Performing Arts learner mentors local youngsters

Performing Arts learner Paige Lowe has dedicated her half-term break to mentoring youngsters after climbing the ranks at a local holiday club.

The 18-year-old, who is currently studying for her Level 3 extended diploma, has been involved with social enterprise Climb 4 since starting at college two years ago.

The out-of-school club uses expressive arts to promote health and wellbeing for vulnerable people and children in the community.

After initially joining the group as a volunteer, Paige so impressed managing director Sarah Hagerup that she employed her as an activities assistant.

She has now progressed to the role of mentor, which has seen her acting as an adviser for student volunteers during the club’s half-term classes at Grimsby Institute this week.

Paige, who will continue working at Climb 4 next year before going travelling, said: “Being at college has made me so much confident with everything in industry.

“Working with kids you have to be quite patient so it’s helped with that and also extended my knowledge in terms of things like health and safety.”

Sarah said she was initially “very impressed” with Paige’s work ethos and interaction with the group’s members.

However she added the young student’s confidence has “grown so much” during her time at college.

“She has so much more initiative now; I don’t feel I have to tell her what to do, she just does it, which is great.”

Sarah is also looking forward to building her relationship with the Institute, after scoring new funding from BBC’s Children In Need.

“We’ll be able to give more opportunities to students now and are thinking of developing a team of Performing Arts learners to help design the club, with regards to activities.

“Having Paige as a positive role model for our volunteers has been very successful. We’ve had five students with us this week and they’ve all worked really hard.

“They’re a credit to the Institute and we look forward to working with them in the future.”