ReachOut Graduation 2017!

A first in ReachOut history!

The University of Manchester hosted our first ever ReachOut graduation with the support of Barclays and Zurich to celebrate the progress and achievements made by every one of our mentees. The event recognised their success in character and attainment as well as their commitment to a ReachOut programme throughout the year.

Thumbs up for the ReachOut Graduation!

On arrival, mentees were greeted by the ReachOut Aspirations Fair that included exhibitors from some of our brilliant partners. Barclays, Zurich, GMCC, The Challenge, Headstart and The Tutor Trust along with the University of Manchester and the Manchester Museum who provided an insight into the work they do along with lots of freebies for our mentees to bag! Little Sports provided some tense competition in the form of a one on one pop up football pitch and the University of Manchester Science Buskers left everyone in awe with some fascinating displays of science demonstrations and tricks!

Year 7 Failsworth girls V the knot challenge

Rolls Crescent teachers take on the science buskers knot challenge!

ReachOut Aspirations Fair in full swing

Group effort!

Nearly there!

Our sports provider Little Sports host a tense match

With some opening words from our CEO Peter Blackwell, the graduation ceremony was underway. Pete highlighted ReachOut’s work across both Manchester and London. With over 7000 hours of additional one to one support provided to over 500 young people in 2016/17, ReachOut and our mentees have had a great year. Our mentees in Manchester reported that they had progressed academically, in character and confidence. Awards were presented across a number of important categories. A recap of the winners are listed below: 

ROC Attendance of the Year - Rolls Crescent Primary School Year 5

ROA Attendance of the Year - Dean Trust Ardwick Year 8 Girls

Mentee of the Year

Armitage Primary School - Rebecca Hulme

Heald Place Primary School - Symeta Rahimi

Rolls Crescent Primary School - Jamica Lawrence

Dean Trust Ardwick - Azaan Khalique
Oasis Academy Media City - Fithi Teklit
Failsworth School - Arabella Shepard

Outstanding Character Award - Sharqil Mosul (Dean Trust Ardwick)

Project of the Year – Rolls Crescent Primary School Year 6

Supporting Member of Staff Award - Amanda Beresford (Failsworth School)

Outstanding Character Award winner, Sharqil Mosul with CEO Pete and former mentee and mentor Keiarnya

Project of the Year supported by Barclays - Rolls Crescent Primary School Year 6

The lucky winners of the Zurich aspirations fair quiz!

Our guest speaker Memona Shahid, 'Making a Difference' award winner, brought the graduation to a close with some inspirational words urging our mentees to use the skills they have gained from ReachOut and ‘don’t be afraid of challenge’ as they go forth! An inspiring day summed up in the words of one of our mentees as ‘the best day ever’!

We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our next class of ReachOut graduates in 2018!