Challenge is the right word! Faced with the prospect of having to devise and deliver a project to benefit a local community and have a revenue stream, really tests our workshops on ‘Fake it until you make it’!
Negative overthinking gives way to confidence and ownership. It’s a privilege to watch everyone learn together, nurture each other and step up to this challenge on the final day of the Orientation Week.
So, how did the Growing Talent Associates so?
Stallion Cycles by Calum, below who is joining Park Plaza Hotel at Westminster. Living in a small village, Calum had noticed how congested the single road in and out was – especially when on his driving lessons! Calum’s idea was based on the ‘Boris Bikes’ of central London but for those living out of London in semi rural areas or traffic hotspots.
Pegasus devised by Brendon was set in the Brookhouse Road community centre where he lives. Addressing self esteem, personal belief using a mixture of sports and professional encouragement. Brendon is a little camera shy so no photos of his excellent presentation.
Scripts by Romain, above based in part on his own experience discovering acting as a vehicle away from the wrong path and crime. Taking over a disused cinema, Romain had a number of strands to using art. Life skills would be taught to 5-11 year olds – kindness and respect of others. His core audience were 15-25 using all the potential career opportunities in a theatre for them to try and consider. In addition, rooms above the theatre would be rented out for studio space and similar. Romain joined Park Plaza Hotel at Westminster.
Life Advice by James seen above focussed on working with high school students on mapping personality to potential industries for career consideration, he also covered mentoring, investing, general life skills and opened up the opportunity to parents as well. Using a mobile unit he could visit estates/schools easily. James joined Red Personnel.
Strictly Dancing Elderly by Miyuki seen below tackled fitness and isolation in the over 65s combining tea dances with social interaction, tea and of course cake! She based this in Lewisham where she lives and shared her story of isolation since her longterm friend found a partner leaving her alone. With a growing over 65s population , Miyuki’s idea was simple yet effective. Miyuki joined ISS at PwC More London
Street View by Stephan is based in Forest Hill where he lives. An area which has missed out on investment and regeneration over the years, Stephan had noticed how there was a growing population of homeless people on the streets and also the burgeoning art community who had no platform to showcase their work. Street View married the two. A magazine featuring the artists’ work sold by the homeless delivered a solution to address these two important issues which would easily be replicated in other areas. Stephan joined ISS at More London. Stephan presenting below.
Steel Games was Jordan’s idea seen below. Having stumbled into playing the steel drums as a child, he ended up as part of an orchestra which entered into a competition. Jordan’s orchestra come 2nd and they performed on Junior Panorama. Based in Anerley with multiple recent stories of knife crime, Jordan believed his idea would give those at risk of being involved a different path to consider. On one floor, he would have gaming consoles and teach young people ways to use this technology safely as well as a selection of steel drums on the bottom floor. Encouraging all to try out this diverse instrument. Jordan joined ISS at PwC More London
A.I. delivered by Stephen was based on using artificial intelligence to deliver administrative innovations to large organisations such as JCP, NHS etc. The idea being appointments are never missed as A.I. removes the use of human error. A unique interpretation of the Social Enterprise Challenge. Stephen joined ISS at PwC More London seen presenting below.
Lastly Michael worked hard on his E-Library idea even though he was not attending the Social Enterprise Challenge as his employer Churchill Services had a large senior management meeting which Michael presented at instead- see below! Just as nerve-racking I suspect! Michael clearly shone as two senior managers contacted me after this Churchill event to say how impressed they were!
Judges l-r – Mariatu – ISS, Geoff – North London JCP, Patricia – Red Personnel, Jon – PwC and head judge, Judith – Club Quarters Hotel, Pedro – Pertemps & Anna – JCP South London and overall lead for Growing Talent at JobCentre Plus.
As you can see the judges above had a tough job deciding on the winner. After much deliberation the £50 cash prize was won by……
Jon presenting a very surprised Miyuki with her £50 prize for her winning idea ‘Strictly Dancing Elderly’! Very well deserved.
Every judge made a point of saying how good the ideas were, how doable and how socially aware they were. Empowering for all Growing Talent Associates!
Challenging ourselves can be scary, but the sense of achievement in pushing ourselves that little bit further is so worth it.
If you are facing something daunting, don’t overthink it. Fake it until you make it! The benefits are amazing. Just ask the Growing Talent 22 Associates!
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