Update from Lisa: As a teacher, I‘m used to January being a relatively steady month – no big exams yet, no Christmas shows to prepare for – so having a busy month of reporting deadlines was a shock to the system!
I spent January writing the annual Imagine This report for the lottery. Whilst there’s still work to be done, I feel an immense about of pride at what we achieved in 2024. I’m sure Sarah Medland will want to know more and I’m excited to talk to her about Jo & I’s first year in tenure and what we hope to achieve in 2025.
In addition, we’ve held three Structure Subgroup meetings; a place for us to resolve issues with the functionality of the Imagine This structure that were raised through last year’s deep exploratory work. They have been vibrant, energetic, forward-facing conversations. Together with the existing steering group, suggestions have been made regarding how we improve the efficacy of the Steering Group. This has resulted in a new MOU and a ‘job spec’ for a steering group facilitator. We’re actively looking for people to join the steering group so please do take a look and see if you fancy it. (Details at the bottom of this newsletter)
I’ve also been working with partners to develop a brief presentation to the Health & Wellbeing Board around how the VCSE sector currently supports children and young people at transition points. Alongside NHS colleagues we painted a picture of what life looks like for these young people, the part statutory services and VCSE groups play and the challenges we face. Statistics were shared that absolutely give weight to the work you all do and there was a genuine energy in the room to explore how we can collaborate in order to solve the increasingly complex needs of our young people.
Alongside Jo, I’ve also been working on our relationship with Local Motion. We’ve worked together to try and limit calendar clashes and have linked in some important conversations around systems change around pathways for young people and them simply being heard. These are exploratory conversations at the moment with wider networks being leveraged to help us expand our horizons, but it feels like we’re working towards something really powerful.
Impact Groups have also started back up. The Environment group are waiting on news regarding the CAF bid and in the meantime are continuing to explore how best to support each other – the 2025 Green Market Place being just one example. It was fantastic to have representatives from the Youth Justice Service at the latest Greater Access group. Already some great things happening via People’s Parkfield with and for these young people!
The youth council continue to fill my soul with joy. Their first meeting of the year created a definite strategic focus for 2025: Ideas Into Action. Personally, it’s a big year for a number of the members yet they still show up with an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of other young people in Torbay; truly commendable.
I’m genuinely excited for 2025!
I’ve also been:
Working with Local Motion to explore how we work with young people across Imagine This and Local Motion; meeting Sarah Omell (new Safer Communities Lead) to talk about our Safer Streets impact group and share strategic developments; made some introductions between partners eg Fuel Youth and Sound Communities; explored opportunities for equality and diversity training with Nev O’Connor; looking at the availability of careers advice for young people. In terms of all things funding I’ve worked with Steven to get the Imagine This Funding bulletin out to you; worked on some additional questions from the Lottery Climate Action Fund (hoping that questions from them is a good sign in terms of the bid getting through to Stage 2??) and working on a lottery You Decide fund with the aim of securing some funds that young people can distribute across their communities.
A shout out to our Youth Council who continue to share brilliant ideas with us in our fortnightly meetings – more of these through the year.
Looking for new Steering Group members…
Be part of the Imagine This Steering Group. Learn more what that means, its purpose and expectations of members.
When you read through the MOU, pay particular attention to the ‘areas of expertise’, please consider if you, or a member of your team fits the bill.
If you feel you can commit to what is set out in the MOU and want to offer strategic support to Imagine This, please drop Rebekah (ImagineThisInfo@torbaycdt.org.uk) an email no later than 7th March.
This opportunity, agreed by the steering group, is being advertised as Tracey has stepped down as the Imagine This Steering group chair. The structure subgroup made the excellent suggestion that we put this opportunity out to the partnership. You’ll notice we’re now looking for a facilitator rather than a chair – a purposeful shift in language reflected in the document.
If you are interested in this paid role, pivotal in supporting the partnership achieve its aims, please do apply by the 5th March.
Full detail and instructions in the job description, but as ever, do give Lisa or Jo a call/email if you need to.