New Gio Project Team Member

Hi, I’m Richard Millington. It’s been a busy first week here at the Gio Project and I’m looking forward to getting out and about and meeting as many of you as I can. Some of you might know me a little bit already through my work with GMYN and vinvolved over the past few years. If not, here’s a bit about me…

I’ve worked in the voluntary sector since 2005, working on a variety of projects, mainly focussing on young people. In 2007 I co-founded Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN ltd.) with three colleagues. The company has gone on to deliver a number of successful projects in Greater Manchester, most notably the vinvolved youth volunteering project. Working with GMYN and helping to deliver vinvolved was a fantastic experience, and I learned so much about voluntary sector organisations during this time.

Over the past few years I’ve found Gio’s resources and information very useful, so when I recently heard about the Development Advisor role, I thought ‘here’s a good chance to put my experience in the sector to good use!’ Cutting a long story short, I started here on Wednesday 14^th, and I’m looking forward to getting into the work and supporting you all.

Pursuing my passion as a Personal Trainer

Over the past 2 years at The Gio Project, I have met some fabulous organisations and people within Manchester. Not only have I listened and learnt from these organisations, I have also unintentionally got to grips with my lack of map reading skills as i’ve travelled through the nooks and crannies Manchester has to offer! Sadly, as of next week, I will be leaving the Gio Project by throwing myself into my passion for fitness through personal training.

I will look back on my time at Gio with fond memories, although it won’t be too painful as I will continue to deliver the two day Outcomes Training course. The dates are available here.

I’d particularly like the thank the Gio Project team for such a strong and positive working environment, even through tricky times.  Thanks Rob, Hannah, Kate and Fran.

New Gio Team Member

Hi, my name is Kate Williams and I’ve just joined the GIO Project as Manager. I am really looking forward to working with groups and organisations in Manchester. I have a background in funding, having worked for three different funders in the past, and community development. My most recent job has been managing a healthy living centre so I have a good understanding of the service delivery issues facing the VCS at present (due to ‘sustainability’ issues – the local library is relocating into the Centre – hence need for new job). I volunteer for the Trafford LINK and for Paws for Kids – a charity providing pet fostering for families fleeing domestic violence (always looking for more pet foster carers – www.pawsforkids.org.uk 01204 394842 option 1).

I look forward to meeting and working with you…..Cheers Kate

Kate

The Gio Project produce Disabled Livings New Facebook Fan Page

In December the Gio Project helped Disabled Living create a new Facebook Fan Page to advertise their various Kidz Events.   The aim was to communicate information about the three Kidz events organised throughout the country.  Using the FBML app we customised what people see when they land on the Facebook page so they are greeted with information related to the next event.  We’re really pleased to have helped Disabled Living connect with their audience as now they can share stories and participate in real-time conversations quickly and easily on Facebook.  After only two weeks they have over 55 fans!

Coaching update so far…

I blogged last month about my coaching experience so far. I had been undertaking the ILM Workplace Coaching and Mentoring Qualification.

I have now completed all assessments, which have been handed in and awaiting feedback.

… Continue Reading

A Fond Farewell…

So here we are, this is my last day after two and a half years in Manchester and it has been fantastic. Even though, at times, it has felt like a scary rollercoater ride.  I have met some amazing people and I want to thank my team (Hannah, Fran and Barbara) for all the blood, sweat and tears they have put into the project.  They have made the project what it is today. … Continue Reading

Hard work, dedication & commitment always pays off…(Foodie Awards)2010

Hard work, dedication and commitment always pays off…….Congratulations to Mustard Tree for winning the Manchester Food and Drinks Festival (Foodie Awards)2010.

Mustard Tree is a local charity that provides support and works towards long-term solutions for the homeless and marginalised across Greater Manchester.

This year they won recognition as award winners at the Manchester Food and Drinks Festival. The festival awards provide a benchmark for excellence in the hospitality industries throughout Greater Manchester. The Judges had some tough decisions to make this year, resulting in a very strong set of contenders in all categories.

The Gio project is big fan of Mustard tree and we work alongside the charity in fundraising, and general capacity building. We are exceptionally proud of Mustard tree for winning the award despite strong competition from Nexus Café, Incredible Edible, Earth Café and Diggle Lane Allotments.

Well done to all the volunteers and staff who work tireless year after year providing such an invaluable service.

Networking with the stars of Cori – Moodswings Network

Moodswings network, a Manchester based charity that helps people recover from mood, stress and anxiety problems, held their fundraising event last Friday at the midland hotel in Manchester.   In recent months, the Gio Project supported the charity through our training and one-to-one application review. I was very excited to be invited as a guest and really looked forward to putting on my glad rags for a change.

The event was by far the most creative and successful fundraising event that I have ever witnessed by a third sector organisation.  This was off cause helped by the fact that they were nominated as one of Coronation Street’s charity of the year.  The cast and production team, therefore turn out and really donated plenty of dush to support the charity. … Continue Reading

My coaching experience so far…

I am currently studying for the ILM Workplace Coaching and Mentoring Qualification. I have been attending the training for the past few weeks now and really enjoying what i am learning.

The focus for the past week has been around communication. Did you know that only 7% of our communication is verbal? The other 93% is a mixture of elements such as posture, eye contact, volume of voice, facial expressions etc. I will certainly think about this next time i am trying to get a delicate message across! I might be thinking i am doing a great job with my selective vocab, although my frown and arms folded posture might not be giving the same message!

I’ll keep you updated with the progress and i will let you know how i get on with my verbal/non verbal communication…!

Barbara

One Day On Earth will you be part of it?

I’ve not long returned to the Gio Project after a 3 month volunteering stint in India as a videographer with Raleigh International.  A fantastic experience.  Now I’m back in Manchester I’m still all fired up to use my camera as much as possible and so I recently came across the One Day on Earth Project which I can’t wait to get involved with.

On October 10, 2010 (10.10.10), across the planet, documentary filmmakers, students, and inspired citizens will record the human experience over a 24-hour period and contribute their voice to the largest participatory media event in history. … Continue Reading