MEMBER NEWS
The older I get, the more the phrase “pass it forward” resonates — particularly when it comes to supporting young people as they navigate those formative steps into adulthood.
Haberdasher members volunteer their time, energy and expertise to support our direct programmes with schools, as well as through supporting our charity partners. Time and time again they donate valuable hours to share their advice, and experiences to lift up the next generation. The Company could not deliver the size, scale or impact of our events that we run at Haberdashers’ Hall without their tireless support. We call this value added, the Haberdashers’ Advantage.
Sometimes our members want to go even further. We often get asked, “How can I support Haberdasher students above and beyond what the Company seeks to provide? What can I do to help outside of our Haberdashers’ Advantage events?”
This article will feature two examples of members who have asked this question of themselves, alongside tips if you would like to do the same:
Victoria Bakare, member of the Livery – NHS GP
In 2024, Victoria attended a Deputation visit to Crayford Academy, part of Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South, in London.
Here she met a shy young man named Bami. Bami told Victoria that he was interested in pursing a career in an allied health profession and was especially interested in potentially working in General Practice for the National Health Service.
Victoria took it upon herself to arrange work experience in a local GP for Bami, where he was able to learn more about the world of work and improve his life skills such as communication and teamwork.
Thanks to these interactions. Bami’s confidence grew immensely, and he was chosen to become Head Boy at Crayford Academy. Bami’s relationship with the Company has continued and he will be joining the Company as an Apprentice in 2025.
Georgia Peck, member of the Livery – Managing Director – Aubery Peck
In 2025, Georgia attended our annual Year 12 Leadership Event at the Hall, where she met students from across our Haberdasher schools.
She was particularly impressed by Bemi, a young student from Crayford Academy.
“I had some inspiring conversations with Bemi. I have no doubt that this remarkable young woman is destined to become a leading voice in mental health, positivity, and life coaching.
I attended the Hoffman Process just over a year ago. Their teaching is something I feel would be of interest to Bemi and really help her future career goals. I can reach out to one of the Directors to see if a work experience placement would be possible.
Also, last night I spoke to some friends about the dinner, and they have offered longer-term work experience opportunities/internships (subject to application) at the following: Arcadis and Chilham Castle.”
Our tips:
Stories such as these are fantastic examples of additional support that can be provided for our students to help them get started in life beyond the school gates. Work experience can be invaluable for young people and we encourage members to share opportunities such as these. Even one day shadowing you in your job can help a young person decide what future path is right for them.
It is important you never contact a student without a teacher being included in communications but we don’t want students to miss out on opportunities you can offer.
To ensure that we are keeping our students safe, we have a few key safeguarding rules to help:
- Safeguarding describes the policies and procedures we have in place to protect students from harm and promote their wellbeing. Our Company Safeguarding Lead is Naomi Barker. She can answer any question that you may have – Naomi@haberdashers.co.uk
- Be considerate in your language and don’t make assumptions about a student’s background when you are giving them advice. We want all young people to feel empowered and not stigmatised. This can also be avoided by using more open questions, asking students about their interests in more general terms.
- If you have met a student in person who later emails you directly, then always ensure that you are cc’ing their teacher when you respond to them. If you do not know their teacher’s email address, then please cc in Naomi in the first instance.
- Rather than sharing your Business Card directly with students, share with their teacher or Naomi so that we can make sure a teacher is CC’d. At some events students are provided with business cards with their school email address and a teacher email address and so can give this to you.
