The charity sector is full of stories and examples to learn from. This year at our annual conference, there were plenty of those – not only to learn from but also to be inspired by. We heard from a range of people representing our charity partners: from two charities which had recently completed the Pilotlight engagement – MAMA Youth Project and Move On – and from two others – Fine Cell Work and Unique – which worked with Pilotlight a number of years ago.
As I mentioned on my previous post, we want to make available to everyone as much of the information and knowledge from our conference as possible, so below I have outlined some of the most interesting and rewarding stories from the charity showcases.
MAMA Youth Project aims to equip young people from 18–25 years of age with the skills and experience to secure long-term, fulfilling employment in the TV and media industry. Bob Clarke (MAMA Youth Project’s Chief Executive) and Nick West (Pilotlighter) gave their thoughts on the journey they had been on together. Before engaging with Pilotlight, MAMA Youth was doing extremely well: 99% of the young people they supported were gaining further opportunities after working with them and their reputation was going from strength to strength. Although in a really good position, Bob reflected that he needed to ‘get out of the groundwork and lead the organisation’. The process brought Bob and his team structure, stability, and tools for growth.
‘Pilotlight gave me the confidence to lead the organisation, see what is coming, and handle what is coming. I feel like a leader now.’ – Bob Clarke.
Move On is a medium-sized charity supporting approximately 6,000 vulnerable and homeless people in Scotland. Move On enables people to take control of their lives by offering support and advice on preparing for work, helping people into employment and supporting homeless people with debt. John Hinton (Chief Executive of Move On) and Erna de Ruijter (Pilotlighter from Virgin Media, who joined us virtually) told us about their time working with Pilotlight. Move On came to Pilotlight wanting to grow; however, they had some challenges including funding, increasing demand for their services and an inexperienced board.
‘The Pilotlighters made me think about communication, helped to connect the board and staff team in a way they hadn’t before, and challenged them to become more strategic,’ said John during his presentation.
Erna learned things about herself that she didn’t expect and thought the process broadened her life perspective, as she is now ‘more inclusive and considerate about how other people live their lives’.
Sam Berwick (Pilotlighter) talked to us about both Fine Cell Work’s and his own journey working with several charities through Pilotlight since 2004. Fine Cell Work goes into prisons, teaches prisoners how to embroider, and then helps them sell their products. The charity was very passionate about their work, but didn’t have the managerial skills needed to grow. As Sam remembers, the Pilotlighters helped them put together their first spreadsheets and challenged them with tough questioning. 11 years later the organisation has grown to work with 500 prisoners in 30 prisons. Sam’s presentation was a very personal one. He says he now has a love and passion for the third sector – ‘Everything I do is due to my experiences with Pilotlight.’
Beverly Searle, CEO of Unique updated us on where Unique is now. Unique acts as an international group, supporting, informing and networking with anyone affected by a rare chromosome disorders, their families and the professionals who work with them. The charity matches families around the world to reduce isolation and makes information clear and available. When Unique was working with Pilotlight they helped 400 families a year; they are now working with 1,500 families. ‘Pilotlight put us on the road to efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability.’
Pilotlight’s mission is to help charities help more people more effectively. It is always inspiring as part of the Pilotlight team to hear from charities we have supported and hear how the time, effort and resources invested by the people involved really pays off.