Lollipop Mentoring, a program supporting Black women in the advertising and marketing industry has announced a new partnership with The Marylebone Project, a life-changing service for homeless women.

The partnership will help introduce patrons of The Marylebone Project to careers in marketing and advertising. It aims to break down barriers and offer women in crisis an opportunity to learn about the advertising and marketing industry through drop-in sessions with agencies and businesses.

Drop-in sessions will be an opportunity for patrons of the service to listen to a brief overview of marketing and advertising. Additionally, patrons will have access to Lollipop Mentoring's extensive network of senior mentors.

Many of the women at The Marylebone Project have fallen on hard times or have little knowledge of advertising. The partnership between Lollipop Mentoring and The Marylebone Project aims to break down barriers and create more opportunities.

"We believe that nobody should be excluded from opportunities, and we are thrilled to partner with The Lollipop Mentoring CIC to offer these women a chance to learn about the world of advertising and marketing," explained Ruhamah Sonson from the Marylebone Project.

The partnership welcomes agencies that are interested in contributing to the cause to open up their agencies and share their resources. By getting women involved in work experience, both patrons and agencies will benefit as many of the women offer unique experiences and perspectives that the agencies can also learn from.

“Everyone deserves a chance to succeed, and through this partnership, we aim to break down barriers and create opportunities for these women. By doing something which relatively takes minimal time and effort, agencies can make a significant impact in the lives of these patrons, who have fallen on hard times. We urge agencies to join us in this cause and contribute to making a positive change in society." added Maria McDowell, Founder of Lollipop Mentoring.

With the industry still grappling with a talent crisis, opening the doors to more women and talent with unique experiences and perspectives is business critical. For this talent will in turn create more enriched work, the scheme is essential in breaking down barriers and creating a more accessible, inclusive working environment for all.

For further information on the partnership and how to get involved, please contact Lollipop Mentoring CIC.