals and communities, and would not be possible without mentoring support and guidance from BP employees.”

Young people will be selected in teams of five from a variety of local authorities, based on their proximity to BP’s four hub locations of Hull, Aberdeen, Canary Wharf and Sunbury-upon- Thames.

Further information about the programme can be found on the London 2012 website.

Fri, 29/01/2010 - 16:29