Do you believe in what you do?
It’s amazing what you’ll do when you really believe in something don’t you think?
Louise Coker, CEO Take Part and Lucy Rennie, LR Comms
Photo by PhotoJenix
I just spent the whole weekend volunteering, making hundreds of cups of tea and coffee for parents, carers, families and friends who’d come to watch and cheer on all the children and cast of Frozen Jr on SHOW DAY at Take Part and I loved every minute of it.
Our daughter Ellia began her Take Part journey in 2017 when she was just 3 in the tots class, and if you know you know, it has been a journey.
You can’t begin to imagine how proud we are to watch her come alive on that stage as she danced and sang her heart out and we know that this is just the beginning.
Being a part of such an incredible moment, feeling the energy and the emotion in that space, as the amazing cast performed their final rendition of Let It Go was breathtaking, and left me and rest of the audience with a warm and fuzzy feeling that is hard to describe.
I think it's because we know that this show is so much more than a show. In reality it's the moment when our children get to bring to life all the skills, resilience and confidence that they’ve been building and working on together with the help of the Take Part team of mentors over the last weeks, months and years.
It’s their chance to get up there on stage, to join in something different and show us the magic that happens when they find a place where they feel safe and comfortable to actually be themselves.
And all this only happens because of one special lady’s vision, determination and conviction to stand up for what she believes, make a difference and create something magical for so many people.
It’s her belief and conviction that’s contagious, that inspires us and makes us want to join her and help her.
Just like the wonderful Simon Sinek shares with us:
“People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.
Once people believe what you believe, they will follow you with blood, sweat and tears.”
And I’m proud to say that I believe in that lady, Louise Coker and in Take Part.
I’ve also had the pleasure of working behind the scenes with the brilliant Louise Coker, Roxy Verdon, Sam Thirsk and all the team since 2019 and today, as a NED, partner and mentor, I’m supporting them as they drive the organisation into their 10th anniversary year and the next chapter of their story.
This means that I get to see what goes on behind the scenes and I promise you that I've never known a team so determined to make a difference, who care so much about our children’s wellbeing and confidence and who recognise the urgent need to do something to support their social, emotional and mental health.
The Saturday Schools and the end of term Shows in both New Mills and Glossop are just the tip of the iceberg, with the Take Part team working every day and every week in our local primary and secondary schools helping children and young people who might be struggling due to social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.
The impact that Take Part is already having on so many children and their families’ lives is mind blowing, and our daughter Ellia is the perfect example of just what a difference they do make.
Ellia Rennie - Snow Chorus, Frozen Jr
Photo by PhotoJenix
I genuinely believe in Louise and I know that with her team, she will make a huge impact, and because I believe in them, I’m super proud to play even just a tiny part in the plan.
And of course, it’s once more thanks to Louise and our collaboration that we’ve been able to bring to life my project, the “Joining the Dots” programme this year and start to work to bridge the gap between young people and the world of work, business and entrepreneurship. You can find out more and sign up to support here.
I can’t wait to see what 2024 brings for Louise, the Take Part team and our young people.
Like I said, it’s amazing how magic happens when you truly believe!
Do you believe in what you do?