2018 - highlights and thank you!

2018 has been a incredible year of achievements, awards and growth for Think2Speak.

Here are some of our highlights:

Launch of our support groups

2018 started with the launch of HodgePodge, our support group for trans children, young people and their families. The group has been phenomenally received with families from across Greater Lincolnshire joining us each month for a social get together and activities.

Our new Patron

Claire Birkenshaw As an esteemed educator, advocate and advisor to local, national and European governments, and her recent appointment as a Lecturer in Childhood and Education at Leeds Beckett University’s prestigious Carnegie School of Education following her work supporting their Centre for LBGTQ+ Inclusion in Education, we were delighted when Claire Birkenshaw accepted our invitation to become our Patron.

‘As an educator who frames my work round acceptance, inclusion, equality, respect and dignity for all children I felt extremely humbled when asked whether I would consider being a patron of Think2Speak. Without hesitation I accepted due to the fact our moral compasses align. It is clear that Think2Speak is an outward facing organisation that places firmly the wellbeing of children and young people at the centre of everything it does. Their offer is unique, necessary and much needed, not just in Lincolnshire, but across the country. I feel very honoured to be included in their journey and to be patron of Think2Speak.’

T2SLive18 Conference

As part of our social purpose, our annual conference enables nearly 200 of our stakeholders to come together for a day of CPD, networking and collaboration. This year’s once again received glowing feedback and we are very grateful to Lincolnshire County Council who supported the day.

‘Without a shadow of doubt this is a ground breaking, highly effective and deeply valuable service to our young minds, and the people who work with them, we are very lucky to have Think 2 Speak in the county.’ Emma Olivier-Townrow

‘I was greeted with experts with both knowledge and compassion and a desire to make the world a better place. I would recommend T2S wholeheartedly to teachers, schools and other agencies as a resource to improve lives and understanding of staff, pupils and colleagues.’ Alison Riley

Growth of partners and projects

2018 has seen a huge growth in partnership working with exciting collaborations and projects with a diverse range of organisations from LCHS NHS, YMCA Lincolnshire, Barclays, to The EBP and NCS.

‘The entire team at T2S introduced enthusiasm, innovation and a significant level of knowledge and expertise into what was a complex and demanding project. They went over and above in offering time and advice, becoming more a part of the team than a supplier. We were extremely pleased with the results, and in fact increased the project scope with T2S.’ Charley Blyth, Director of Communications & Engagement, Lincolnshire NHS

Record increase in contracts, grants and funding

During the year we have secured a record number of grants and contracts. Our innovative digital communications ‘Raise Your Voice Raise Your Aspirations’ programme, funded by the Department For Education in the Doncaster borough, has been incredibly well received by the young people involved. We are also delighted to have been commissioned for 2019 to support educational settings across the Doncaster region with LGBT+ inclusion.

Expansion in to T2S Space

2019 sees T2S expand into our own space with dedicated counselling rooms, offices and support group and training space. From 3rd January 2019 you will be able to visit us at Britannia House, Marshall’s Yard in Gainsborough and our website and social media channels will be updated regularly with the opportunities available there.

Thank you

Our plans for 2019 are big and also include many new fully funded opportunities benefitting children and young people across the East Midlands and beyond.  We are so incredibly grateful to all of our T2S member organisations and schools, our funders and everyone that chooses to work with us.  

From Lizzie and all of the T2S team - thank you for supporting us!

HodgePodge Support group for trans children, young people and their families