The UpRising Leadership programme’s Bedfordshire Dragons' Den Competition on Monday saw four groups pitch ‘Social Action Campaigns’ to more than one hundred leaders in education, media, council and business from across the county.

Hosted at the University’s Putteridge Bury campus, the winning team were Luton-based Open Avenue, which presented its campaign to bring alternative careers advice for students in years 9-to-11.

They were awarded £500 for the campaign, which includes creating workshops focussed on personal branding training and practical advice, and guidance on CV writing and applications, as well as a professional masterclass with 'career speed dating’.

The three runner-up groups, all from Bedford, received £200 each.

Blood Party was looking to promote blood donation to young people in Bedford.

Bedford Empowering Enterprise will be bringing The Teenage Market, an initiative started in Stockport by brothers Tom and Joe Barrett, to Bedford with community entrepreneur and editor of The Clanger, Erica Roffe.

And the Empowering Community and Education group spoke about hosting three cultural cohesion events to increase integration in the town.

The University of Bedfordshire is an official sponsor of the UpRising Bedfordshire programme.

And Professor Mary Malcolm, University Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), who attended the event, said: "This was a fantastic evening – showcasing the talents of Bedfordshire’s young leaders, and demonstrating the support of community organisations across Bedfordshire for the work of this important charity.

“As a University that places great value on the development of leadership skills, the University of Bedfordshire is delighted to be one of UpRising’s key partners in this region, and it was wonderful to see the strength of commitment and real potential shown by this latest cohort of UpRisers."

The HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis presented the prizes – funded by Rotary Clubs in Bedford, Luton and Biggleswade.

She said: “I was extremely impressed with the quality and enthusiasm of the young people who presented to the Dragons Den. They have clearly benefited from the support of UpRising and are developing into a powerful group of future leaders.”

NOTES TO EDITOR

• This years UpRising Bedfordshire & Luton programme will expand further across the county with 45 places available from October 2014, increasing from 30 in 2013. The programme is open to any young people aged 19-25 with an interest and a passion for social action and personal development. There is no academic requirement and all places are fully funded. Applications will be open from May.
• For further information on UpRising and the event, contact the Bedfordshire and Luton Programme Coordinator, Alex Wrack on alex.wrack@uprising.org.uk
• For more about Social Action Campaigns visit www.uprising.org.uk
• Cllr Tafheen Sharif, who presented to the UpRising cohort at their very first workshop in October, inspiring them with ideas on social impact and change, said: “Seeing them present at Monday's Dragons’ Den event, I have been left very impressed with their skills, confidence and the passion they have brought to their projects. These young UpRisers are our future leaders and no doubt this experience will help with their future success.”
• About UpRising www.uprising.org.uk
• The UpRising Bedfordshire programme is funded by The Harpur Trust as part of their grants programme and by the University of Bedfordshire.