New term, new start…
Dear Everyone,
The new academic year has always felt like an exciting time, full of possibility, as we begin new programmes with young people across the UK. This year is a little different as there is a sense of uncertainty alongside the hope and optimism of a new start.
You can read about the difference our volunteer coaches have been making to young people dealing with this uncertainty – maybe this is something we could all consider: what is the support available to us right now and why might we be resisting using it? Often we wait until things are really tough before we reach out for support, but maybe we could all benefit from being more connected to those that give us support without waiting for a crisis to do so.
We’re really excited about the prospect of employing some new staff as appetite seems to be increasing for Grit’s work. If you are interested or you have networks you could share these opportunities with we’d really appreciate it. You can read more about this below.
I hope you were able to have a break and a rest over the summer, and as we sharpen our pencils for the new year, I hope you can keep sight of optimism for the future and stay connected.
Ellie
Grit Virtual Coaches
Like many organisations in this last month or so Grit has been starting to work face-to face, in the room again. As we start to feel our way into yet another ‘new normal’, we’ve been remembering how our volunteers have been a lifeline for young people.
Our Virtual Coaches have helped young people keep focused: “In lockdown I hardly did any work. The coach helped me see that I should work out a timetable, go to bed on time so I could get up on time, to see that I needed to put my phone off. Then, when I went back to school I’d have less to catch up on.”
Coaches were there at some of the darkest moments: “It really helped me during lockdown because I had guidance during a difficult period, I felt a bit lost and confused when the national lockdown was announced, however the programme really allowed me to get back on track.”
And they have helped young people overcome some of their self-limiting beliefs: “Before, if I had to try something new, more than likely I’d give up straight away. The coach showed me that, if I try, I’m really capable of doing new things.”
From Grit, from our supporters, and from the young people themselves, a huge THANK YOU to every single volunteer for everything you have been doing. We salute you!
We are recruiting – spread the word!
Fancy joining the Grit team? We’re looking for a Programme Manager - someone who can build outstanding and productive partnerships with schools, colleges, local authorities, universities and business.
You’ll have a keen eye for new opportunities. We’re looking for someone with an entrepreneurial turn of mind, someone who will always look to turn challenges into successes.
Click here for more information.
And we’re looking for a Programme Co-ordinator. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a wide range of areas critical to the effective running of a national charity. You’ll have an excellent eye for detail, have excellent IT skills and be able to stay on top of the detail of complex projects.
Find out more here.
New term, new partners
It’s always thrilling to be back in universities, schools and colleges at this time of year. The eager expectation, the bubbling anticipation and a sense of possibility that is almost palpable.
And it’s especially exciting to start working somewhere new. So, a great big welcome into the Grit family to our latest partners: the University of Nottingham, the University of Hull, Staffordshire University, Bath Spa University, Newcastle University and the University of Leeds.
It’s time to get cracking!
Myth and the Student Experience
Wonkhe, the ‘home of higher education debate,’ has published a Grit blog on the myths about university life and ways to deal with it when the reality doesn’t quite match up.
Read it here
Talking About Grit
We had a lot of students take part in our 1-day university programmes last year. Here is what some of them have been saying.
