Spring is in the Air
Dear all
I’m writing this introduction in a room basked in sunshine. Spring seems to bring a renewed sense of hope which feels important with everything that is happening around us right now. At Grit we are focussing on the things we can do every day that can make a difference. Every case study in which a young person, a volunteer or a professional is saying ‘I can now see what’s possible for my life’ is a joy to hold on to.
You’ll see that we have volunteering opportunities coming up, so if you feel like providing something positive for a young person could be a good way to channel your energies then please do apply. Our coaches tell us that the benefit goes both ways, it is a chance to connect to a like-minded group and be part of a community of change.
I’ve been spending a lot of time talking to new universities, colleges and other organisations about Grit. The appetite to engage with our work seems huge right now which got me thinking that when times are challenging it can bring out in (some) people greater openness to change, to doing differently and to connection. It is exciting to watch our programmes growing as well as our team!
Huge welcome to Pamela and Laura and to our returning Ashley Johnston - now Banyard. We feel very fortunate to have a team of such passionate and dedicated staff who just make stuff happen.
New programmes that have started or are due to start this spring are in Teesside University, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Haringey Council, North Herts College and Plashet School. A big welcome to the Grit family to these partners. We are looking forward to continued work together to provide transformational opportunities for your young people and your teams.
Please do keep in touch and stay hopeful!
Ellie
Whose Potential is it Anyway?
For those of us who work with young people it is vital that we ‘support young people to fulfil their potential’ and yet it’s a word that has become so much of a cliché that perhaps we’ve forgotten what it really means.
Grit CEO Ellie Garraway writes on the Diverse Educators blog in support of young people reclaiming their potential.
We’re Recruiting Volunteers!
Last year we ran a hugely successful programme with volunteer Life Coaches (virtual and face-to-face) supporting young people at risk of exclusion from schools across Warwickshire.
This year we’re back! And we’re on the lookout for new volunteers.
“It’s an experience that will stay with me for a very long time” Grit volunteer, 2021
Grit volunteers are passionate about making a difference with young people, passionate about supporting young people to turn their lives around and really make the most of their education. Does this sound like you?
We are looking for volunteers (aged 23+) with the enthusiasm, commitment and time to make it happen. No previous experience required. We provide full training and support – free!
"The volunteer training really resonated. It was intense and a fantastic opportunity to reflect, be challenged and reflect afresh." Grit volunteer, 2021
WHY VOLUNTEER?
· 2½ days training by nationally and internationally renowned practitioners, plus ongoing, monthly continuing development sessions
· The chance to develop your leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills – transferable skills for the workplace, in education, and for anywhere else in your own life
· A new understanding and appreciation of the issues young peoples are facing and an insight into the way young people think
· Building connections as part of a small coaching team, giving and receiving support to develop your coaching practice
· The experience, satisfaction and reward of seeing the impact your coaching makes – supporting a young person to see things afresh and create the life they want
“The training gave me the confidence to take it on and the ongoing support was fantastic. I never felt like I was on my own.” Grit volunteer, 2021
YOUR COMMITMENT
· To complete the Virtual Coach training programme, online, over a weekend in May (evening of 13th, all day 14th, all day 15th)
· Coach a young person, fortnightly, online, between June and December 2022.
For more information and to register your interest, please contact lola@grit.org.uk
Grit and Black Leadership
We’re back at Nottingham Trent University this spring delivering another of our Black Leadership Programmes.
This is what a participant from a previous year had to say.
Free Tickets for Limitless Live
Former Grit Trustee, Roy Ackerman, has arranged for Grit participants, past and present, to get FREE TICKETS to the Limitless Live Festival at the Roundhouse in London on April 16th. The line-up includes South London’s Raye, razor-sharp rhymer Ms Banks, UK drill artist Unknown T and YouTube rapper, Miss La Familia.
Claim your ticket here using the code: LLUMG22