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Last night we were delighted to host an uplifting celebration for the latest graduates from our local Spear centre, who offer a transformative employability programme for disadvantaged young people in the local community.

South Hampstead has been working with Spear since September, raising funds and awareness as well as offering support – a positive community partnership that continues to grow from strength to strength. Each week, our Sixth Form Spear ambassadors volunteer at the local centre, Spear Camden on Finchley Road, supporting the Spear facilitators in group and one-to-one sessions with a diverse group of trainees, who have encountered various barriers, from school exclusion and mental health problems, to family issues and crippling self-esteem. Spear’s award-winning programme started 15 years ago, with the understanding that all young people have potential, but not always the means to realise it.

Over the past few terms, South Hampstead staff and parents have lent their time and expertise, running sessions on body language and presentation skills as well as helping with mock interviews for the trainees and donating smart interview attire.

Last night was a wonderful celebration of all that the latest graduates of the intensive yet life-changing 6-week coaching programme have achieved. Their powerful stories – delivered with such confidence, humour and poise – were an inspiration and we look forward to hearing about their continued progress over the coming year.

Two of our original Upper Sixth volunteers, Ellie and Daisy, attended the celebration: “The work Spear do is incredible, giving everyone the chance to be set on the right path. It’s easy to take our opportunities for granted. Working with people from such different backgrounds and life experiences – and being able to offer them constructive advice and see their progress – has been incredibly satisfying. We’ve definitely grown in the process too, acquiring new skills.” 

If you would like to make an online donation to our local Spear centre, please follow this link. If you are part of the South Hampstead community and interested in getting involved, please get in touch: a.aneja@shhs.gdst.net