Lucy Hodgson
Lucy Hodgson is a director of Insurance Brokers, Eastwood and Partners. She has been nominated by Liz Wright, a nominee in our Diversity-Driven Organisation category. Liz says “Lucy’s career as an insurance broker is impressive, having been a broker for more than 20 years, but it is her work in the community and desire to selflessly help young people gain leadership skills that makes Lucy extra impressive.
I met Lucy through Rotary, when she asked me to come and speak at her RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) Camp at Hebden Bridge. Lucy is the RYLA Course Director. Her involvement means that she has to take time off work, but her firm is 100% behind what she is doing to prepare young people for the future.”
Who will the initiative help/who has it helped already?
“RYLA is a Yorkshire-based Leadership Development course. Young people aged 16-17 get to experience time away from home, be challenged, learn leadership and teamwork skills, and make friendships for a lifetime.
The initiative has already helped hundreds of 16-17 year olds in the community. With Lucy’s tireless work as Course Director, it will continue to develop young people’s leadership and teamwork skills.”
What’s worked?
“The programme challenges young people by having them take part in leadership and teamwork activities. They are also inspired by the speakers who volunteer their time to the camp. The camp provides Rotarian mentors who help to guide the teens and assist Lucy in the running of the camps.
When I’ve spoken at these camps, I have noticed Lucy’s caring attention to all the teens. She has a desire to push their boundaries and help them understand the benefits of the experiences they’re having. Her commitment to helping others and passion for developing youth leadership skills is what makes it work and why I am nominating her.”
What have you learnt? Any challenges?
“The main challenges stem around the mindset of the teens. Some of the young people at the camps come from deprived areas and can struggle with their self belief and confidence to achieve their goals at the camp. Lucy has recognised the struggle and sometimes has to make the tough decision to let some of the teens leave the camp early.”
What’s next?
“As the Course Director, Lucy will continue to develop and grow the camp with aim to make it the best experience that the 16-17 year olds can have on a leadership development course.”
What advice, contacts or resources would help you?
“Members of the community who could assist, perhaps by mentor or inspiring the young people as they progress along their journey.”
Why we’re sharing these stories
An individual or organisation from each of our five categories will be recognised at our Igniting Inspiration recognition event in November, but we want to publish all relevant stories to spread awareness of all the positive work that goes on in our region!
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