High Tide Foundation Appoints Emily Skillcorn as its First Ambassador, Championing Opportunities for Teesside’s Youth

At the High Tide Foundation, we are thrilled to announce that Emily Skillcorn, an Associate Solicitor at Jacksons Law Firm, has become our very first official Ambassador! 

This honour is in recognition of Emily’s passion and dedication to helping students in Teesside access valuable work placements and career guidance.

(Left Mark Easby, Middle Lauren Bywater, Right Emily Skillcorn)

Emily has been a passionate supporter of our work since she joined Jacksons as a trainee in 2020, working closely with us to connect young people with inspiring industry leaders and business professionals. Her efforts have helped many students see the wealth of opportunities available right here in Teesside.

Emily shared her surprise and gratitude for this new role, saying, “It was a massive surprise to be named as the charity’s first Ambassador and a genuine honour. It feels right because I feel so strongly about the work the High Tide Foundation does.”

As the manager of Jacksons’ work experience program, Emily is passionate about continuing the support she offers young people and plans to strengthen our outreach to local schools, deepening the partnership between Jacksons and the High Tide Foundation. Emily firmly believes that even small efforts from local businesses can make a huge difference for students.

“Even if you can’t offer weeks of placements, you can look at doing workshops at a school or go out and speak to students about your career. Some of the students we work with believe that if they want anything in life, they have to leave the Tees Valley but High Tide are changing that perception” she says, encouraging more businesses to get involved and support High Tide.

Emily’s work helps instil self-belief in students and highlights the diverse opportunities available within Teesside, which contributes to boosting the local economy.

“The charity shows them the different job roles they could have, and they can then get excited about what they need to do to get there,” Emily noted.

Our goal at the High Tide Foundation is to challenge the long-held belief that young people must leave Teesside to find opportunities and build successful careers. Emily’s experience aligns perfectly with this vision. She understands firsthand the challenges many students face, especially those who are the first in their families to pursue further education. Watching students transform their outlook on education and career possibilities is one of the most rewarding aspects of our work, and Emily plays a key role in this transformation.

Our General Manager, Lauren Bywater, shared, “It is especially touching when individuals like Emily show such passion and dedication to our cause. Her contributions over the years have been invaluable, and we created the Ambassador role to honour her commitment’

‘We’re incredibly proud of Emily and excited for the impact she’ll continue to make as our Ambassador. Here’s to a bright future for the young people of Teesside, with leaders like Emily helping to light the way!”