Different Voices
Welcome to our November newsletter. The theme this month is that of stories: we often feel that the main way we demonstrate our impact is through the stories that chart people’s transformation in their own words. When those (often unheard) voices can tell these stories on platforms that expand their audience then so much the better, so we are delighted that students have started to co-write blogs with us about their Grit experiences.
Equally we have a huge appreciation to our busy trustees telling their own Grit stories, you may remember seeing Annete’s a couple of months’ ago. This month you can watch Neil Basu describe his own Grit journey and talk about his ‘why’ for supporting Grit.
So much of what we hear about seems to emphasise stories of negativity, conflict and some very real division – whilst those things need our attention – we are grateful to be able to help create a degree of balance by also relating and hearing stories of hope and transformation.
So wherever you are at right now as we enter our winter months, we hope our stories will uplift you and offer you some optimism about humanity and its capacity for great things.
Ellie
Swapping Stories
It’s always wonderful when students share how Grit has inspired them and we’ve had a couple of really special examples recently.
Demi from the University of Nottingham has written about her experience of Grit’s Black leaders programme. She describes how “the powerful thing about this training was understanding how our heritage and our names play such a huge role in cultivating our personal power. Many people’s names had meanings that reflected the way they navigate life, as well as their leadership style. It gave leadership a new meaning to me.”
And University of Manchester student, Carl, has written on the Runnymede Trust blog about the barriers Black students face in medical school and how Grit provides pointers towards how medical school culture could change. He talks about how Grit creates “safe Black spaces where there isn’t the weight of always being different… representation so we see our own racial identity and cultural background reflected back, affirming our identity and the right to feel heard… and visible leaders, showing how anyone just like me can be successful.”
So, if you’re a student and you’d like tell the world about your Grit experience then drop us an email at jon@grit.org.uk. Who knows where it could lead?
Vocal Witness
“Incredibly uplifting… definitely something to be witnessed.”
Some of Grit’s trustees have been talking about what motivates them to give us their time. We’re incredibly proud to have Neil Basu as a trustee, formerly the UK’s most senior ranking police officer of colour and who now, as Crime Agents podcast host, continues to speak out about racism, misogyny and corruption in the police force.
He speaks compellingly on what makes Grit uniquely powerful so make sure you watch this short film.
Direct from the Course Room
Programme Manager, Cathy Talbot, reports from a course room in East London…
“Imagine being a Year 13 student aiming for a degree apprenticeship in the construction and built environment industry. Imagine working with the charity, Construction Youth Trust, to build skills, gain insight and connect with employers. Imagine now taking things to the next level by doing a Grit programme.
I spent two amazing days with these young adults as they explored new ways of thinking, built confidence and worked on their goals. Their determination was so impressive. Watching them step up to connect, communicate and present confidently to a room of unfamiliar faces was incredible.
They’re turning ambition into action and I can’t wait to see how they continue to grow. I’m already looking forward to the follow-up session in January!”
Grit partner, Construction Youth Trust, connects young people with employers and opportunities in construction and the built environment.
Grit in Virtual Schools
We’ve recently been delivering Grit in Virtual Schools - teams in every local authority that support the educational journeys of children in Care.
Helen, an Education Support Officer, describes how Grit “opened my eyes to how my colleague are as individuals. There were a lot of honest and open conversations, and I started seeing my colleagues in a new, different light. It wasn’t about judging: it was about understanding.”
Read more of Helen’s story here and for more on our work with local authority teams, go here.
