I have led, delivered, and evaluated community projects in a range of settings, including education, housing, social prescribing, mental health and wellbeing. I have developed my social research skills through designing and implementing surveys, data analysis, compiling case studies and evaluation reports. I use these skills to demonstrate the impact and benefits of projects and where improvements could be made.
I’m so proud that I am able to use my social research skills here at Forever Consulting, as it’s an organisation that is passionate about people and communities, and helps them demonstrate the positive differences they are making.
Why I chose this career…
I am passionate about the whole of Greater Manchester, having lived, worked or studied in most of the 10 boroughs. My interest in social research was sparked at college when studying Politics and Sociology A-levels – my favourite topic was voting behaviour!
Through my degree, teaching and community work I have been keen to understand people’s varied experiences and perspectives, and why some groups experience disadvantage and social injustices more than others. I enjoy using a range of quantitative and qualitative methods to draw out real meaning and impact of different projects.
Places I love…
One of my favourite places to be is on the astroturf with the girls’ football team that I run. I support two teenage volunteers (also players) to lead on activities, and the younger players really look up to them. It’s great to see the girls develop their ball skills, enjoy football, progress into teams and the volunteers grow in confidence. There’s so much more opportunity now – it’s a privilege to be a part of this.
The project I’m most proud of…
Okay, I’m going to choose two, but they’re from the same grant! I ran a slipper swap and collaborated with Manchester City Council and the local falls prevention team to deliver six falls prevention advice sessions for older people. Residents were offered a free pair of slippers to encourage them to get rid of any loose or ill-fitting ones – and therefore reduce their risk of falls. The grant also funded six, two-course, hot winter meals for Independent Living residents. This aimed to help bring people together and share a meal. The power of communal eating is strong and can be harder to come by for older residents who live alone. I loved seeing how residents revived social connections, danced and shared experiences of growing up in Manchester.