A MENTORING project that inspires and encourages school children with their future careers has been nominated for a national award.

The council-run project, 60 Minute Mentor South Essex, has been announced as one of three finalists at the National Mentoring Awards 2019, which will take place on Friday, March 1, in Knightsbridge, London.

The awards are judged by a selection of top independent industry experts and celebrity judges, with winners selected on merit, according to specific judging criteria.

The project, which is aimed at year eight pupils, has been a huge success since it began in 2016.

Figures and feedback from schools and pupils, show it has had a positive impact on the students' education, as well as their social skills, and awareness to the opportunities that are available to them.

A massive 96 per cent of students said they enjoyed the sessions. 85 per cent of students said that the programme has made them think about what subjects will be important to their future. 84 per cent of students said they will try to work harder in lessons, and try and attend school more regularly.

The programme works by each school matching ten students with an employer led mentor for a seven month period, which consists of each young person receiving four structured mentoring interventions, including two group mentoring sessions and two one-to-one mentoring sessions.

Councillor Helen Boyd, said: “It is delightful to hear the news that the 60 Minute Mentor project is set to be recognised nationally at the awards event.

“The project has made such a huge difference locally and has many benefits, first and foremost for the children, to ignite their passion for learning through a hands-on approach with their mentors, but also for the mentors themselves, who are able to utilise their own skills and techniques but also gain a greater understanding of what it takes to motivate and lead young people.

“Of course winning the award would be an outstanding achievement, but we are so very proud of everyone involved for getting the project to where it is today.”

For more information on the 60 Minute Mentor South Essex project, please visit southendlearningnetwork.co.uk/Services/1064 or email daisysmith@southend.gov.uk