Regional champions including Josh Widdicombe celebrate teenagers graduating from inspirational community programme

Teenage boys who successfully completed an inspirational course designed to give them access to positive role models and learn exciting new skills have been presented with their awards by Josh Widdicombe.

The comedian – part of a team including athletes, scientists and actors who supported the programme – led a special graduation ceremony for Community Exe participants and their families.

The University of Exeter initiative has been set up to give young men aged 13 to 16 life opportunities and broaden their access to positive role models and information about careers, education and training. 

Others who have worked with the participants of Community Exe include the actor and comedian Marc Wootton, the comedian Lloyd Griffith, sports commentator Rob Walker, mental health campaigner Tom Chapman and science communicator and podcaster Dr Simon Clark.

The Community Exe programme was run in partnership with the Angus Lawson Memorial Trust. It is the first programme of its kind in the South West and brings together a unique partnership of educators, businesses, professional sports teams and charities to support positive outcomes for young men from under resourced backgrounds. 

The programme was designed to tackle challenges the teenagers may face living in rural areas; lacking confidence, clear direction and access to information; growing up in disadvantage and for some feeling disengaged by school.

The teenagers worked with staff from Aim a Little Higher, Exeter City Community Trust, Exeter’s Northcott Theatre and XRacing to gain new skills and careers insight. 

Early analysis of the impact of the year-long programme spanning Years 9 and 10, shows it is helping to boost confidence, is making the young men feel more valued and is helping them to learn about training or education programmes.

Josh Widdicombe said: “Community Exe is an incredible project and it is an honour to even be such a small part of it. It is great to see what this experience has done for these young men and I hope this is just the start for both them and Community Exe”

A total of 48 teenage boys from Devon and Somerset completed their Awards. This has included attending award days, where they take part in activities with community partners and champions.

They received an award in the area they chose to specialise in, either sport, music and communication, AI and technology or young leadership.

Community Exe is designed for teenage boys in Devon or Somerset, who may be eligible for free school meals, or be young carers, care experienced young people, those with a declared disability, and those living in low income households or areas with socioeconomic challenges. 

The unique programme, which will run again next year for a new group of young men, was shaped by University of Exeter widening participation staff working with teachers in the region and aims to help young men cope with their biggest challenges.

Melissa Ruddock, Widening Participation Manager at the University of Exeter, said: “We are exceptionally grateful to our Community Champions for the time they have given to the programme. The success of the programme shows the power of community in helping young men feeling valued and getting access to role models. The impact has been very special to see.

“It is wonderful to celebrate the commitment of all the young men who took part in the programme.”

Other partners in the programme are The Exeter Chiefs Community; Sound Communities; Somerset Cricket Foundation and Somerset County Cricket Club; Devon Music Education Hub; Yellow Mouse Studios; Mahara Jiujistu; Aim a Little Higher, Exeter City Community Trust, Northcott Theatre and XRacing

Alina and Jerome Bossuet, whose son Jayan, 15, took part in the programme, said seeing the passion of those involved had been positive for him.

Alina said: “We wanted Jayan to develop confidence in pursuing new interests. I think he is now more open to trying different things and engaging with new people. He particularly enjoyed the video production session as he was able to think creatively and make something really original as part of a team.”

Laurence Foy, 14, said his favourite part of Community Exe was getting the chance to play instruments, and he plans to try to keep learning the bass guitar.

His mum Catherine said: “Community Exe has been absolutely amazing. Like many parents we worry about the mental health of young people. The programme has helped the teenagers get out of the house and learn something different.

“The programme also gives students a taste of university life, helping them experience a more independent style of learning and gain insight into higher education before applying.”