In hard times those who inspire, motivate and challenge others to be their best are our surest guarantee of a secure future. To publicise the benefits mentoring can bring Barnsley Needs You is offering a £200 reward to someone already passing on their skills and work experience. 

The prize money is up for grabs in a borough wide search to find Barnsley’s Oldest Mentor. This innovative competition is sponsored by the Barnsley Work and Skills Board (BWSB) and aims to recognise local people who are doing their bit for the town by passing on work-related skills and experience to other members of the community.

Everyone will know someone who fits the bill and this is a fantastic opportunity to reward them for their contribution to helping the town survive and thrive.  Friends, family or work colleagues can nominate their community champion by logging on to www.barnsleyneedsyou.org, by emailing competitions@barnsleyneedsyou.org or by phoning the competition organisers on 01432 867264.  The closing date for entries is August 31st 2009 and anyone with a Barnsley postcode can enter.

Barnsley’s Oldest Mentor is one of three competitions taking place over the next 12 months to run as part of the Barnsley Needs You campaign – one of the biggest employment initiatives launched in South Yorkshire in recent years. Later in the year the BWSB will be announcing further cash awards to support apprenticeships and local employers committed to a better Barnsley.

A panel of judges, including local businessman and chairman of the BWSB John Foster, will select the winning entry, who will be presented with their cheque at an event at The Core in early September.

John Foster said: “This is a great opportunity for an employee, member of a community group or voluntary organisation to be recognised for their contribution to Barnsley. We are looking for people who are living the Barnsley Needs You ethos, people who are passing on their knowledge and experience to others, whether voluntarily or within a business. Nominating someone for Barnsley’s Oldest Mentor is a great way to acknowledge and reward people who give their time and commitment to others.” 

Barnsley Needs You, which is also supported by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, is an ambitious initiative which targets all levels and sectors of society, from improving opportunities for jobseekers via training or volunteer work to professional development for business leaders to push Barnsley industries to the front.

The BWSB believes that everyone has a responsibility to do something and that the Barnsley Needs You campaign will be a focus for the resources and determination of the community to overcome long term unemployment, develop the skills to benefit local businesses and make the whole town prosper.