Chuka Umunna, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Streatham, is invited to No. 10 Downing Street by Sarah Brown to help promote Chance UK, the mentoring charity.

Both Mr Umunna and the Prime Minister’s wife are supporters of Chance UK, which provides one-to-one mentoring for children aged five to eleven with behavioural difficulties. Mentors help the children, many of whom are on the verge of being excluded from school, to build self-confidence, stability and to channel disruptive energy into attaining personal achievements, acting as positive role models.

The charity has a track record of success in helping children overcome behavioural problems, helping them lead happier lives at home and motivating them in school. After passing through the Chance UK mentoring programme, 98% of children achieved a reduction in hyperactivity, emotional issues, conduct problems and problems with peers.

At the 10 Downing Street event, Sarah Brown praised the work of Chance UK, in particular its strength in being able to replicate its programme nationally. Chance UK is established in seven local authorities in the UK including Lambeth, where work commenced in May.

Chuka Umunna, commenting on the event, said:

“I am proud to be associated with Chance UK and it was an honour to be invited by Sarah Brown to Number 10 to promote its work. The charity has had a hugely positive impact for children wherever it has been involved, and I am pleased that last month Chance UK began operating in Lambeth.”