Facing challenges together: My Journey to CEO of BLGC

I am incredibly proud to say that I am now the CEO of BLGC. It is a role that fills me with joy and gratitude every day.?

As I settle into this position, I have had the opportunity to connect with some of our patron, funders and supporters and hear their stories of how they came to support the club and, more importantly, why. Their journeys have fascinated me and reinforced the incredible impact that BLGC has on the lives of Bolton's young people.

BLGC has always played a part in my life, in one way or another! Growing up in Breightmet, I was familiar with the stigma that often accompanied our community. However, as a child, I was fortunate enough to attend BLGC, especially during school holidays. The club provided me with countless activities and opportunities that enriched my life. Since then, my relationship with BLGC has continued in various ways, shaping my path and reinforcing the importance of this organisation in our community.

In 1999, I took part in the Great North Run to raise money for BLGC. Let me tell you, that last mile down the coast road was a killer! In 2003, I joined Bolton Council with a specific focus on delivering sport, play, and recreation strategies for young people in East Bolton. During that time, I had the privilege of collaborating with Jerry Glover, who was the CEO of BLGC at the time. Together, we secured grant funding to provide opportunities for young members living in the East Bolton Area.

In my subsequent role, I worked on developing a borough-wide club and workforce capacity building program. I facilitated the recruitment and upskilling of volunteers, enabling organisations and groups to provide additional activities for young people. It was during this time that I closely collaborated with BLGC, connecting volunteers and mentors and provided support for training courses.?

For the past 11 years, I have been managing Leisure, Library, Cultural, and Lifestyle services in Warrington on behalf of Warrington Council through two not-for-profit organisations. While these services cater to all age groups, I have always emphasised the importance of engaging young people. After all, they are our next generation of customers and community leaders. During this time, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of envy for the incredible work that the BLGC team do to support Bolton's young people in so many diverse ways.

When I saw the CEO role at BLGC had become vacant, I knew I could not let this opportunity pass me by. This is my dream job - a chance to give back to the charity that played a pivotal role in my own journey. I am incredibly grateful to have been offered the role, and now, a new chapter in my journey with BLGC begins. I am committed to doing everything within my power to continue the club's remarkable work and build upon the great success it has achieved for over nearly 140 years.

Even in a dream job, challenges are inevitable. For BLGC, our current hurdles primarily revolve around funding and volunteers. While the club has an iconic status and an exceptional reputation in the town, there is often a misconception that we have abundant resources in terms of funding and volunteers. The reality is that we face the same constraints as other charities in Bolton. The COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis have left a generation of young people feeling socially isolated and struggling with their mental health more than ever before.

To rise to the increase in demand and support on our services, we need to continue working closely with local businesses and the local community. Fundraising for the club and recruiting volunteers, especially for Mentoring and Independent Visitor roles, are vital. Although our current volunteer numbers are low, the positive impact they have on young people's lives is immeasurable.

Our patrons are crucial to us, their ongoing kindness and support through patronage, salary sacrifice schemes, fundraising events, donations of goods and services, and more have been inspiring. Particularly in such a challenging economic environment, their generosity has made a significant difference. I express my deepest gratitude and hope that our relationships continue to flourish and benefit all parties involved.

I have two requests for all of you reading this. Firstly, please consider if there are any ways you, your business or peers can support BLGC, whether it’s through employer-supported volunteering or financial contributions. Secondly, and most importantly spread the word about BLGC and our challenges among business owners in your networks. Let them know about the incredible work we do and how they can support us. Together, we are shaping and nurturing the next generation - our future employees, parents, and community leaders. Each one of us has a part to play in brightening futures and of course BLGC’s core value is ensuring that every young person in Bolton has hope, opportunities, and the support they need to thrive.

As I embark on this exciting journey as the CEO of BLGC, I reflect on my personal experiences and the challenges we face. With support and the collective efforts of the community, we can empower the youth and make a lasting impact.?

Let's work together to shape a future where every young person has the opportunity to succeed, just as BLGC provided me with the hope and opportunities to achieve what I have today.

Emma Hutchinson - CEO of BLGC