G04 Enterprises
803. Pete Hope
Pete Hope, from Colchester, is the founder of ‘GO4 Enterprises’, an organisation helping unemployed young people, particularly young offenders, to find employment.
The organisation connects unemployed people, who are facing significant challenges in life, with opportunities for apprenticeships, work experience and volunteering. Access to a mentor was crucial in Pete turning his own life around, so the focal point of his work is a café where a team of 20 volunteers link local unemployed young people to key services, including a mentor. His ambition is to help all 300 of the young people in Colchester who are not currently in education, employment, or training, and support them in finding suitable placements.
In a personal letter to Pete, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“Your crucial work with ‘GO4 Enterprises’ is helping young people who are not in education, employment or training, to find jobs and turn their lives around for the better. You should be proud of the team of volunteers you are inspiring as well as the hundreds of young people who you are supporting through your valuable work.”
Pete’s local MP, Will Quince said:
“Pete Hope is an inspiration to so many and a huge credit to Colchester. Pete’s passion, commitment and dedication to improving the life chances of others over many years make him a very worthy recipient of this prestigious award.”