Hearts are breaking. Lives ruined. Dreams lost. Communities broken. Hate prevails. There have been moments this week that I’ve cried at what’s happening in the USA……and I am well aware of my white priviledge.

Amongst all the pain there is hope. There is always hope.

So here are some things we can do as business people, as citizens, as parents, in the UK to better the lives of all, blacks, whites, muslims, christians and even Stoke City fans…….we must all change to impact our local communities, family by family, child by child, gang by gang.

• We need a ‘National Youth Development Programme – NYDP’ Aged 12 to 16. Every child in the country gets a mentor, a programme of self development, support with understanding life, relationships and feelings and PRACTICAL work experience and social skills building. Nobody gets left behind because of colour, address or parental dynamics. It’s run by schools with a new Department of State with a Minister for Future Generation. If we get this right it will fundamentally change society. Full Stop. Yes, it will cost Billions BUT it will be worth it by reducing crime, saving lives and creating a dynamic new society where people see hope and opportunities. Businesses and Social Service will be working alongside the schools to roll it out where thousands of mentors step up to provide inspiration, work experience, coaching and opportunities. #UKGovernment – Please Stop spending on things we don’t need (like the High Speed Link, Heathrow T3 etc) and take care of our children.

• Develop a nationwide Mentor Scheme/Database/App

• Become a MENTOR (you, me and all those positive business people, sports men and musicians, black and white).

• Speak to your employers about their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Policy. Ask to them to support your efforts. Call local schools and non-profits involved in youth work and offer a visit to your workplace, consider some holiday work experience schemes and review the potential for long term apprenticeships and work opportunities working alongside schools to help the programme and the most disadvantaged children. Don’t be afraid to ask. Amazing things can happen if you extend a hand…….

• Seek out the real facts about social mobility, crime rates, unemployment. Don’t form stereotypes based on the news. Follow and read/watch diverse cultural commentary and books/films. Go to events you wouldn’t normally consider, sign up for things that a re totally against your social conditioning and comfort zones. See the world standing in other’s shoes.

The most important thing is to do something, however small, to assist those less advantaged and by small consistent actions at a local and national level things will improve

Remember…..there is always hope.