Teesside partnership aims to instil pride and ambition

A new collaboration aims to broaden young people’s career aspirations and challenge gender stereotypes across Teesside.

Housing provider Thirteen Group has partnered with Power of Women (PoW) to support schools in showcasing opportunities and “inspiring young minds”.

PoW, founded by the late Professor Jane Turner OBE DL, was created in response to a national report that claimed Teesside was the “worst place to grow up as a girl”.

Now working with 24 schools, PoW is dedicated to elevating aspirations, challenging stereotypes and ensuring equal opportunities. 

Sophie McKenna, campaign manager at PoW, said: “We are really pleased about the new partnership we have forged with Thirteen Housing Group, which will support us in extending the reach and impact of our primary school ‘ambassador’ programme.

“The idea is that by working together on our schools’ ambassador programme, we can continue the good work that is already being done by both organisations and maximise the positive impact it is having on improving the lives of children and young people in some of the most disadvantaged communities.

“Thirteen will be working closely with us to enhance our schools programme, through their staff’s involvement in workplace visits and participation in our workshops aimed at inspiring young minds.”

As the main partner for PoW’s primary schools’ ambassador programme, Thirteen Group will offer young people workplace visits to inspire ambition and encourage them to explore non-traditional career paths.

Angela Corner, head of regeneration and communities at Middlesbrough-based Thirteen Group, added: “Thirteen’s community resilience strategy aims to create engaged, thriving and empowered places where people want to live.

“This project is important as our younger generation play a key role in helping us achieve this.

“We know by engaging and creating school ambassadors, we will not only create great role models within the school setting, but also in the communities in which we live.

“We are looking forward to developing and supporting the programme over the next year.”

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