Guest Blog: Paul Kirby, Big Ideas Programme Mentor, from Northen Gas Networks

One of the most powerful aspects of the Big Ideas Programme is the connection between young people and industry mentors who help bring their ideas to life. In this guest blog, Northern Gas Networks mentor, Paul Kirby, reflects on his first year supporting students at Wetherby High School, from inspiring early workshops to celebrating national success at the Houses of Parliament.

“In September 2025, a colleague stopped by my desk and asked if I’d be interested in becoming a mentor, representing Northern Gas Networks and working with Solutions for the Planet on their Big Ideas Programme. I’d seen the emails and always thought it looked like a fantastic opportunity, but like many of us, I kept telling myself I was too busy and I’d sign up next year. Thankfully, this personal invitation gave me the nudge I needed to say yes.

I was partnered with Wetherby High School, walking back into a school for the first time since my own GCSEs was a bit nerve-racking, but it quickly became one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever been part of.

Our first session involved around 150 Year 9 students developing ideas to improve their communities, support the environment and tackle social challenges. Their creativity and enthusiasm were inspiring from day one. Over the following months, I attended regular sessions to help students refine their business plans, strengthen their presentations and build the confidence needed to bring their ideas to life. With the dedicated support of their wonderful teacher Alison, watching them grow in confidence and belief as their ideas developed was incredibly rewarding. The scale of the competition was incredible, nearly 3,000 students took part across the country with 159 teams submitting big ideas.

The hard work paid off when two of our teams progressed to the regional finals at York University:

Monthly Matters (Cara, Emily, Skye and Anwen): A service and campaign that raises awareness about periods and pushes for better school support, including improved bathrooms and dedicated staff for menstrual-related issues.

Reach Reliable (Kai and Kyden): A community app encouraging young people to build skills, support local initiatives, and make a positive impact in their communities. Utilising a gamified rewards system, encouraging ongoing engagement and participation outside of school.

Schofield Award Winners 2026: Reach Reliable from Wetherby High School

Both teams delivered outstanding presentations. Monthly Matters secured a place in the national finals at the Houses of Parliament, while Reach Reliable received special recognition for their innovative approach to encouraging young people to stay active, engaged and connected within their communities.

For many of the students, the trip to London was their first visit to the capital. The big day was on Tuesday 30th June, we enjoyed a tour of the Palace of Westminster, including the House of Commons and the House of Lords. We also had the opportunity to speak with Wetherby and Easingwold MP Alec Shelbrooke.

The standard of competition at the national finals was incredibly high, with 12 teams from across the country presenting their inspirational ideas to the judging panel. We were delighted just to be there, so what happened next completely exceeded our expectations.

Monthly Matters were announced as the overall winners of the national competition!! A huge cheer went up from us all in shock and pride of what had happened! Combined with Reach Reliable winning the prestigious Schofield Award, having both of our teams returning to Yorkshire with trophies is a huge achievement and something we are all extremely proud of.

This programme has shown me the difference that mentoring can make, not only for the students but for the mentors too. It gave me the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, develop new skills and support some truly remarkable young people.

I’m incredibly grateful that NGN supports programmes like this. Investing in the next generation, helping them build confidence and realise their potential is something that makes a real difference. If you’re ever considering becoming a mentor, I’d wholeheartedly recommend it. You may start the journey thinking you’re there to help others, but you’ll be amazed by what you learn along the way.”