THIS year there is a new category for the Worcestershire Education Awards, Inspirational Mentor.

Sponsored by Fusion, which specialises in bringing the best out of people across the county, the award recognises mentors who make a profound difference in the lives of the people they help.

A spokesman for Fusion said: “Fusion are proud to sponsor the category for Inspirational Mentor of the year at the 2020 Worcestershire Education Awards. This award is important to us as mentoring is at the heart of everything we do.

“Our fantastic team of Job Coaches support and mentor people across Worcestershire, helping them to achieve their goals and ambitions. We believe great mentors can play an important role in educating outside the classroom to develop and achieve people’s full potential. This award will go to an inspirational mentor who has nurtured and supported an adult learner to overcome personal barriers which has enabled them to move into education.

“At Fusion we understand that for some people returning to education can be daunting. Through one-to-one mentoring, recognising and building on existing strengths, skills and confidence with one of Fusion’s Building Better Opportunities Job Coaches, together we can overcome barriers and confidently return to education.

“Building Better Opportunities commenced in Worcestershire in October 2016 and has already improved the lives of over 1,200 Worcestershire residents – many who have faced multiple challenges such as homelessness, drug and alcohol misuse, offending behaviour, low confidence, mental ill health and low self-esteem.

“Building Better Opportunities is funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund who are investing in projects such as Building Better Opportunities to tackle the root causes of poverty, promote social inclusion and drive local growth to build a brighter, better Worcestershire.”