BW3 Quarterly Round-Up: Celebrating a Fantastic Autumn 2025
As we reflect on an inspiring few months, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to every organisation, volunteer and partner who has contributed to another brilliant quarter for BW3.
From mentoring and literacy support to major events and new partnerships, your dedication continues to open doors for young people across Wythenshawe. Here’s a round-up of the stories, successes and highlights from September–December 2025.
⭐ Welcoming Eamonn O’Neal OBE DL as BW3 Honorary President
We were thrilled to welcome broadcaster, charity leader and Wythenshawe advocate Eamonn O’Neal OBE DL as BW3’s new Honorary President.
Eamonn brings extensive experience, longstanding community commitment and a genuine passion for giving back to Wythenshawe. His support will help strengthen BW3’s programmes and raise our profile across Greater Manchester as we move into 2026.
👉 Read more:
https://www.bw3.org.uk/news/
🎒 Peer Power Hub Pilot Praised & Preparing for Expansion
Our new Peer Power Hub, designed to support Year 6 pupils as they transition to high school, has been hailed a huge success — including praise from the Minister for Early Education.
The pilot, pairing Newall Green Primary with St Paul’s RC High School, delivered improved confidence, smoother transitions and strong engagement from students starting Year 7 this September.
Following overwhelmingly positive results, the programme will expand to more schools in 2026.
👉 Full story:
https://www.bw3.org.uk/peer-power-hub/
📚 Reading Mentoring: Transformational Progress for Students
Our Reading Mentoring programme continues to deliver exceptional impact. Every participating student improved their reading age last year, with more than 70% making rapid progress — and some gaining over two years of reading age in under six months.
Students tell us how much they enjoy their sessions, with one Year 9 student sharing:
“I’m more confident reading now… Liz has encouraged me to read outside of school and I enjoy lessons more.”
A huge thank you to all our dedicated reading mentors for helping make this possible.
👉 Full story:
https://www.bw3.org.uk/reading-mentoring/
🌟 Aspirational Mentoring at MEA: New Cohort Begins
A new round of Aspirational Mentoring has begun at Manchester Enterprise Academy, with mentors and students forming strong connections from the outset.
One mentor shared her inspiring conversations with Year 10 student Rachel, who is already building confidence, developing revision strategies and thinking big about her future.
If you’d like to become an Aspirational Mentor in 2026, we would love to hear from you.
👉 Find out more:
https://www.bw3.org.uk/aspirational-mentoring/
🤝 Two Successful Wythenshawe Business Gateways
This term we held two vibrant Wythenshawe Business Gateway events, welcoming speakers from Brother UK, MAG, Boom Interactive, Muse, and Wythenshawe Community Housing Group.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to two brilliant evenings of conversation, insight and collaboration.
👉 Our next WBG:
📅 29 January 2026
📍 Old Trafford Football Club
🎤 Keynote speaker: Mike Kane MP
👉 Book here: https://www.bw3.org.uk/events/
🚒 Fire Engine Pull Raises More Than £7,500!
A September highlight was the BW3 Fire Engine Pull, where more than £7,500 was raised for local projects.
Huge thanks to the teams from WCHG, DeeDee’s Childcare, Delta Hotels, Endress+Hauser, St Paul’s High School, MAG, and the BW3 Committee for your enthusiasm and community spirit.
🎉 Welcoming New BW3 Members & Sponsors
This term we were delighted to welcome new organisations into the BW3 community:
Muse, Delta Hotels, The Specialist Skills Hub, GMI, DeeDee’s Childcare, Meel Group and Arup
Your support helps us reach more young people and deliver even greater impact.
🔮 Looking Ahead to an Exciting 2026
We’re preparing for a packed and exciting start to 2026, with many opportunities for members to get involved:
✨ Aspirational Mentoring expands to Xaverian Sixth Form College – launching January
✨ What’s My Job? – careers-morning panels (volunteers needed)
✨ Numbers At Work – real-world maths in classrooms
✨ Work Placements – schools seeking employer support
✨ Apprenticeship Fair – February
✨ World Book Day – March
✨ Hands On Wythenshawe – new corporate volunteering offer
✨ BW3 Dragons’ Den – a new challenge programme for young people
✨ Assembly Speakers – always needed
👉 Get involved: https://www.bw3.org.uk/get-involved/
🎙️ And finally… BW3 on the airwaves
To round off the term on a lighter note, you may have caught members of the BW3 Committee when they recently joined Eamonn O’Neal on BBC Radio Manchester to talk about BW3, volunteering and the power of businesses giving back locally.
It was a brilliant opportunity to share our story, have a few laughs and remind listeners that behind BW3 is a group of passionate volunteers who genuinely care about Wythenshawe and its young people.
And if you get the chance, tune in on Boxing Day, when BW3 Chair Adam Jupp will be back on BBC Radio Manchester, talking all things BW3.
🎄 A Christmas Thank You
As we wrap up the year, we want to express our gratitude for your continued support. Whether through mentoring, sponsorship, volunteering or attending events, you help change the lives of young people across Wythenshawe.
Thank you for your commitment, passion and belief in what BW3 can achieve. We wish you, your teams and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Here’s to a bright, impactful and inspiring 2026.
Best wishes,
The BW3 Committee