Speakers

"I used to be a primary school teacher, but now I work with young people aged 16 and over. It was a big change for me, the age difference, but I quickly came to really enjoy it. I love Spurs anyway, and I love the banter with the kids. We soon build up some chemistry. It’s great when they engage with the activities we provide, and sometimes you get that light bulb moment when something just clicks and they really start to thrive. I grew up in the area, so they can relate to me and my experiences. Helping these young people individually and giving something back to the local community, it’s just a great feeling."

fantastic to see people coming to our sessions and achieving something they didn’t think they could. That could be something they achieve in physical health, social health or mental health.Health and Wellbeing Programmes Co-ordinator

"I love people, and I believe health is everyone’s wealth. I manage lifestyle clinics for members of the community aged 40 to 74. It involves checks for blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, that sort of thing. I advise participants on how community services can benefit them, such as encouraging them to join classes that can help them give up smoking or reduce their alcohol intake. I go to local community centers, supermarkets, the library or even pop-up clinics. Anywhere I can meet people and try to coax them to have a free health checks. It’s the easiest thing to do. I help people to nip things in the bud. It’s great to connect with people and take away their fears."

"I work with 4- to 16-year-olds in our ‘To Care is To Do’ children in care program, and also with 16- to 25-year-olds in our program for care leavers. A lot of the young people I work with wouldn’t have the opportunities that we give them, so it’s great to know we’re making a positive difference in their lives. Of course, it can be difficult. At first, a lot of the children don’t want anything to do with the idea of being looked after. But I start by doing something fun with them, and when they come back, we can gradually build up a supportive relationship."