Local Village Network brings Mayor of London’s ‘Design Future London’ competition to 13 London schools through partnership with construction industry.
Students collaborate with industry volunteers to identify opportunities for improvement in the local built environment and develop solutions for the betterment of the community
Local charity, Local Village Network (LVN) has adapted their school mentoring programme ‘Amplify Me’ to help over 250 students enter Design Future London, a ‘built environment’ competition run by the Mayor of London to get young people’s input into how they want their London to look in the future.
LVN called on the built environment and construction industry to support their 6-week programme and have been overwhelmed by the response. All of the following companies have pledged support and have each been matched with a London school or college: DP9, Keltbray, Lewisham Council, Morgan Sindall, Quod, Ridge, Tibbalds, Trowers, Turner & Townsend, VolkerFitzPatrick, and Wates.
LVN is a grassroots charity that has a simple and powerful model: When a young person meets ten people who are positive role models, and outside their usual sphere of influence, they increase their career prospects and develop a more positive mindset. Companies support LVN and young people by providing volunteers, and can also fund the programme for schools.
This academic term, students will participate in a specially adapted version of the ‘Amplify Me’ programme, which challenges them to create a plan for the regeneration of a local area. Students choose an area they would like to see redeveloped and then work with volunteers from their matched company to create a plan for this redevelopment. Working as a team with the volunteers from the construction industry, they will develop drawings, documentation, and even a model of their designs.
Rachael Box, founder of LVN said: “We are so thankful to the wonderful companies that have agreed to support us and the young people of London. They make such an impact on the students they work with. Many young people start the ‘Amplify Me’ programme with low self-confidence and a limited idea of what career they might want, or even how to get their first job. Amplify Me is powerful because it helps them recognise their existing strengths, and they learn the importance of building relationships and networking. It’s amazing to see the change in each young person and the positive feedback from pupils, teachers, and volunteers. We’re so grateful to the companies that provide funding and volunteers, and we would love lots more to get involved.”
Applications for Design Future London must be submitted by January 2024, and the winner is expected to be announced early in 2024.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or volunteer, please contact Lucy Edwards lucy.edwards@lvn.org.uk.
About LVN
The purpose of LVN is to ensure that every young person has access to positive networks and an equal chance to reach their full potential. LVN provides young people opportunities including networking and mentoring through their ‘Amplify Me’ programme and 1-2-1 mentoring platform.
The LVN app signposts young people to a huge range of opportunities and support available from other organisations.
Find out more at https://www.lvn.org.uk or contact knowmore@lvn.org.uk to sponsor or volunteer.
