Creative Edinburgh- Inclusion Award
Last week I was surprised and excited to find out that I had been shortlisted in the Creative Edinburgh Awards 2024.
I'm a finalist in the Inclusion Award!
Inclusion is one of my core values in my business, and in my general life.
When creating and growing Butterfly Minds I always keep diversity and inclusion in the front of my mind.
I try my best to make sure what I offer is inclusive for people and that I promote the importance of representation across the different areas of my work.
In addition to working with individuals, I work with organisations, who work with underrepresented groups, to share mindfulness, yoga and diversity & inclusion workshops/presentations.
By delivering sessions to organisations, I'm able to reach individuals who otherwise may not feel able to access activities in the wellness and creative industries.
When I look back on the work I've done this year and what I've achieved I feel proud of myself.
I'm looking forward to attending the awards ceremony next month to meet the other finalists and find out the winners!
Background
I have been learning about and delivering work relating to equality, diversity and inclusion since 2013.
I first started delivering equality focused work with Edinburgh Lothians Regional Equality Council, as a volunteer in their Young People Against Hate Project.
I was part of a group who developed an educational resource to raise awareness about the damage of hate crime in communities. It aimed to encourage others within the community to do more to collectively tackle the issue. The final video is still online you can check it out here!
During my time as a volunteering with ELREC I attended weekly training about the Equality Act (2010) and later delivered equality based workshops to a range of different groups.
This provided me with a foundation of knowledge about the importance of equality and inclusion. Plus it helped develop my confidence to speak infront of groups.
Inclusion Project
In 2017, I became an Inclusion Project Worker at the Citadel. I developed and delivered a new project to increase diversity and inclusion within the youth work provision.
Overall, during the period of the Inclusion Project, Black and Minority Ethnic representation trebled from 8% to 23.5%, within the three main youth clubs.
In 2019, I was a speaker at the Equality and Rights Network (EaRN) ‘Equality and Rights in Edinburgh - Who's Who?’ event discussing the impact of the Inclusion Project and I participated in round table discussions.
In between these times I worked in organisations who supported individuals and families from underrepresented groups.
Fast forward to now…
I underpin the offers I create in Butterfly Minds with the knowledge, experience and understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion.
Some of the work I have delivered so far this year includes:
Free book readings and mindfulness workshops for children, across six Edinburgh libraries and for the National Museum of Scotland.
Four primary schools author visits. to read my debut book, shortlisted in the Ink Book Prize, Slow Down Amaya.
Delivered two creative mindfulness and yoga sessions with children and young people who attend groups at Big Hearts Community Trust, in Edinburgh.
Created a 1:1 meditation programme and online self-paced course for parents ,with a Neurodivergent/ASN child(ren), to help reduce stress and reconnect to their mental wellbeing.
Future Work
In November 2024, I'm delivering:
Two Family Yoga and Mindfulness workshops at the ‘Big Family Event - Being Well, Doing Well’, organised by the Scottish Centre for Conflict Resolution (SCCR).
Diversity and inclusion training to trainee coaches as part of Dr Sarah Madigan's Spectacular School.
Public Speaking
I am currently taking bookings for public speaking opportunities for the remainder of 2024 and throughout 2025.
I offer training, workshops and presentations to increase awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion for organisations, educators and families.
The content covered includes personal experiences, interactive activities and practical actions/tools.
I am available to discuss the following topics:
Creating a racially inclusive wellness business
Highlighting the importance of diverse and inclusive picture books
Maternal Mental Health: Discover how mindfulness can reduce stress
If you would like to enquire about working with me, please email hello@butterfly-minds.co.uk and we can have a chat!