It’s been a very busy few weeks at BUD! From hosting workshops, to developing podcasts, we’ve been working hard on old and new projects, which we can’t wait to tell you about.
This newsletter provides a brief overview of what we’ve been up to. Expect newsletters every two weeks from now! Read more below:
Virtual Farm Tour
BUD has recently partnered with community farms across the country, giving people the platform to discuss some of the challenges of running a farm, alongside offering solutions.
The event, held online, gave farmers the opportunity to speak directly with each other, with organisations such as Vauxhall City Farm, Stepney City Farm, Nunny’s Farm, and the Healthy Living Centre Dartford in attendance.
Topics discussed included how to create a welcoming environment for visitors from all backgrounds, how to diversify income, and how to better embed in the community.
The event was described as “insightful”, “eye opening”, and “fun” by those in attendance, and it even featured a few cameos from the animals.
The event was a part of the Empowering Places Programme, a place-based funding programme in which BUD are working closely with local organisations, with the aim of giving organisations the tools and connections to help develop inclusive and financially stable workplaces.
BLAM Workshops
BUD has recently partnered with BLAM to deliver a workshop discussing issues facing the organisation.
BLAM, or Black Learning Achievement and Mental Health, formally began as a community outreach event in the spring of 2017. They are focused on giving young people a more comprehensive and diverse education, and making sure Black history is properly represented in curriculums nationwide.
We helped BLAM strategise plans to help grow their organisation, and offered support to members of the team to help empower them to be the best they can be.
Feryal Ryan, Team Leader at BLAM, said: “Georgina and Lere are master facilitators! I thoroughly enjoyed the session and learnt so much not only about the team but also about myself. The activities they devised provided us the perfect opportunity to be open, transparent and critical without judgement.
“I loved the informal (almost ‘family’ like) vibe they brought to the room. I highly recommend BUD Leaders to anyone looking to bring about transformative change to their organisation’s structure, culture or management”.
Station to Station
BUD is excited to be working with the Station to Station Business Improvement District, with the goal of “making West Norwood and Tulse Hill a great place to live, work and play”.
The project began in September, thanks to funding from the Design Council’s Impact on Urban Health fund. The project will run for six months, with the aim to help businesses and communities access the support needed to develop and grow.
BUD will be helping conduct interviews with employers and employees in the local area, establishing what needs to be done in regards to health and wellbeing at work. We will then be holding workshops, and helping businesses access the support they need to create happier, healthier workplaces.
Cat Drew, Chief Design Officer at Design Council, said: “We are hugely impressed by the ideas presented by our programme participants, and can’t wait to get started. There are so many benefits to investing in the health and wellbeing of employees.
“Not only does it make for a happier, safer, healthier workforce – it also leads to better business outcomes. Increased productivity, improved retention rates and reduced sickness, are just some of the benefits that employers get in return.
“I look forward to sharing their progress and inspiring other employers across the UK.”
Women in Construction
We are currently developing a podcast focused around women in construction.
We will be talking to a variety of different guests, highlighting success stories, barriers guests have faced, and what more needs to be done in the future to help women succeed in industry.
Keep an eye out on our socials for our first episode, and if you know anyone in industry who it would be good to talk to, email us at hello@budleaders.com