Monday, September 26, 2011

BRIT Forward

I’ve taken a few weeks off of blogging to take a little break, but also to gear up for the autumn, which always reminds me of a season of change. There’s lots going on and BRIT is really moving forward.

This has been quite a busy week for BRIT. A couple of new people have joined the BRIT family. Matthew Patten, CEO of the Lord’s Taverners has joined BRIT as a Charity advisor. Advisors place a critical role in the development of BRIT as one of our goals is to work with fellow charities and not against them. The BRIT Centre will be a centre for charities to send their young people to attend a residential course.

Also joining BRIT this past week is Rupy Kaur, NUS National Disabled Students Officer, who has joined the Young Peoples Visionary Steering Group (YPVSG). The YPVSG play a vital role in making sure that the work we do at BRIT is relevant for the young people we will serve. Welcome Matthew and Rupy—you are helping to bring BRIT to young people across Britain.

I had some great meetings this week. One was with Amanda Elmes (learning and outreach strategy) and Neil Slatter (external fundraising) at the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA). They were incredibly helpful and full of great information.

I also had the opportunity to attend an event in London for Arthritis Research UK at the Cavalry and Guards Clubs. They do such incredible work and it was an honour to be there.

Of course like everyone, I do have some difficult moments and this past week threw me a bit of a curve. After a fabulous birthday weekend spent with good friends at the Goodwood Revival I ended up with a bladder infection. One of the issues with self-catheterizing is the increase in urinary tract infections. I expended a lot of energy this week fighting it and drinking gallons of cranberry juice.

BRIT continues to move forward and bring in new mentors, advisors and young people to achieve our goal of building the BRIT Centre of Inspirational Excellence. Keep reading the blog for new updates about upcoming visits and events.

Phil