Скачать или смотреть Lesleye starts a conversation with Heather Nelson a real inspiration "You can do anything you want"

Heather Dawn Nelson born in the sunny climes of West Yorkshire Leeds in 1965 to parents from the Caribbean, Jamaica and Nevis, and the proud mother of my son. My motivation has always been to be
the best that I can be, so leaving school and college with my qualifications I endeavored to succeed. The statement "you can't do that" has often spurred me on to prove my sceptics wrong.

My early career path led me to work for 'Save the Children' home and abroad, 'Leeds Voice', 'Leeds Black Elders' and now CEO of 'Black Health Initiative'. We ensure that the marginalised and disadvantaged communities gain a voice to impact and change policies whilst having equity of access to service provision. At a young age I was encouraged to apply to be a Leeds Magistrate and can proudly say I am still one of the few female black acting Magistrates.

I am the Chief Executive of a regional charity that has a national and developing international reach with an extensive background and working knowledge of Equality and Diversity with the overall aim of Inclusion within the Education, Health and Social Care 3rd Sector. This charity, BHI, is a community engagement organisation, which works with and for disadvantaged and marginalised communities addressing equity of access education, health and social care locally regionally and nationally. We work in partnership with local regional and national charities, schools and community organisation.
Additionally, the charity enables through culturally appropriate outreach we engage communities to develop positive lifestyle choices, address cultural myths and taboos, and provide factual health and well-being information which embraces diversity.

I created Legacy Awards in 2017, an Awards ceremony which celebrates excellence by those seldom recognised for their achievements. This annual ceremony takes place in Leeds, and is awards those who
go above and beyond to reach their goals and provide a positive impact on the community, city and wider. The Legacy Awards grows in notoriety and recognition every year, something that I am extremely proud of.

I also hold the position of the National Director of BME Cancer Voice, the only UK wide cancer programmer having membership of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities who have a lived experience of cancer. BME Cancer Voice was re-launched at the House of Commons on 25th February
2014, an event hosted by Fabian Hamilton MP and supported by Baroness Howells of St Davids OBE. Baroness Howells stated “You only live until you die so use your voice! I feel like I have seen a break through today in my community. I’m delighted to see a representation of communities making Britain a better community. Keep on keeping on BME Cancer Voice”.

Working as the Chief Executive Officer of BHI has allowed the charity to be at the forefront of commanding the position of being the first to address issues such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

On 16 September 2014, Black Health Initiative (BHI) held the first solution-focused Leeds City Region Conference relating to FGM. The purpose of this conference was to raise awareness of this abuse within
the region. This was taken after I commissioned research to evidence this fact. The conference marked that start of a dialogue by bringing together a wide range of interested parties to share knowledge, experience and make commitments for future action in the region.

Black Music Festival has been recognised as Europe’s fastest growing Free open-air reggae concert. The Festival has gathered momentum since its inception in 2014. Showcasing all genres of music under its colourful banner. Taking over a fledgling event that preceded which attracted 5K Black Music Festival entertained a footfall of 80K in 2019 which was hugely impressive.

Our immediate response to this COVID-19 pandemic was a citywide recognised and successful effective community engagement model and ability to reach and understand the complexities within culturally diverse cities. The ability to liaise and extrapolate information from within marginalised communities to reconcile with local joint strategic need assessments policies and
services,and being supported by a dynamic team.campaign called
#SupportOurSeniors (SOS)which began by delivering hot meals and food provisions on a weekly basis providing over 120 meals per week. With the overwhelming help of an army of volunteers ensuring that
help is provided.

In summary, with over 30 years’ experience of working within the 3rd Sector I believe I have built a phenomenal reputation amongs the partners I have worked with in both the Private and Public sectors, influences and policy makers regionally and nationally.
#blacklifematters #BHI #supportourseniors #mentalhealth #rolemodel #blackmusicfestival