Unloc’s Seed2030 Programme supports young people to test and develop ideas that address the UN Sustainable Development Goals, providing support to students such as micro‑funding of up to £1,000 mentorship and leadership development, and an immersive bootcamp experience in Belfast.
Ben Hartley (24) from Bangor, is a project lead on The Little Helpers - a student led community initiative developed by Restart Education students in SERC Bangor campus. The project was created in response to the challenges faced by children and families in or on the edge of the care system, particularly during periods of heightened pressure such as Christmas. Last Christmas through this initiative, they supported eleven local families who were identified as being on the edge of entering the care system, providing them with nearly 100 gifts and over £100 in donations. The initiative was further developed and showcased through SERC’s internal PBLX competition and the Northern Ireland Intercollege Project‑Based Learning Competition, where The Little Helpers were awarded Runner-up in the Level 2 and Under category, recognising both the social impact and sustainability of the idea.
Now Ben has been accepted on to the Unloc Seed2030 Programme, where he will represent The Little Helpers and plans to explore how the project can expand to offer consistent, personalised, year-round support for children and families connected to the care system, moving beyond one-off donation drives and towards a sustainable social enterprise model.
Ben says, “I am truly honoured to have been accepted for the Seed2030 Programme, and I cannot wait for the opportunities that will follow. This grant will give The Little Helpers a big boost in forwarding our goal of helping those in need.”
Ben will begin his first Seed2030 bootcamp session in Belfast on 26 May.
