The Young Black Men's Mentoring programme, coordinated by social regeneration charity East Potential, will help and inspire hundreds of work-ready young men in east London and Essex to make the leap into work and achieve their goals. It has been set up after research commissioned by East Potential highlighted the need for role models to reduce the disproportionate number of unemployed young black men.
At the launch in the Houses of Parliament, David Lammy MP and David Weaver spoke about their experiences in overcoming barriers and achieving their goals, and called for more successful black men to step forward as mentors. They also encouraged young black men to sign up for mentoring and other support services to help them work out a career path that's right for them and fits their aspirations.
A film, made with input from young black men from east London, was also shown at the launch and is available to view online at:
www.east-potential.org.uk/youngblackmenmentoring
The young people interviewed a range of successful black male professionals asking them how they have overcome difficulties to succeed in their fields. The film is being disseminated to hundreds of businesses, to raise awareness about barriers to employment faced by many black men and encourage involvement in the project; it is also being promoted to young people, to help inspire them to push to achieve their goals.
Research commissioned by East Potential and carried out by Ethnos used focus groups to investigate barriers to employment faced by young black men. It highlighted that:
- Unemployed black men have low expectations of gaining personal or financial fulfilment from employment
- Many young black men lack awareness of the availability of employment-related support and training
- Young black men often require help developing self-esteem, as well as overcoming more ‘tangible' barriers to employment
- Black men are more likely to experience discrimination at application or interview stage, rather than in employment
- Black African and Caribbean men in Britain are both three times more likely to be unemployed than white British men
The need to provide black male role models to address the low aspirations and attainment of many black boys and young black men has been acknowledged by the Government. Through its REACH programme, the Government department Communities and Local Government is working to sign up 20 role models to share their stories through the media and at events, challenging negative stereotypes and helping to build self-esteem.
East Potential's mentoring programme works by engaging young black men who are work-ready, but who want support in taking the next step, and mentors who can offer advice and encouragement, and who are working in a variety of fields. A matching evening is held, to help pair up mentees with mentors who can provide the right support for them. Mentors and mentees receive training to help them get the most out the programme. Each pair then meets regularly over a six month period, completing a mentoring diary and receiving ongoing support from East Potential. The programme is being delivered in partnership with c-a-n-i, an education and training consultancy that works to engage and benefit adults and young people.
For more information and to get involved:
East Potential is encouraging black professionals, businesses and young black men to get involved in the programme by emailing ete@east-potential.org.uk or 020 8522 3433.
