Ambassadors at North Shore Academy and Tilery Primary School find out what’s possible in life, share their insights and encourage classmates to aim higher.
The Power of Women’s Ambassadors’ project is part of Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC)-led Safer Streets 5 programme.
Cleveland PCC Matt Storey visited both schools alongside Cllr Norma Stephenson to find out about the work.
He said: “There is much more to success than getting good grades or showing you can do certain tasks well.
“This programme has shown that softer skills such as networking and building relationships are critical to succeeding in business – and in life.”
Councillor Norma Stephenson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: “It was a pleasure to visit both schools and see first-hand the impact of the Power of Women’s project in action.
“I hope the students will be able to use the various experiences they’ve had, such as learning about the power of kindness and meeting professional women in an event at Hardwick Hall, as they move towards adulthood.
“Of course, this project is just one of the many ways the Safer Streets funding has had a positive impact across the Borough, including safety equipment for residents and businesses, CCTV installations and extra street lighting.”
Among the activities planned this term at North Shore are business networking events, visits to employers’ premises and a kindness walk.
Andrew Murphy, Executive Principal at North Shore, said: “This project has made a massive difference to the children at the school.”
At Tilery, year six ambassadors have made way for a five-strong group of year fives, who had to go through a formal application and interview process to earn their roles.
A mum’s group at the school provides support for each other – and the children – to aim higher and break down barriers.
Headteacher Judy Stanyard said: “We have a saying in the school “inspiration for aspiration” as well as “If you can see it, you can be it." I want our children to know that they can be anything that they want to be.”
POW aims to raise aspiration and ambition across the north east. It wants to empower women and girls to achieve their full potential.
Claire Preston, who runs the Stockton project on behalf of POW, said “The Safer Streets project has been a fabulous way for POW to extend its reach and work with students and parents from a range of age groups, to raise aspiration and ambition and improve equality and safety. The various strands are creating new opportunities, developing confidence and building relationships.”
The project is part of wider Safer Streets’ work to tackle crime, antisocial behaviour and violence against women and girls in target areas around Stockton town centre.
