Unloc & Verizon Business scoop impressive awards at the Better Society Awards 2024
13 June 2024
We’re thrilled to reveal that we and Verizon Business won two awards at The Better Society Awards 2024!
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We are incredibly proud to announce that our innovative I AM: programme has been shortlisted in the Community Project of the Year category at Burberry British Diversity Awards 2023.
The Awards were created by global fashion giant Burberry in order to promote the values of equality, diversity and inclusion by rewarding those individuals, organisations and unsung heroes who help to make the world and the workplace a better place for others.
Burberry are passionate that progress and acceptance cannot ever be taken for granted, and although it’s been shown diversity is good for business and society as a whole there is also a worrying increase in intolerance and hate crimes against minority groups.
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Our dynamic I AM: project, which is supported by Verizon Business, aims to empower and grow the confidence of young people to be who they are, focusing on their lives, identity, culture and their lived experience through a series of inspiring guest speakers, challenges and workshops over four weekend events.
We take a holistic view of diversity with I AM: welcoming young people from a diverse range of backgrounds; in terms of socio-economic backgrounds, racial backgrounds, care experienced young people, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. These young people are at the forefront of celebrating diversity in their communities.
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What’s the I AM: programme about?
The programme focuses on key themes and social issues such as inclusion, inequality, racial justice, social justice, black culture, gay pride, and trans pride. This vital project is important to bring diverse young voices together to express their truth, be heard and empower them to use their experiences combined with social action to become changemakers in the wider community.
I AM: provides the opportunity for these young people to meet with experienced professionals, social activists, artists, experts and those with power. This includes specialist consultants, community leaders, democratically elected representatives, and others who have influence.
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What did the young people from the programme feedback to us afterwards?
Following participation in the programme, 100% of young people are all saying they feel more inspired to do something different or take action in the future and 92% are saying they want to take part in other programmes.
This is how we know that the I AM programme is having a lasting impact with a legacy. We hope to continue and expand the programme in the future, and are so incredibly proud to have been shortlisted for the Community Project of the Year Award.
The fact that our hard work to improve the lives of young people has been recognised by an organisation so focused on these key themes of inclusion means the world to us. Wish us luck for the final!
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Read about our last I AM: event in Portsmouth in the media by clicking here!
View the Burberry British Diversity Awards shortlist by clicking here!
There are new dates for our exciting new programme for young people: ‘I AM: a dynamic new experience utilising our network of Changemaker Studios spaces to build a powerful platform that supports and incubates young changemakers in the UK.
Through the I AM: programme young people from all walks of life, cultures and communities will have the experience to express who they are and proudly state “This is who I AM!.”
WHO’S IT FOR & WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
Aged between 14 – 20 and living in London or Portsmouth? This is an exciting and completely free opportunity which you really don’t want to miss! Running over 4 weekends from September to December, the programme starts with an immersive and fun activity weekend where you will meet like-minded individuals to begin exploring and designing a campaign to address a current issue within your societal context.
Celebrating all our differences, you can address anything from racial injustice, LGBTQIA+ rights, to mental health and wellbeing. However you wish to enact change, this programme will give you the opportunity to do so!
This dynamic free initiative is in partnership with Verizon and will see young people take the lead in tackling equality, diversity and inclusion in their local communities; learning how to leverage and drive positive change.
WEEKEND 1: UNDERSTANDING POWER
To start our programme we are holding an activity day in both Portsmouth and London for each cohort.
Get to know your team mates by taking part in activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, high ropes and zip lining. Forget about the stress of school/college/uni, meet new friends and have a laugh!
Start to understand ‘Equity, Diversity and Inclusion’ and how the rest of the programme will look.
WEEKEND 2: INFLUENCING POWER
This weekend will be based in our Changemaker Studio spaces in both Portsmouth (Guildhall) and London (Maida Vale) and this weekend you will start to plan your projects in your project teams. Travel cost is sorted so you don’t need to worry! We will start to understand how influential figures have shaped the EDI agenda and explore areas you want to understand further.
WEEKEND 3: BUILDING POWER
This weekend will see your team build a campaign you wished to work on to support your cause.
You will be planning and confirming logistics, partners and how your project is going to work.
You’ll be joined by inspiring speakers from experts in the field of equality, diversity and inclusion.
You’ll gain a lot, including:
* A FREE project branded hoodie
* Skills for life such as Communication, Project Planning, Leadership, Team Work, Time management, campaign planning – all suitable skills for university applications or job applications
* Project planning practice and experience
* A certificate of achievement to add to your portfolio
* All the food, travel and refreshments for each weekend included
LONDON DATES
Weekend 1: 17th September
Weekend 2: 1st October
Weekend 3: 29th/30th October
Weekend 4: 3rd/4th December
PORTSMOUTH DATES
Weekend 1: 18th September
Weekend 2: 1st/2nd October
Weekend 3: 5th/6th November
Weekend 4: 26th/27th November
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
We have two cohorts running simultaneously alongside each other in both Portsmouth and London, please ensure you record the dates for the correct location! If you are confused then don’t be afraid to get in touch, we’re always happy to go through the details with you.
Location for the events will be held at Unloc’s Changemaker Studio spaces in both the Portsmouth Guildhall and City of Westminster College, Maida Vale.
Deadline to sign up: 9th September – what are you waiting for? Sign up now by clicking here!
We’d like to give special thanks to Verizon for their support and funding for this exciting new project.
We’re thrilled to reveal that we and Verizon Business won two awards at The Better Society Awards 2024!
Last Thursday industry professionals from across the country gathered at Verizon’s slick London Hub in at MidCity Place, Holborn, for a Changemaker Moments event on Manufacturing.
During the February half-term and Easter holidays this year, 53 young people, in Year 11 and 12, from across Portsmouth participated in our ‘Portsmouth Inspires’ Programme, funded by NCS.
. We’re looking for a passionate & creative young person aged 16-25 in the Portsmouth or London areas to become our first official social media
We’re thrilled to reveal that we and Verizon Business won two awards at The Better Society Awards 2024!
Last Thursday industry professionals from across the country gathered at Verizon’s slick London Hub in at MidCity Place, Holborn, for a Changemaker Moments event on Manufacturing.
During the February half-term and Easter holidays this year, 53 young people, in Year 11 and 12, from across Portsmouth participated in our ‘Portsmouth Inspires’ Programme, funded by NCS.
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Portsmouth Guildhall,
Guildhall Square,
Portsmouth,
PO1 2AB
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