Inspiring the next generation at Haringey Sixth Form College
Chemical Engineer, Blaise speaks with Applied Sciences Students at Haringey Sixth Form College
Our work at Haringey Sixth Form College got off to a strong start, with a series of guest speakers sharing their career journeys, professional experiences and practical advice with students across a wide range of subjects. The talks were designed to help students look beyond the classroom and think about the pathways, skills and experiences that can help shape their futures. Lawyer, Edwin Harris spoke to 60 Law students, while Blaise Ohiri engaged 30 Applied Sciences students in a conversation about the journey from education into employment. Students explored how to research university entry requirements, develop their networks and make informed decisions about their next steps. Marco Di Paola, joined by Detective Investigator Babatunde Adeyeye from the British Transport Police, met with 36 students studying Public Services, Psychology, Law and Criminology. The session explored life in the military, transferable skills and potential career opportunities within policing. For our future technology professionals, Dmytro Kovalchuk spoke to 25 Computer Science students about life as a software engineer. His session encouraged students to build meaningful skills and experiences that can help them tell a purposeful story about themselves when pursuing future opportunities. Nigel Twumasi shared his journey with 45 Creative Media students, discussing his transition from software engineering into animation and entrepreneurship. His message encouraged students to believe in themselves, push beyond expectations and develop both the technical and interpersonal skills needed to succeed. Finally, Tatia Engelmore, a data scientist, introduced 40 STEM students aged 16 to 19 to the breadth of opportunities available in technology. Students explored different areas of the sector, education pathways and the skills and experience that can help open doors to a career in tech. Lastly, in support of Early Years students, 60 students at the college were able to learn from local Assistant Headteacher, Alison Walmsley. Together, these sessions connected more than 290 student attendances with professionals able to offer insight, encouragement and practical knowledge about the world beyond education.
Omar and Tom meet some of new Activity and Wellbeing sign ups at Haringey Sixth Form College
Launching new activity and wellbeing sessions
September also marked the formal launch of Hope in Haringey’s Activity and Wellbeing Sessions at Haringey Sixth Form College, beginning with our first SEND group before rolling out to select 16 to 19 year old girls groups. Working with students with autism and Down syndrome, the project combines student-led, fitness-focused activities, including boxercise, with opportunities to develop employability skills. Through the programme, Hope in Haringey aims to create an inclusive and supportive environment where young people can build confidence, stay active and develop skills that support their future.
Strengthening relationships across Haringey
The start of the academic year has also created opportunities to reconnect with longstanding partners and deepen Hope in Haringey’s relationships across the borough. Former Borough Commander Simon O’Brien joined discussions around HiH’s police engagement work, providing an opportunity to reflect on the programme and its long-term impact on young people. September would also include a visit from Tottenham MP David Lammy. Hosted by our Youth Officer Team, Mr Lammy’s visit provided an opportunity for Hope in Haringey to showcase its work with young people within the local community as Haringey looks ahead to becoming the London Borough of Culture in 2027.
Building a stronger evidence base
Alongside our frontline work, Hope in Haringey is continuing to strengthen how we understand, evaluate and communicate the impact of our programmes. A visit to City St George’s, University of London brought HiH together with researchers, academics and supporters to explore ways of strengthening our practices around data collection, reporting and analysis. This work will support the continuing development of our Mentoring and Police Engagement programmes, helping HiH build a stronger evidence base around the difference its work makes for young people.
Reconnecting with Haringey’s voluntary and community sector
The HiH team would also be on hand to visit local colleges and sixth forms, supporting new students on their return to classes.
Collaboration remained at the heart of September’s activities. With new projects looking to extend HiH’s work to the Selby Centre, four representatives from the charity attended the latest Haringey VCS gathering, demonstrating our continued support for organisations working across Haringey’s voluntary and charitable sector. These relationships are an important part of ensuring local organizations can learn from one another, identify opportunities to collaborate and work together to support communities across the borough.
A new fundraising partnership with LAET
That same spirit of collaboration is also extending to London Academy of Excellence Tottenham (LAET).Hope in Haringey has been selected as the charity supported by Hartington House, creating an opportunity to engage approximately 150 students throughout the academic year.Together, HiH and the students will work on a range of fundraising and awareness-building initiatives, giving young people the opportunity to support their local community while learning more about the charity’s work.
Looking ahead
September has set an exciting tone for the academic year ahead.From bringing professionals into classrooms and launching new wellbeing activities to strengthening relationships across Haringey’s education, voluntary, community and academic sectors, Hope in Haringey continues to create opportunities for young people to learn, connect, build confidence and realise their potential.And with new partnerships, projects and activities already underway, there is plenty more to come.