?? Meet Bonnie Blood, Neo Community’s inspiring Youth Work Lead for HAF 2024! ??

From a young participant to a dedicated leader, Bonnie's journey with us is one of passion, perseverance, and making a difference. This summer, she’s leading our Holiday Activity Fund, engaging over 100 children in enriching activities and mentoring the next generation of young leaders. We couldn’t be prouder to have Bonnie on our team! ??

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The Inspiring Journey of Bonnie Blood: Neo Community’s Youth Work Lead for HAF 2024

Bonnie’s story with Neo Community is one of growth, dedication, and inspiration. Bonnie first stepped into youth and holiday provision at just ten years old, a bright-eyed young person eager to engage with the holiday provisions and youth clubs that Neo and others offered. From the start, Bonnie was different—she didn’t just attend activities, she embraced them with an infectious enthusiasm, always seizing every opportunity that came her way, she built really strong relationships with other young people and built good relationships with staff and volunteers and was always willing to help and get involved, she took her time to get involved with food and was always reluctant to try new foods but slowly got involved and then began to support others to do the same.

As Bonnie grew, so did her involvement with Neo and other community groups. Her passion for helping others and her natural leadership skills began to shine through in everything she did. By the time she left school, Bonnie had already set her sights on a future in sports and youth work. She pursued and completed her Sports Coaching qualification, a milestone that led her to an incredible opportunity to teach in Dubai at a summer school. This international experience not only broadened her horizons but also deepened her commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people.

Upon her return from Dubai, Bonnie joined Neo Community full-time, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a heart full of passion. She quickly achieved her Level 2 Youth Work qualification and is now well on her way to completing her Level 3 apprenticeship. But it’s not just the qualifications that make Bonnie special; it’s the way she embodies the spirit of Neo Community in everything she does.

In 2024, Bonnie took on a new challenge that would showcase her incredible abilities and dedication: leading the full Summer provision for the Holiday Activity Fund (HAF). Under her leadership, the program has flourished, engaging over 100 children in a wide range of activities. From sports and arts to STEM activities, Bonnie has ensured that every child has access to fun, enriching experiences. She’s also been instrumental in providing extra support for children who need it, constantly adapting activities based on feedback and the unique passions of the children involved.

One of the highlights of this summer was a big park day that featured a sports day, working alongside another organisation she took the lead and worked excellently with the partner, an event that brought smiles and laughter to all who attended. But Bonnie’s commitment doesn’t stop at planning and leading activities; she’s also organized a residential trip to a Lancashire outdoor activity centre, where she’ll be taking a group of excited children—and some very tired but eager staff—for an adventure they’ll never forget.

Bonnie’s impact extends beyond the children she works with directly. This year, she’s not only supported and led the current staff team but also ran training and inductions for a full set of young leaders and six new young staff members. Each of these new recruits is learning from the best, as Bonnie leads by example with her hard work, creativity, and unwavering dedication.

At Neo Community, we couldn’t be prouder of Bonnie Blood. She has grown from a young participant into an inspiring leader, a role model for both the children she works with and the colleagues who learn from her. Her journey is a testament to what can be achieved with passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to helping others. Well done, Bonnie—you are truly an amazing asset to our team and an inspiration to us all!