ReachOut working with children in disadvantaged communities to raise aspirations

ReachOut is a mentoring charity working with children in disadvantaged communities to raise aspirations and help them grow in character and attainment. They do this through one-to-one mentoring with positive role models and team activities, to promote leadership, trust and responsibility. The University of Manchester is proud to be one of ReachOut’s partner universities supporting their activities in Greater Manchester.

In 2017-18 ReachOut ran 22 projects across 10 primary and secondary schools in Manchester and Oldham providing weekly support to 276 young people aged 9-14.

ReachOut said “It’s been fantastic working with the University of Manchester again this year, and we’ve had 151 UoM students volunteering with us in mentoring roles over the course of 2017–18.”

“Our volunteers from the University of Manchester have made a real impact in their local communities. Together they’ve provided an astounding 2,539 hours of one-to-one additional support to young people across Manchester; helping them to raise their Maths and English attainment, as well as develop their confidence and improve their behaviour.”

“UoM volunteers have also seen a massive benefit to themselves, stating that volunteering with us has helped them improve their soft skills – preparing them for the workplace. In addition, and as importantly, the students have also really enjoyed volunteering with us!”

The impact of ReachOut’s work is clear:

• 72% of the young people ReachOut work with achieve 5 A*-C grades (or equivalent) at GCSE, including English and Maths – above national average and more than twice the rate for students on free school meals.

• Only 0.7% of young people found themselves NEET six months after their GCSE exams. This compares with 13.1% nationwide for 16 – 17 year olds

Find out more about ReachOut, consider becoming a mentor to help a young person achieve their potential or find out how you or your organisation can support on their website or by emailing.