YORK-BASED health provider Benenden has teamed up with York Cares and the FutureHY programme to run a project which aims to inspire young people.

Project Dare takes place throughout November to motivate 20 disadvantaged teenagers to aim higher and work harder in school, while raising awareness of mental health.

Two of the project's three workshops will be held at the University of York. Benenden said it was likely those taking part will have few role models, limited access to professional networks and opportunities, and no experience of higher education in their family.

Benenden’s Community Engagement Team is hoping to help boost their confidence and introduce them to new skills to carry them further in their professional life.

Emmie Wise, corporate social responsibility and engagement coordinator at Benenden, said: “Being a part of York Cares’ Project Dare is very important to us. Staff from our engagement and marketing teams will be delivering a full timetable of educational presentations and fun activities ready to keep the students occupied and interested.

“We’re hoping to have open and honest discussions with those who take part in the programme, encouraging everyone to talk about both mental health and about their career paths, and we hope they will be asking lots of questions too.”

Colleagues at Benenden will be involved on the third and final day, by talking to the group about their own roles and careers.

On the final day, the pupils, who will be attending from schools in the area, will be invited to the Benenden office, in Holgate Park Drive, to tour the building and chat to staff.

As well as encouraging the pupils to aim higher in life, Benenden also aims to discuss and raise awareness of mental health care through presentations and interactive activities challenging the young people with a real-life problem-solving activity.

Steps to prioritise the topic of mental health have already been taken by Benenden, resulting in better care for its members and staff. Chief executive Andrew Barker recently signed the Time to Change Pledge on behalf of the group, joining more than 500 other UK employers who have promised to end mental health stigma in the workplace.