Some personal reflections from Helen Green, Head of Bridge North East

Sitting down and reflecting on the last three years to write a personal blog, there is such al lot that I could write and probably should write about – the partnerships and the work that has been developed, the risks that have been taken and the learning that has been gathered. But pleanty of words have been dedicated to this.

Instead I want to concentrate on the Bridge North East Team – this amazing bunch of people whom I have had the absolute pleasure of working with over the course of three years,  whom have taught me so much.

Very few of us work in complete isolation and all too often we forget that sitting on the desk next to us or across the office are peers and colleagues who have an amazing amount of knowledge, wisdom, experience and talent that is different to our own and that we can learn so much from. We see these people day in and day out, and its when you realise that you aren’t going to be working with these people any more that you appreciate what an absolute gift you have been given.

It’s not just about different skills though, its about what can be achieved when all this different skill and knowledge is pulled together, working towards the same outcome or a shared goal. For the last three years I have held the position of ‘Head’ of Bridge North East and speaking really honestly it is a job title that I have struggled with; its not the responsibility that has made me feel uncomfortable it is the fact that the work of the Bridge North East has been delivered as a team. A team who have supported and carried one another, challenged each others thinking, supported long term strategy planning, shared concerns and shared successes.

At a recent away day the team put a sticky wall up and plotted out the work of Bridge North East over three years – it was chokka block full – full of ups and downs, highs and lows. This exercise is called ‘The Wall of Wonder’. We stepped back, all of us and it genuinely was wonderful. Across the team, there was a palpable sense of really great achievement.

So what will I take with me from my time with the Bridge North East team – ask for help, take a risk, share your thoughts, share your concerns, be kind to one another, share the vision and always always have a kettle, a never ending supply of tea and coffee and lottery kitty, just on the off chance.

Never stop investing in your team, they are the greatest asset.

Helen Green: Strong Voices in the Sunshine

Reposted from 8 July 2013

Bridge North East’s Helen Green talks about her experiences at the Strong Voices consortium meeting; blogging and what it might mean to her; and very initial thoughts on the National Plan for Cultural Education.

I’ve been in London for a consortium meeting for the Strong Voices project Bridge North East are a delivery partner in. At this meeting today we have all pledged to embed reflective practice into our work, to write, to blog, to think about what is important in our action research project, with everyone who is involved in this project, called Strong Voices. The purpose of this, to tell the story, to make sure that in addition to the important bean counting we are required to do for DfE, we connect to the human, remind ourselves why we do what we do, talk about what is important to us and connect ourselves into the work as much as we can.

I’m now sitting on the train coming back from that meeting, in the very lovely AND offices (including roof garden tended by Radio 4 Gardeners Question Time panel) and I am thinking about blogging (which I have never done) and reflecting on the meeting which has just been. I am struck by how unlike a meeting it felt – discussion, debate, talking about successes, sharing food, supporting each other in our challenges, fresh air (even in London) and a professional support structure and peer network which really cares about what we want to achieve.

In discussing impacts and outcomes, from my point of view wouldn’t it be great if the partnerships we forge through Strong Voices at a local level feel the same as the consortium; make people feel the same way I do now sitting on the train… We can run meetings differently…

If we are to change the way vulnerable and disadvantaged young people gain access to arts and cultural experiences (the main aim of Strong Voices) we have to be ready to run at things differently, change the status quo and look at our approach to this with fresh eyes; reflect on new relationships and be ready to bring fresh air to the table as well as food (for thought…) and supporting one another in the challenges and the successes.

The set up has happened and the work begins. I am looking forward to meeting our consortium again soon. Lets keep in touch and keep sharing/reflecting and inviting others to do the same with us.

Signing off now – awaiting me are gin, crisps and the National Plan for Cultural Education.

Highlight quote of the Cultural Education Plan so far:

‘While government should not direct, it can celebrate, encourage and facilitate. That is what this cultural education document seeks to do – not mandate like some Stalinist dream of a bureau of socialist realist production, but encourage and liberate as the best teachers do’

Good night… We all need our sleep as we’ve got a fight on our hands…!