Overcoming the challenges of COVID-19: Award-winning mentor and businessman provides free resources for schools and colleges

The new initiative will see Darren provide free electronic copies of his new book Dream, Create, Believe, Achieve to schools and colleges, in addition to providing virtual webinars and workshops designed to help provide both motivational and practical support as they make important decisions regarding their future studies and careers.

His work with schools and colleges will focus on providing guidance in areas such as resilience, positive thinking and spotting business opportunities. He will also be on hand to provide advice and tips on creating CVs, interview skills and learning how to identify organisations that best fit with their personal dreams, values and aspirations. 

Darren is already an established Grandmentor with the charity Volunteering Matters, and has worked with young people in a variety of educational settings, including at Ormiston Endeavour Academy and Thomas Wolsey School in Ipswich, in addition to several other schools in the Suffolk area. Darren has been shortlisted for the 2020 National Children and Young People Award and his work as a Grandmentor and ambassador played a significant part in helping Volunteer Matters to win at the National Mentoring Awards 2019.

“I’m totally committed to helping as many young people as I possibly can to refocus their mind on positive possibilities, as I know many have been left confused and worried by the Coronavirus pandemic,” explains Darren. “We only have to look at the plight of students across the country to see just how significantly this virus is affecting the paths of our young people. I want everyone to have access to the lessons I have learned as I worked my way up from the very bottom and built Midwich into a multi-million pound international operation. If a local lad from Leicester can do it, so can they, it’s all about having the right mindset.”

When Darren Lewitt first started working at Midwich back in 1991, little did he know that 24 years later, he’d be selling his 1/3 share in the company that he had helped grow from £10 million into an astonishing £370 million. Through sheer hard work, determination and his innate ability to always look for opportunities, Darren became one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the East of England. Reflecting on his successes at Midwich, Darren attributes his achievements to his unique ‘superpower’; he can find opportunity in almost any situation. 

“I’m determined to show as many young people as possible, that anything is possible if you work hard enough, care enough and are determined enough,” explains Darren.

Schools and colleges interested in receiving these free resources can get in touch with Darren directly on [email protected]