Case Study – I AM IN ME Be Well Programme – interview with Sasha Gay Smith, CEO and founder
I AM IN ME is a grass roots charity based in Lambeth run by it founder and CEO Sasha Gay Smith. The organisation includes a team of 3 staff and 50 volunteers who provide coaching and support to young people. The aim is to support children and young people up to the age of 25 to reach their full potential via group workshops, training and personal development opportunities. The organisation has a particular focus on those at risk of or have already experienced exclusion. Social mobility is at the heart of what the organisation does with many success stories including the following.
Learning essential life skills was a big step for Simon who is in his mid-20s. Simon has a special educational need as well as physical disability. He is also an ex-offender and unemployed. He was referred to us by a probation service and has had over 15 weekly sessions with the charity. Simon was successful in securing a full-time college course to help with future employment and independence.
“The sessions helped me not to reoffend and help me get ready for work and improve my confidence.”
Why did you get involved in Be Well?
What appealed to me was the opportunity to be part of a network of like-minded people and also gain much needed additional support, given we are a small team.
What has been valuable about the programme?
I have to say the programme has gone above my expectations. I love being part of the Lambeth Be Well network and linking up with others to share challenges and solutions. As well as feeling part of something bigger.
I really appreciate how South London Listens and Citizens have been able to identify both my organisational and my own development needs, and then put the right support in place.
This support has been truly transformational for me, and has been pivotal to not only my own wellbeing but also the on-going success of my charity.
I have been able to access 1:1 mentoring from the South London Listens team which enabled me to develop a structure to support my own wellbeing, and also address some of my organisational challenges. This has helped me to become a better leader. I also value the communities of practice and on-going training which is something I would not be able to access without the support of the Be Well Programme.
I also appreciate the opportunity to be part of campaigns. I believe we are stronger together and it is so important for myself and my community to have a voice in trying to change systemic issues impacting on health inequalities. Especially around issues such as immigration and housing.
The programme has really opened up my eyes on so many levels, and also created new opportunities. For example, I am now part of a bid working with South London Listens to support young people who are on the CAMHs waiting list, in addition the micro grant will help us in expanding our work and learning via a conference we are planning with the Brixton New Testament Church of God.
I also look forward to continuing to explore how we can work together as Be Well leaders and very much value the on-going training and support which has been so impactful and transformational for myself and my organisation.
More information about the organization can be found on their website.