London Irish Foundation

2024 was an amazing year with the London's Violence Reduction Unit I would like to thank all the community partners who have supported our work across my portfolio areas: Stronger Futures, Sports, and Faith. All of your work directly impacts young Londoners lives!

‘Deep human connection is... the purpose and the result of a meaningful life - and it will inspire the most amazing acts of love, generosity, and humanity.’ Melinda Gates One of my favourite days of the year is 3rd December. Otherwise known by hashtag #IDPD Partly because those of us that are connected to disabled community want to celebrate those we love and cherish (including ourselves). Advocating for a better more equitable future. Partly cause I get to show off my beautiful BAM stripey socks (https://lnkd.in/eCc8szAG) for #PurpleSockDay. But mostly because I get to enjoy the London Irish Foundation's - Inclusion Festival. A day filled with abundance of joy, fun and connection. It never fails to leave me in awe of the true care and commitment to learners being able to equitable access sport. ParalympicsGB research showed that only 1 in 4 disabled children regularly participate in sport at school. If my kids are required to undertake PE lessons weekly, how can this be so….. The Inclusion Festival has amazing volunteers including Jeanette Chippington and Benjamin Pritchard (Paralympic medal winners), Braywick Leisure Centre (Leisure Focus),  Maidenhead United Football Club (including Yorkie the club mascot), LI Digger mascot,  Mayor of London VRU Positive Futures first cohort of girls, BTEC sport students and more,  facilitating meaningful fun creating a sense of self belief - 'I deserve to be here', participate and have fun. It left me reflecting on the importance of feeding our souls. Do we live in a world where instant joy / doom scrolling have stripped us of the time and space to apply the effort for real connection. When you connect in a way that warms from inside out, to understand your importance/uniqueness; whilst also understand your but one in millions, that leaves you with a sense of intangible contentment and full of hope. When we believe that success is built on our actions as a cog in a machine, and forget that life is more than outcomes. We work towards burn out and failures break us. When we leave the pressure of being ‘perfect’, and stretch ourselves to be vulnerable, deeply connecting with others, in a shared experience. At that moment we refill our batteries and breathe hope. I recognise my privilege of being able to  take part in events like this, and will do better next year to bring all levels of our supply chain along, for you are the true stars this year, have delivered the impossible, and deserve to experience the connections you create by working in #TeamHeathrow Thank you Andy Keast, Wayne Wedgbury, Rhys Mynott et al for organising and Pump Technology Ltd for funding. Smiling all the way home 💜 #SportWithoutBoundaries #LoveMyJob #SoulFood #InclusionFestival #MentalHealthMatters #IAmADHD #MadeByDyslexia Parallel Lifestyle

I don't usually do this, but I've been told I should, so here goes. I recently visited Lampton School with four Heathrow colleagues through the London Irish Foundation's Violence Reduction Unit programme. It was a great opportunity to show how different women of different backgrounds can thrive in a business such as Heathrow Airport. Background wise I joined Heathrow from British Airways, my colleagues shared their inspiring journeys from starting as Security Officers to advancing into various management roles across the business. We discussed crucial lessons learned along the way, including tips for finding fulfilling work and navigating career challenges. I opened up about my personal journey, sharing how I needed extra support in English and Maths during school. I told them about facing a careers advisor who tried to limit my options based on societal expectations, and how I proved that lacking a university degree wouldn't hold me back. The students asked thoughtful questions that really resonated with their own experiences. They wanted to know how I managed to overcome traditional South Asian family expectations, what alternative paths I took when university wasn't an option, and how I balanced home and work life. These questions, particularly from girls facing similar cultural and personal challenges, led to honest discussions about finding your own path while respecting family values. Looking around the classroom, I couldn't help but see myself in some of the students, especially the quieter girls from less privileged backgrounds. The key message I wanted to convey was that success comes from self-belief, dedication, and staying true to your values. Their engagement confirmed the importance of sharing these experiences. If even one student left feeling more confident about their potential, it was worth it.  

LADS OVER 40.....GOTTA GET THOSE PROSTATES CHECKED! (not your average headline I know 🙋🏽) Big thanks to London Irish Foundation and Pump Technology Ltd for hosting a quickfire PSA test at the old ground. 5 minutes of your time will give you a far higher time return long-term! What's YOUR excuse lads? Laziness?.....doom scrolling?....."watching the footy"?😂 It's 5 minutes.....I'm leaving you with an action 👍🏽 Prostate Cancer UK Prostate Cancer Research

The London Irish Foundation are calling on men over 40 years of age living close to Sunbury on Thames to take notice of the information below: Prostate Cancer testing is quick & easy and through the amazing support of Pump Technology Ltd we have organised a PSA testing day on Saturday 30th November 2024 at The Hazelwood Training Centre in Sunbury on Thames TW16 6QU. The testing is 100% private and confidential and administered by medical professionals. Don’t panic it’s a small blood sample nothing more 👆🏻 We have 60 fully funded places courtesy of Pump Technology Ltd. Once all the funded places are gone there are further places available costing a special London Irish Foundation price of just £25 rather than the standard price of £65. Come on lads - you know it makes sense 👊🏻 Click the link below for further information and to book: https://lnkd.in/emkUFrGH Pump Technology Ltd London Irish Amateur Rugby Football Club London Irish Supporters Club