Partnership for progress: Harrison Centre for Social Mobility and Foundation of Light

Foundation of Light is proud to celebrate over seven years of partnership with the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility, working together to create life-changing opportunities for young people and adults across our community.

Through this long-standing collaboration, we have continued to support individuals of all  backgrounds, helping them to unlock their potential.

Since its inception at the Beacon of Light in 2018, this partnership has consistently championed social mobility, ensuring that no young person is held back by their background.

Over the past seven years, thousands of young people across the North East, have been supported with employability skills, qualifications, confidence, and pathways to brighter futures.

Since 2017, the Harrison Centre has invested over £600,000 into Foundation of Light employability programmes.

Thousands of young people have been given the chance to participate in essential skills training, from IT, finances, maths, English, to personal development in addition to a number of industry-specific qualifications including Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics, Hospitality and Tourism, Retail, Customer Service, Health and Social Care, Childcare and Teaching and Learning in Schools.

Through this partnership, Foundation of Light has been able to deliver over 250,000 guided learning hours. As a result, over 65% of learners have progressed into further education or employment.

Sir Bob Murray CBE, Chairman of the Foundation of Light, shared his enthusiasm:

“I’m thrilled that the partnership with the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility and the Foundation of Light continues to provide life changing opportunities for our community. Both organisations share the same values and so much has already been achieved through working together, developing our portfolio of lifechanging programmes.

We look forward to continuing to drive real change together for many years to come.”

Sir David Harrison, Founder of the Harrison Centre, added: "Our aim has always been to give people the chance to thrive and reach their full potential, no matter their background. Working with the Foundation of Light has allowed us to turn that vision into reality for thousands across the North East. Together we are not just providing skills, but creating genuine opportunities to find employment and hope for the future."