What is REACH?

REACH is a major Government programme to raise the aspirations and achievements of young Black men. As part of the REACH programme the Government is committed to;

- improving the visibility of positive Black role models;
- creating better links between schools and families;
- improving reporting of race equality in schools;
- looking at how Government can support voluntary and community organisations to share expertise.
REACH aims to support, encourage and inspire them to achieve more in school and in life. REACH was established in February 2006, and evolved from the Stephen Lawrence Steering Group and the Race Equality Advisory Panel.
 
The project has been driven by a group of approximately 25 people who have direct experience of the realities of young people’s lives. In August 2007 they reported on the serious barriers Black boys and young Black men face. Compared to their peers, they are less likely to do well at school, more likely to be unemployed and much more likely to become involved in the criminal justice system.
 
The REACH report highlighted the largely negative image of Black boys and young Black men in the media, and recommended action to improve the visibility of positive Black male role models at a national level. We know from research that when children lack positive role models in their lives, they will seek them from the world of fantasy and the media. Research and anecdotal evidence also show the benefits to young people who come into contact with positive role models. They have higher expectations, are able to set personal goals and generally aim higher.
 
There are plenty of small-scale, local role model programmes already making a positive difference to young people’s lives. As part of the Government’s response to the REACH report, we are now creating the first national Black male role model programme.
 
Within the next two years we aim to create a strong network of positive Black male role models. Their role will be to:

- Champion the development of Black boys and young men
- Tell their story to inspire Black boys and encourage them to achieve more;
- Participate in media events, web-chats and pod casts to engage with Boys and challenge negative images and messages, and project a powerful, positive image of Black men;
The existence of a national network for the first time will allow us to move away from the negative stereotypes currently holding back Black boys and young Black men and to begin to showcase positive images, portrayals and stories about their lives. We hope that in the longer term, the national role model programme, along with the other REACH recommendations, will have a significant positive impact on the lives of Black boys and young Black men, helping them to:

- reduce school exclusions and do better at GCSE
- improve their self-image, self-confidence and self esteem, to expect more of themselves and aspire to more.
 

Contact details


Carol Morgan

REACH Role Models Director
Windsor Fellowship

T: 020 7613 0373 
F: 020 7613 0377
E: rolemodels@windsor-fellowship.org


 
The new REACH website is now available at www.reachbeinspired.org.
 
Operating under Section 34-37 of the Race Relations Act 1976, Windsor Fellowship is a registered charity No. 1089681, registered company, No. 4271633.
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