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21in21
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Following the successful launch of our 21in21 Women in Business Mentoring Programme on International Women’s day, March 8th, Keely Hancox, Operations Manager and Programme Lead is pleased to share that our Mentors are already making a big impact on our Mentees.
21in21 secured a range of business leaders from some incredible organisations across Coventry and Warwickshire, all signing up to mentor on this programme. Our mentors have committed to the programme to give something back and believe in the importance of supporting women to grow and develop in business. Some have personally been mentored in the past and have talked about the value, and impact, this has had their own career. All have shared their passion for supporting this initiative.
We received an overwhelming response from prospective Mentees, including those running an established business, those in the early phases of growing their own small business, as well as those working in both the public and private sector, who wanted some guidance on how they can develop within their organisation.
We whittled it down to our final cohort, carried out the matching, linked Mentors to Mentees and brokered introductions. During the final weeks of March, it was a busy time with all Mentees and Mentors meeting, albeit virtual, and their mentoring journey commencing.
Initial sessions have covered a wealth of information, including career goals, strengths and weaknesses, business planning through to some specific advice around logistics and sales. Some mentors have also reached out to the Chamber’s Business Support team, providing that added value and advice on specific issues.
Already our Mentees have quoted that their Mentor has really helped them ‘drill down’, putting their ideas into practice, they have put a ‘spring in their step’, helped them start to push out of their comfort zone, as well as helping them to build their confidence and business skills.
It really is exciting to see, even after only a few months, the difference the support, advice and guidance that mentoring is having on our Mentees.
Over the coming months we will be rolling out a series of events and workshops to complement our 21in21 programme starting off with our first workshop on the 17th of June, which will be delivered by Major Samantha Lucas-Floyd, a representative of our Programme Sponsor – WM RFCA – who will deliver a session on what strong leadership looks like.
My journey from Reservist to Cadet Force Adult Volunteer
Petty Officer (SCC) Lisa Wood MA is the Officer in Charge of Redditch & Bromsgrove Sea Cadets. As a volunteer, Lisa has embraced the opportunity to help develop the lives of young people in her community; here she shares her journey to becoming a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV).
I served in the Royal Naval Reserves in Birmingham, at HMS Forward, for over 21 years. With the unfortunate disbandment of my branch, I hung up my Tricorn hat in 2009 saying goodbye to an organisation that had blessed me with some of the most amazing memories, skills and friends to whom I would still entrust with my life.
To leave an organisation that had played a huge part in my life and had given me so much, it was inevitable that a void would be left. Therefore, I became a member of the Royal Naval Association, the Wrens Association and even established a weekly breakfast club for veterans and serving personnel who were in need of some military humour, camaraderie and support.
Then in 2017 whilst shopping, two very helpful and polite young people, a Royal Marine Cadet and a Sea Cadet, assisted me in packing my bags at the checkout. I commented on how smart they looked, popped some money in the charity bucket and by the time I reached the door, I had made an appointment with the Commanding Officer to become a CFAV.
Having completed the enrolment criteria to become an adult instructor, three years on, I am now the Officer in Charge of Redditch & Bromsgrove Sea Cadet Unit, with 65 cadets who form a remarkable Ships Company and Royal Marines Cadet Detachment.
The Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) is a disciplined, uniformed youth organisation with the aim of giving young people the best possible head start in life through nautical adventure and fun, based on the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy.
As a charitable organisation, the SCC provides for all young people and offers a multitude of onshore and offshore activities, hands on qualifications such as BTECs and community engagement for both cadets and volunteers such as the National Citizen Service, alongside the development of confidence, independence and depth of character.
The cornerstone of the organisation is the Sea Cadet Values, which are instilled and embraced by all cadets and adult volunteers: • Commitment – to do what I say I will • Courage – to do what I know is right • Self-Discipline – to do what I must • Respect – to appreciate and be considerate to others • Honesty and Integrity – to tell the truth and be a good person • Loyalty – to be faithful to those who invest in me
Being an Adult Volunteer and Officer in Charge is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, and I feel privileged to be part of an organisation who not only contributes to the shaping of young people’s lives, but also alongside its core values and respect amongst its members, provides a fun, safe and supportive place for young people to thrive.
The Sea Cadet Corps inspires, motivates and educates young people to be the best they can possibly be for today and the future. I just wished I had known about it earlier!
Cadets and CFAVs alike come from all walks of life and all embark on their own unique journey into the Sea Cadet Corps. For further details about becoming a Sea Cadet or adult volunteer, please visit https://www.sea-cadets.org/join-us
Meet our Mentors We will be featuring Mentors in each edition...
“With the disruption we have all faced this last year, what would you say has been the most challenging part for you?”
Dr Sharon Redrobe OBE, CEO, Twycross Zoo
‘Whilst I’ve enjoyed the need to be creative and solve problems, accepting the things you can’t change has been tough.’ Chenine Bhathena, Creative Director, Coventry City of Culture Trust
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