National provider of Character Education programmes Commando Joe’s is dedicated to building character, self-worth and confidence in young people, which fits perfectly with Riverside’s ethos of transforming the lives of the people and communities they work with.

The new partnership brings pupils in four key regions across England – Carlisle, Hull, Tower Hamlets and Halton – unique opportunities to develop essential skills, build confidence and create pathways to future success.

To date, Riverside and Commando Joe’s have committed £131,520 to supporting the two-year programme in 12 primary schools and three secondary schools.

These programmes will work with schools to empower young people and give them the skills they need to thrive. Focusing on empathy, resilience, kindness and fortitude, Riverside and Commando Joe’s will help young people to become the best version of themselves.

Two of the secondary schools have joined the programme thanks to a £10,000 donation from Stonegrove, who maintain commercial boilers in Riverside schemes in the South, to meet the 20% match funding requirement for the secondary programmes.

While the third secondary school, based in Halton, is now able to sign up after Onward Community Fund have pledged £5,000 in support of the initiative.

Dan Kelly, Managing Director of Commando Joe’s, said: 

“We believe that this partnership will have a lasting positive impact, fostering both academic and personal growth, and we are excited to work together to create a brighter future for the next generation. We look forward to sharing more updates on this inspiring initiative as it progresses.

“Together we want to extend our appreciation to Onward Community Fund and Stonegrove, Riverside’s mechanical contractor, for their support which is enabling the partnership to expand our offer within our communities.”

Chair of the Riverside Foundation, Hazel Waddington, added:

“Riverside recently committed to redoubling efforts to support children and families, making neighbourhoods safe places to live. It is through innovative partnerships such as this that Riverside will play a part in ensuring young people are able to fulfil their potential. Riverside Foundation are really pleased to be supporting this initiative that will make a difference to the lives of young people across the country.”

On working with Commando Joe’s, a teacher from Clapham Terrace, Leamington Spa, said:

“The children love these sessions and watching them work together with their peer group communicating, listening and responding to each other, overcoming barriers and not giving up is a joy to see. The skills the students learn in these sessions are transferable to the classroom and their daily lives and we have seen an increase in attendance, a reduction in behaviour points and students presenting as happier and more settled.”