Live Young Vibe!

Live Young Vibe, or LYVe! as they prefer to be know, are a new company established under the Young Enterprise Company Programme. LYVe! comprises a group of 12 young people currently studying at the Crew Club in Whitehawk under Varndean College’s Access On2 Success programme; a programme set up 6 years ago to address the NEET issue in the city.

The company has launched a range of T-shirts aimed at different markets through the use of clever slogans and contemporary designs. They have already secured the interest of a major national retailer and the support of a number of local businesses.

The young people involved in the project did not achieve academically at school but have nevertheless proved, by their success so far, that ability and achievement can come in many guises; it’s the provision of different opportunities to shine that need to be available to young people that make a difference.

Varndean College‘s vision of inclusivity has supported this idea for many years through their Foundation Learning Programmes and getting involved with Young Enterprise this year has enabled a valuable expansion to their already innovative level 1 programme and therefore the number of young people involved.

Sharon and Sayed two of the young people involved commented that even though they didn’t do well at school they knew they were capable of great things and this opportunity has provided them with the opportunity to shine through a practical and inspiring project. ‘Having the opportunity to build a business from the start with the support of real business people has been exciting and practical. I feel inspired and ready for the challenge and am learning so much in the process.’

The Access On2 Success programmes have already secured a number of awards over the past few years in recognition of their original and innovative projects namely their partnership working with the Crew Club in Whitehawk. ‘Taking the learning to the learner is the philosophy behind our success and ultimately has enabled over 100 young people to move forward with their lives despite not achieving at school. Now we are taking the business environment to these young people to provide them with the insight and impetus to move forward despite their backgrounds. This can only be a good thing for all involved and the city.’

If you would like to support the programmes and the young people involved alongside many others in the city then you can follow them on; Twitter/Facebook/website and go along to their sales at The Mall February 5th Holmbush February 25th and Hove Town Hall 1st March. As a business you can advertise on their site to show your support or treat yourself to a limited edition t-shirt!