The impact of leadership development on young people Every year we run a range of leadership development opportunities. Here is what young people have to say about the leadership development support they have received: Expand One young woman, spoke out for the first time about the impact the leadership development has had on her outlook and attitude: "Today's made me realise I've changed since the girl who couldn't stand up and talk, thankful for @ Dunstan_Lucy giving me these opportunities. I now speak for myself more often and I rarely let anyone speak for me, as no one really knows what I want or need as much as I do! The sessions have supported me to speak up for myself more. There are still certain situations where I may feel uncomfortable, however, when talking about my disability I have lots of confidence and I feel comfortable talking about it."
The impact of leadership development on adults One of the participants in a recent leadership programme reflected on her progress through the programme: Expand "When I started the course, I was hoping to gain some confidence, as I often feel quite anxious. I feel like I have gained in confidence although I felt I mostly listened to the other participants rather than speak myself. I know that I get anxious when I’m with people I do not know, and I recognise that I need to work on this, however, the other participants in the programme were friendly and welcoming. Towards the end though, I did feel able to talk freely and even do a presentation in front of others. When I become anxious and feel like I can’t do something, I just have to remind myself that I'll be okay, and remind myself to take deep breaths. And I did do okay, I just needed a few minutes to collect myself. I felt that this course has helped me a lot, I am grateful that my mother had found your leadership programme and made me sign up to it, I feel as though I will be able to get further in life."
Parent's views of leadership development Here is what a parent had to say: Expand "Seeing Andrew in your news article ‘Leaders of today inspire Leaders of tomorrow’ has just made my day!!! I’ve just got off the phone with him. He has changed beyond belief from when I met him about 5 years ago – soooo proud of him."
Professional's views on leadership development A professional commenting on the impact of the Rights for All and Masterclass leadership programmes: Expand "What a great initiative and achievement for you and those nine young people and their mentors! It is incredible how much you all achieved within such a short time. Yesterday was just incredible and I had tears in my eyes when listening to the personal journeys and seeing parents being deeply moved and proud. I was impressed also to see how those young people worked together in the group, being of different ages, backgrounds and gender, they were so friendly towards each other and supporting each other." Dr Olga Kozlowska, Research Assistant, University of Wolverhampton, School of Health and Wellbeing "Just an email to follow up from today, massive thank you for what you did. In my opinion it was the best way to launch the project. It was a pleasure to see the students really happy with the positive feedback given to them throughout the day." "Thank you for this, I am still buzzing from the other week. We have seen an incredible amount of progress in one young woman already who has done two performances in front of the whole school." Ben Taylor, Assistant Headteaher 14-19 Curriculum and Assessment, The Westminster School