Kellie Farrelly,
Community Builder
I am a practicing facilitator of Community Building and Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD).
I really enjoy working with the ABCD approach and finding some of the hidden gems that are already out there, that are already working great or just need that little bit of extra support to make a difference. I also get to meet people with some amazing skills!
Before joining the Forever Manchester team, I have always worked in the community – from working in children centres, youth work, and working with older people, to working as a nursing assistant in Salford’s busy A & E department. Each role I have thoroughly enjoyed.
Why I chose this career…
I choose this career as having worked in the community for over 25 years I know it’s where I thrive the most. I received funding from Forever Manchester in a previous role and used the ABCD toolkit to adapt my way of working. Looking on the Forever Manchester website whilst in previous roles, everything about the organisation looked fun and I wanted to be part of that! After 6 months of being here I can definitely say I was right; every day is different and there are a lot of fun elements to the job which I enjoy.
Places I love…
I love the Canary Islands and like to visit just before Christmas each year as it has that Christmas feeling, but with the hot weather. I also love Manchester where I can spend time with my children and grandchildren.
The project I have been most proud of…
In 2016, I started up a project called Manweb with the aim to get men who were socially isolated out doing different activities. The project consisted of lots of different activities that the men could get involved with like games groups, local history groups, football groups, and residential weekends away. The project won a few awards for innovation and social impact from the NHS, CVS and the CCG. The project ran for 7 years and in total, 4,759 men enrolled in different activities or groups. The project had great impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of many of the men involved.
kellie@forevermanchester.com
0161 214 0940