“In 2023, my support worker at Leicester College, Wendy, handed me a leaflet about FOCUS and the Leicestival Project. She thought it may benefit me. I came to FOCUS for the first time in May. Since coming here I have learnt heritage skills such as researching festivals, film-making, and how to present correctly. I’ve also learned the importance of communicating with my team to film the right things.
“I have had great opportunities – such as being a compere at our Diwali evening in November, and hosting 2024’s FOCUS Comedy Festival show, “Only Fools and FOCUS”. Compering at the Comedy Festival made me quite nervous. Talking to smaller groups is quite easy for me, but talking to like a hundred, that’s CRAZY! But I did it and I’m proud. Doing this has made me more confident.
“Being a part of Leicestival has made me aware of many different festivals and events, such as the Comedy and Textiles Festivals. Learning about the history and heritage of Leicester really matters to me. The thing I enjoyed the most about being on the Leicestival project is being able to interview lots of different people and find out more. I have met so many new people.
Going around Leicester making videos has made me feel that joining FOCUS was the best decision I have made in my life. I haven’t got a lot of friends in life and coming here has made me feel like I belong. FOCUS has been like a family to me and I consider everyone and the staff like family; thank you.”
Blake continues to play important roles in the development of Leicestival. He is first to step up when something needs doing, or if a new opportunity arises. On top of that, he is always someone’s shoulder to cry on or helping hand. FOCUS is grateful for being able to work with Blake, and continue to support him on his journey with us. He aspires to the performing arts, and with his personal progress this year he has every chance of achieving that ambition.