Lianne Harrold, one of our newest staff members and Senior Consultant for gbpartnerships consult, has appeared in an interview with Notts TV, discussing her experience with learning to wakeboard at the age of 40, amongst the challenging times that Covid-19 has presented.
During 2020, whilst government restrictions had been put in place, Lianne could no longer visit her local climbing wall and snowdomes to enjoy her primary sports, but as outdoor activities were still permitted within 20 minutes of our homes, Lianne took the decision to take to the water and learn to wakeboard. As a result, Lianne became a member of a small group of ladies who went on to grow to become a community of over thirty ladies ranging between the ages of 11 to well into their 50’s.
Following her success, Lianne in her personal time has become an affiliate for the Global 'She Flies' Community led by Josie West, whose vision as a social enterprise, is to grow and strengthen the global wave of women in extreme sports. Lianne regularly attends, helps run and support Josie with events across the country in a voluntary capacity.
Lianne commented:
‘’Prior to having joined gbp consult, the experience of being on furlough for the best part of a year, whilst living alone and with the restrictions imposed upon us, caused my mental health to see a significant decline. Participation in, and supporting groups, such as Sisters of Spring and She Flies, provided me with optimistic goals on which to focus, a positive and supportive environment in which we can rely upon one another during these challenging times, and a sense of achievement in every way. I like to think that even if I can just help and inspire one lady in the way that these magnificent groups have done during time when I may have otherwise of lost motivation, then I will be overjoyed’’
Lianne, Bethan, and Emma, who feature in the Notts TV interview, have now teamed up and intend to visit local schools and community groups with the support of gbpartnerships foundation and Sport England’s This Girl Can Campaign, to deliver presentations and workshops focusing on raising confidence and self-esteem, with a view to raising awareness in mental and physical health and wellbeing, encouraging participation and reducing social exclusion.
If you would like the ladies to visit a school or community group near you then please do contact us at: enquiries@gbpartnerships.co.uk
gbpartnerships employee volunteering scheme is designed to support and encourage staff to get involved in volunteering in their local communities. Staff have access to 4 paid days per year (pro rata for part-time and temporary staff) to undertake volunteering activities. It is just one of the ways in which the organisation invests in partnerships and relationships that make a positive difference to people’s lives.
Find out more about our work that supports the communities in which we work here: www.gbpartnerships.co.uk/foundation