Urban Synergy and Higgins Partnerships team up to inspire the next generation of talent in Leiwsham
Posted 23/06/2026
New partnership delivers mentoring and career pathways in the built environment as part of the social value legacy for the Ladywell Park Gardens development.
Youth empowerment and social mobility charity Urban Synergy has officially partnered with Higgins Partnerships to empower local young people through targeted mentorship and direct access to career opportunities.
Despite the construction and built environment sectors playing a vital role in the UK economy, representation remains a significant challenge. Students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds frequently face steep barriers to entry. Urban Synergy and Higgins Partnerships are teaming up to change this narrative. By connecting young people with relatable role models involved in local community transformations, the collaboration aims to demystify industry careers, inspire confidence, and empower young people to thrive in the workforce of tomorrow.
"Our partnership with Higgins Partnerships is about ensuring that the physical regeneration of Lewisham translates into tangible, life-changing opportunities for young people. By connecting local students directly with professionals, we are building confidence, expanding ambition and creating direct pathways to employment. Together, we are ensuring that the future of the construction and housing sectors reflects social mobility and taps into the talent of our local communities." - Leila Thomas, Founder & CEO of Urban Synergy.
Amy Reynolds, Director of ESG at Higgins Partnerships said: “We are proud to be partnering with Urban Synergy to deliver a mentoring and social mobility programme that supports young people across the Lewisham borough. At Higgins, we believe that creating thriving communities goes beyond building homes. By investing in initiatives that promote education, raise aspirations and improves access to opportunities, we aim to leave a lasting positive legacy for local residents.”
Partnership Highlights
Focusing strictly on Lewisham-based schools, and prioritising those in close proximity to the Ladywell Park Gardens development, members of the Higgins team are volunteering their time and industry expertise to raise aspirations in the borough, through:
- High-Impact Volunteering: Providing mentors to guide local students, alongside local career panel talks in primary and secondary schools to raise awareness of the diverse job opportunities in the sector.
- Skills Building: Giving young people access to local speed mentoring, mock interviews, and wider development opportunities to accelerate their personal growth and essential soft skills.
- Direct Career Pathways: Providing young people with direct access to apply for early career opportunities within the construction and built environment sector.
About Urban Synergy
Founded in 2007, Urban Synergy is a youth empowerment & social mobility charity, dedicated to helping young people ages 9-24 succeed in education and work. Since its inception, the organisation has supported over 43,000 young people by connecting them with relatable role models, mentoring, and real work experience opportunities in professional organisations. With a goal to empower 50,000 young people by 2027, Urban Synergy is committed to turning barriers into bridges and creating a future where everyone has a chance to thrive. For more information, visit: www.urbansynergy.com