*Not the type with scales that breathes fire… don’t worry
Matt was asked by the Social Enterprise Academy (in partnership with London Borough Havering) if he would like to be a dragon at the Havering school’s dragon’s den event which took place on 23 April 2024 and was held at the Premier Cinema Romford.
The afternoon comprised of 6 pitches to the group of dragons which came from
- Lime Academy Forest Approach
- Sanders Draper (group one)
- Corbets Tey
- Redden Court School
- Sanders Draper (group two)
- Harris Academy Rainham.
The pitches from the young people were incredibly varied and well researched. There were social enterprises to address the mental health crisis, to support people in accessing basic hygiene needs in the cost-of-living crisis and educating young people on the importance of sustainability and the damage of fast fashion. From the wide range of important topics covered, to the detailed points, it was evident that the young people had put their all into the ideas and pitches.
The groups were judged on areas such as social or environmental purpose, trading activity, reflections on learning and a clear and persuasive pitch.
The four judges deliberated, and Redden Court School were crowned the winners, whose pitch was around supporting homeless people in the area and helping to address the causes of homelessness.
When asking Matt about his involvement in the day he said “It was a privilege to be invited to be a ‘Dragon’ at the Havering Schools Dragons Den event. The young people that took part were fantastic demonstrating some sound business ideas to make money to invest in a social cause of their choice”.
Did you know that our Children and Young People’s services support a number of young people throughout the area of Havering on multiple programmes. These include Adapt Belong Achieve and the Change Project.
