I first encountered a FOCUS project as a volunteer back in the summer of 1995. It was a ten-day residential project that was part of the Bridge Programme and involved working in a team alongside a group of other volunteers and young people and disabled people. I must admit that I was totally unprepared for that first event; I had no idea what I was letting myself in for and finished the week absolutely exhausted, but completely hooked on FOCUS and inspired by the people I met.
I was so inspired that I volunteered full-time for about six-months for FOCUS before I successfully applied for a part-time post. In the summer of 1996 I began running the Nottingham Branch of the Bridge Programme. Over the following 6 years I ran approximately 70 residential projects and other events before I became Director in 2002.
I am now responsible for leading the organisation, overseeing our strategies and ensuring we stay true to our vision, mission, aims and values. I also still try to occasionally attend projects when I can, as I don’t want to become too detached from what we do.
I have seen a great many changes in FOCUS in my time here, but I am delighted to say that I still see that wide-eyed, open-mouthed, life-changing moment in new volunteers and the young people we work with that I first experienced all those years ago. Long may it be that way!
