Some news to share from Nat...
After 14 years as co-founder of Smile Group and now in my fifth year with the Hearts and Minds Partnership, I’ve taken the difficult decision to step back from these roles.
It took a significant amount of soul searching, as anyone who has co-founded a VCSE will appreciate how much our identities are inextricably woven into the whole experience.
Hearts and Minds emerged in 2020 as a partnership between Acacia Family Support, Bluebell Care and Smile Group, funded by The National Lottery to connect, support and celebrate the VCSE in perinatal mental health. Personally and professionally it has been the culmination of a long-held aspiration to leverage the inherent potential within the VCSE and to be part of a magnificent team who embody the spirit of this work on a daily basis.
It has reminded me relentlessly of the momentum that exists when we come together with an aligned vision and effortlessly balance the compassion of heart-led work with the rigour needed to embed quality and an ongoing commitment to learning and growth.
I am incredibly proud to have been part of something that has had an immeasurable ripple effect, and will no doubt continue to create a legacy.
In this time of reflection, I felt it important to share some learning from this chapter of my life:
Beautiful things can emerge from adversity. It takes immense courage but we can turn difficult experiences into incredible opportunities
The VCSE has immense potential to be intrinsic to the future sustainability of the health system. It needs equitable recognition, care, attention and investment
It takes courage to challenge the system, but it is essential to speak up for what is important
You can capture a lot in data and narratives, but often the things that are beyond
articulation are the ones that have the most impact
People work well when they feel supported, understood and trusted. We bring our whole selves to work
Compassion and rigour underpin healthy systems – there is balance in all things
I have been described as a ‘force of nature’ – may we unashamedly be them and may we raise them too
We can’t do anything in isolation – we need to work together
You are not defined by what happens to you, but these experiences can be great teachers along the way
As I move on to my next career chapter, exploring opportunities to grow my coaching work in the new year, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the incredible team at Hearts and Minds for all that has been accomplished and for amplifying and celebrating the incredible work of the VCSE.
Abi (Yardimci) and Sarah (Hislam) will be taking joint responsibility for managing Hearts and Minds, alongside our Project Board, and we will be recruiting a Partnership Coordinator to support this work, which will go live in coming weeks.
I will always carry a soap box about my person and look forward to seeing the VCSE receive the recognition and investment it so richly deserves.
With love,
Nat