The Power of People…
Well, what a month April was and we seem to be marching through May already! There were many highlights in April including;
- Digital Lancashire Skills Launch in Preston
- Heysham High School Winning Digital Advantage
- Lancaster Business Property Event
- Daughter’s 6th Birthday
- LA1 Shorts Film Festival
Although all relatively different events, it struck me the importance of nurturing the people in our communities, working together and how valuable role models and mentors are.
The Digital Skills initiative focusses on driving digital skills throughout Lancashire, whether that’s helping people complete the online Universal Credit applications to training software developers. We looked at ways we need to pull together help the current and future workforce and I was given the chance to chat about the amazing Heysham High School pupils I worked with on the Digital Advantage programme.
After witnessing first hand just how many talented teenagers we have locally, that was multiplied when I stepped into County Hall in Preston for the Digital Advantage Graduation Ceremony. I was surrounded by teenagers that had worked together on a digital business idea. The words their individual trainers had to say about them almost moved me to tears and I know it will be these moments that will sit with them for the rest of their lives, especially as they move into exam season. These teenagers had a wide range of academic ability, but it was their ability to work as a team that made the difference.
I truly believe in the power of people coming together and the Lancaster Business Property Event was just that. We came together to talk about how we can address the current challenges and how we may learn from other areas of the country. I was looking forward to listening to Mark from Baltic Creative CIC in Liverpool talk and it was truly eye-opening. These are 3 things I heard that I want to share with you…
✔ Baltic Creative CIC supports the digital AND creative sector
🤓 They have created a shared vision and ensure that it’s reviewed annually
👉 72% of tenants collaborated with one another over a 12 month period
As we neared the end of the month it was a very special girl’s 6th birthday. As a parent, I know I put pressure on myself to ensure she feels amazing on her birthday and whilst I worry about buying too many or too few presents, I know more than anything she just wants the people that are important to her to be there on that day. We had a lovely family meal and at the weekend she celebrated with her friends with Enjoyaball Paul. This man is incredible with kids and would highly recommend their parties.
The month drew to a close with the LA1 Shorts Film Festival at The Dukes. In its 3rd year, this is the first year I had attended but already I can’t wait for next year. It features 10 short films that were made by local and national independent filmmakers. I was blown away by each of them but True Grit and Boxes were very worthy winners.
Audience Choice – True Grit, Kriss Foster & Wes Martin
LA1Shorts Best Film – Boxes, Eben Skilleter
What were your highlights in April? Feel free to share in the comments below.
