A big new chapter for Energize

by Luke Wallace

In June 2017, I took over from Dan leading the Energize project for Acts Trust, and first need to say what a privilege it’s been. Over my nearly-6-years leading the project I’ve made as many mistakes and faux-pas as any youth worker can, learned a huge amount and hopefully also made a difference for young people. I’m now moving on to a new role with the county council (still in youth work!), but rather than indulge you about cliche lesson’s I’ve learned, success stories etc etc, I wanted to share some exciting updates on the Energize project because I think there’s even better to come!

Energize is one of Acts’ main projects and carries the vision to see ’empowered people living in thriving communities’ for young people in Lincoln. We have lots going on to fulfil this including an ever-expanding portfolio of schools’ work, holidays programmes in partnership with Children in Need and HAF and a number of youth clubs. More than anything, I’ve loved seeing the way individual young people interact with our work and the difference community and schools youth work can have.

What next though? I’ve always thought youth projects need some reinventing every few years and my departure is a good opportunity for a gloves-off, blue sky thinking bit of dreaming for what we can be doing with young people in Lincoln over the coming years. Acts also works in close partnership with Alive Church and we want to take the chance to look at how we can make this as effective as possible.

Here’s a quick summary of what’s happening.

• Lauren Johnson will be stepping up into a new interim role as Energize Lead Coordinator. She will lead the Energize team and be the main point of contact regarding all things youth work at Acts.
• We’re recruiting! We want an enthusiastic and experienced youth worker to join our team so we can keep up the good work we’re already doing with young people, and develop what we do so as to have even more of an impact.
• Bethan Lloyd is taking on a new role as full time Operations Management, and will be giving some support to Lauren over the coming months.
• We’re talking to young people about what they need from us, and doing some comprehensive planning so we can work in the ways they need us to over the next few years.
• By September, we’ll be recruiting further and have a full strategy in place for young people in Lincoln- in partnership with Alive Church. Watch this space for more information.

Please join me in supporting Lauren as she steps into a new level of leadership, during an exciting moment, but also one of great change for the project. Lauren is an excellent youth worker who has been a fantastic team member over the last 4 years and I wish her and the team the very best.

You can support us in two ways- by getting in touch about volunteering (we always need a hand with the work we do, and it’s a super way to grow your skills and make a difference!)- and also by giving to Acts financially. It’s largely thanks to the generosity of people around Lincoln that we can run projects like Energize so your support is very welcome.

May I also say a big thank you to all of you who have been a part of my journey with Acts Trust over the last six years. I am excited by my new role with the council, but will miss working with Acts, which has been an amazing place to work.