YMCA Newcomer Connections’ Post

This was my Grandad’s childhood home -taken on Belvedere Marshes, his sister Ada pictured. There were 10 children, all born somewhere on the road as they travelled around - my Grandad born at Brighton Racecourse! Just after I was born we settled into a house on an estate in South East London. I have always been proud of being a Romany Traveller, it has shaped who I am today, but it took me years in my career to talk about it. I had such a fear of judgement and prejudice because of the things I experienced as a child and seeing how my family had to behave in very different ways around non travellers ( ‘gorgas’ as we call them).  My Nan would take her gold earrings out whenever she was going ‘somewhere official’ like the Doctors, my Dad adopted a different speaking voice when he came to my school - I think the youngsters would call that code switching! We learnt from a young age the realities of how we could be treated and what people thought about our culture.  I eventually ‘outed’ myself at work when a woman in my office was making derogatory comments about Travellers and I couldn’t take it anymore. I was still very junior and I remember my face getting hot and my heart beating out of my chest as I blurted out ‘I’m sorry but as someone from a Romany family I find that incredibly offensive’. Can you believe I stood up for myself with an apology?!! I contemplated not going back to work as I was so embarrassed. Embarrassed by what she said and embarrassed for speaking up.  I’m glad I did go back - not only have I built a successful career in the Civil Service but I have been able to create opportunities and access for young people who still struggle to be accepted for who they are - including care leavers and those from council estates like mine.  These days I don’t apologise for who I am.  I am unapologetically me - gold hoops and all. #diversity #romany #beyou #culture #inclusion #opportunity #socialmobility #diversityequityinclusion #equity #romanyroots #equality

Onto the next chapter of my social work career 🥳

more results featuring the Power of People with Purpose!

Social workers partner with people to address personal difficulties and structural barriers in their lives. They work with individuals, families, groups and communities. Social workers celebrate differences and the social work role itself is incredibly diverse. Social workers may support clients through:  - one-on-one counselling and case work; - group work; - community development; - advocacy; - policy; - research and education. Social workers are trained to listen to people and support them to address personal difficulties and structural barriers in their lives. #WorldSocialWorkDay2024

"Save the date! Our next Community Resource Fair is happening on April 26th. Get ready for another day of empowerment and opportunity. Stay tuned for more details! #CommunityResourceFair #Empowerment #OpportunityAwaits"

Explore the transformative power of volunteerism with Clint Casteel and Larisa Joiner. Learn how their dedication not only benefits the community but also fosters personal and professional growth. Read their article here: https://lnkd.in/epMyz54T

This month at The WLA, we’ve been exploring the power of community and contribution and how they shape a more purpose-driven life. Sue led a fantastic Lunch & Learn session, sharing invaluable Lessons from a Life at Sea. She reminded us that just like navigating the ocean, creating a meaningful life requires a strong compass and unwavering resilience. ⚓️ Sandra ran a powerful masterclass into how a purpose-filled life directly impacts well-being, reminding us of the ripple effect that positive contribution can have on both personal and community levels. Here are some additional insights and strategies to foster a life rich in purpose and community: Identify Your Causes: What lights you up? Find a cause that aligns with your values and dedicate time to it. Whether it’s environmental advocacy, education, or supporting local businesses, your impact counts. Build Community Connections: Engage with those around you. Attend local events, volunteer, or simply support a friend’s project. Every connection adds meaning to our shared journey. Reflect Regularly: Check in with yourself to ensure that your contributions align with your evolving goals and values. Sometimes, small course corrections help you stay on track toward a fulfilling life. Set Personal Growth Goals: Make a commitment to learn something new or refine a skill that aligns with your purpose. Contributing often requires us to bring our best selves forward, and continual growth fuels this. Embracing a life around community and contribution doesn’t just enhance our well-being; it makes the journey deeply satisfying and interconnected. For further information on how you can be a part of The WLA community visit our website www.thewla.com #thewla #communityandcontribution #communityleadership #lifeatsea #masterclass #lunchandlearn

🌟 Invoking Conversations on Privilege 🌟 At The Rock Cheltenham, we believe in nurturing not just the talents, but also the empathy and awareness of our young members. Last week, during our evening groups, we delved into a crucial discussion on privilege. We orchestrated an eye-opening activity where our youths stood in a line, taking steps forward or backwards based on statements reflecting positive or negative privileges they have experienced. It was a powerful visual representation of the varying advantages and disadvantages individuals face from the outset. Once the young people could see where everyone was stood they noticed that some people were standing in front and some behind. Showing that everyone had a different start in life depending on their privilege. The activity aimed not only to raise awareness but also to instil a deeper understanding of the disparities in privilege that exist within our society. By seeing firsthand how privilege can shape one's starting point in life, our participants gained valuable insights into the complexities of social dynamics. Through initiatives like this, we strive to foster empathy, critical thinking, and a sense of social responsibility in our young members. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future for all. #YouthEmpowerment #SocialAwareness #InclusionMatters #TheRockCheltenham #CommunityEngagement

Supporting People’s Futures 🫀 Another of our 4 wonderful #KeepTheBeatAlive films. We have 14,000 people in South Lanarkshire living in poverty, many experiencing in-work poverty. The magnificent Hamilton Citizens Advice Bureau feature here, who along with their counterparts in Clydesdale, Rutherglen & Cambuslang, and East Kilbride, are experiencing a huge surge in support requests around food and fuel insecurity advice. It’s 2024, in Scotland, we need to do better at tacking the root causes. Hamilton CAB also do a great job in providing volunteering opportunity as part of an employability journey, including accredited training. On the same theme, 12 years ago, Nicole started off as a volunteer with the fantastic Blantyre Soccer Academy. Today she is a full-time employee, co-ordinating the Para Football Team and supporting the Clubs 600 members alongside formidable Club Chair Jimmy Whelan. What on earth would these hundreds of families in Blantyre’s case, thousands of families across South Lanarkshire more broadly, do without physical activity, sports, leisure, arts, drama and culture opportunities? Essential in supporting people’s futures. Rowan from the superb WISTON LODGE also features, reminding us of the importance of youth work and outdoor education through his Trainee Activity Instructor experience. The third sector in South Lanarkshire need your help. We have 1,420 organisations of all different shapes, sizes and purposes. Many expertly support people’s futures. You don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone. To all local, but especially national, policy shapers and decision makers. Please hear our call, take on our 3 big asks; 1️⃣ recognise our value 2️⃣ be smarter with finding, and 3️⃣ meaningfully engage with us So many wonderful humans going above and beyond time after time, making the magic happen in our communities. Please, help us #KeepTheBeatAlive 🫀

“It is every child/young person's right to have their voice heard in decisions that affect them” - Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Our new participation project is now under way at Young Somerset! The ideas for this new poster were put to us by young people during a recent marketing & social media focus group 📱 Here’s some more info about our participation offer. Please feel free to share it amongst your networks in Somerset and encourage the young people you work with to sign up! 👋 Calling all 13-25 year olds! 👋 📣 If you are interested in sharing your lived experience and using your thoughts and voice to help us improve Young Somerset, join us! No experience necessary just a willingness to get involved and share your thoughts and opinions. 📣 ❓What's in it for you? - Be part of groups to create change for young people - Develop new skills and experience that looks great on your CV - Build resilience and confidence within yourself - Engage in discussions about the things that are important to you! ✏️ Complete our short form here -https://lnkd.in/eVqC62hZ or scan the QR code to let us know your interest in joining our Participation Group ✏️ 🌟 Your Voice Matters 🌟 #YoungSomerset #YourVoiceMatters #YouthParticipation #YouthInvolvement #YouthDevelopment