Thursday 29th September 2016 - programme presentation - personal

Posted 9:25pm

It's actually quite emotional at the moment - I feel it all coming together beautifully - although there is an enormous amount of work to do before actually meeting clients.

One thing that has been niggling away at me for a while is the actual substance of the course and how to provide it properly.  And then today, during my meeting with Scott, it suddenly came to me - and it was a mixture of certain ideas I had been mulling over, something that Amanda at SHP said to me the other day, and then Scott mentioned a certain direction we should be looking at - and all at once it came to me - the perfect way.  Funny how it happens.  Now I just have to get it all down on paper!!

The next eight days are crucial - and there is a huge amount to do.  But I am looking forward to it all.

On a personal front - I am doing a weekly video and weigh in - and talking about my targets.  That will be on Monday morning - although I have just done a sneaky weigh - but I am not saying what is currently is - but I will say I am delighted at progress.  The trick, as I have said before, and acted on before, is keeping it going - and staying on track.  This time!!!!  :-)

Thursday 29th September 2016 - Blog News, plus website

Posted 2:30pm

Sitting in the Canary Wharf area before meeting my business coach/mentor Scott, (and will report on that later), time to make an entry re blog news, which seems quite ironic as I am reporting it on my blog.

I was running two blogs - as I wanted one directly about HMHB and the projects, and the other on research and news issues surrounding the subjects we deal with.

However, with the construction of my website by my young specialist, Kacper, coming along - we decided to have a page on the site which would show the blog as well.  Unfortunately it appears we can only show the one.  Therefore this blog, my main one, will now incorporate any entries I would have put into the other - which was www.hmhbnews.blogspot.com - which I have now finished with a closing entry.

For those who had been looking at it I will probably transfer some of the posting over into this blog, as I found them interesting, and hopefully others would too.  It will also give me a chance to get this blog out to people - as I am hoping to grow it substantially over the next six months, and pick up quite a few followers.

I am proud of what I have managed to achieve so far - it has taken an enormous amount of work, effort, and stress!!  But, it is also important to me to look and appear professional - that way people believe in you, in what you say, in what you do, and I am anticipating it motivating and encouraging people onwards.

Wednesday 28th September 2016 - college courses, plus chance of small grant

Posted 8:10pm

After the furore of SHP - I think I floated down the road towards St Pancras afterwards - I headed off to the Recovery College.

I had to enrol - which was fun - and I was able to sign up for three half day courses:  All three are in November - and ironically all three at the same venue in Islington (the courses are not held at the College venue).

1. Understanding Anxiety - I should be okay with this one after a few experiences in my life
2. Getting a Good Night's Sleep - oh please, let this be my saviour!!
3. Introduction to Mindfulness - it just looked an interesting subject

Another reason I was on a high, was that Amanda, at SHP, had told me she could get me up to a £200 grant for equipment I would need for the project.

So, I have emailed her some details this evening:  I have requested:

1. Digital Video Camera - for Youtube and feedback, we intend to record a lot of stories, and there are the fitness info we want to produce, and we have found a very decent one for £90
2. A better printer/copier/in colour too - certainly at first we are going to have to produce marketing flyers and literature ourselves, so a decent printer - plus inks - is vital:  £66
3. I want to have a separate logo for Ajani, and for Izzwalkz: and using an online tool you can get it in all the necessary formats for around £22.50 each - so that is £45.
4. Grand Total - £201.

No harm in asking!!!

Also had contact back from BITC, meeting them around the middle of October.  It's all go!!  Seeing Scott tomorrow - and the next week is really about producing walk flyer, Ajani flyer, and papers for clients.  Also reviewing website, Facebook, add a couple of videos to Youtube, learn about Instagram and general papetwork - adding to CRM too - not up to date yet

Wednesday 28th September 2016 - SUCCESS!!!!! It's a definite launch

Posted 12:30pm

It has taken over seven years (on and off), hundreds of meetings, thousands of hours, a lot of my own money, and being told on many occasions that it wont happen - but today, finally, it all paid off.

Cracking meeting with SHP - I walked in and they wanted to set a date to start.  What we have organised is that I will attend a team meeting at the start of November - then run a half day course at the start of December - and if all goes well with the taster session I will start a thirteen week course in Camden in January.  We have already breached the subject of contracts - and very happy to talk about money.  Not only that, they have already mentioned doing stuff in Haringey too!!!

Yes, I have quite a lot of work to do in the couple of weeks - because they want me to produce a flyer for the December event, that they can start giving out from the end of October.  I also have to sort out a Camden walk - which they would like to partner up with me on.  I also have to sort out proper videos with Adam in November and get them on Youtube channel before the December day - which is the 6 December.

It's the culmination of so much hard work - and fantastic support I have received, especially from Scott, who has been with my the last two years, guiding me, and steering me.  Thanks mate.

Also, the support and friendship from Rosemary over many years - and inspiration - not only on watching her build up the Charity where she is CEO, but lately her fantastic weight loss and positivity surrounding it - I'll be there too Rosemary.

And also Adam - who has motivated and encouraged me on - and hopefully this is the start of something big for both of us.

Couple of other good things came from the meeting - I can get a £200 grant that SHP will organise - and I intend on getting a decent digital video camera - as we intend to record a lot of stuff for our Youtibe channel and website - and also I want to get a couple of logos and domains.  All in all - a cracking meeting

Tuesday 27th September 2016 - lots of follow up action

Posted 8:30pm
Been so much follow up action I really needed another entry in the blog.

First of all I have had contact from Disability Action Islington - and will be speaking with a representative on Thursday to organise a meeting.  I really want to be able to make the project open to all, and so having a constructive dialogue is important.

I have had contact with an Islington Council run initiative called One You - it offers advice through apps - and we are meeting them in the first week of October to discuss their output and how we can channel relevant people to them and what they would get out of it.

I will be meeting the practice manager for Highbury Grange Health Centre again - discussing getting some of their patients more active with a joint walk - plus issues surrounding promoting an outside gym area in Highbury Fields.  I also suggested to them that they create a blog and a twitter account - which I can help them with.

I have followed up again with Business In The Community - who run a Ready For Work programme - which I went through myself - and I know the Ajani project would compliment it really well.  Just proving a bit elusive.  I have also chased Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association.

Tomorrow is my big meeting with SHP - and afterwards I will enrol in the Recovery College and sign up for some courses - which I will detail tomorrow.

All in all things are coming together nicely.  I need to work on the Izzwalkz paperwork and promotional material - plus the fitness/nutrition booklet we will be giving out to clients.  

Tuesday 27th September 2016 - Family Mosaic, Facebook, Recovery College

Posted 3:30pm

Cracking meeting this morning at the Family Mosaic Housing Association offices near to Tower Bridge.  I met with the two Employment Team managers, and discussions were open and honest.  I had originally approached them on three separate occasions a few years ago, but they told me funding was not available at the time - and then did it anyway - on a watered down version.

They were receptive to me, and encouraging, and it looks as if I will be doing some work with tenants.  I did stress, however, that I would want to talk about contracts if, and when, we are a success in a small initial pilot.  I came away very happy.

Getting them on board is terrific, as I can use that talking with the other Housing Associations that I have approached,

I have also started a Facebook page for HMHB - I will be working on that this week, and then making it available to all.  I want to add some content first - videos, explanations etc.  But again this is quite exciting.

There is the Recovery College, which is run by the Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust. They do quite a few day/half day courses that are Free!!!  They are on a multitude of subjects, which are under headings such as:

• Introduction to Recovery Principles
• Understanding experiences of Health Conditions, Treatments and Systems
• Physical Health and Well Being
• Building Self-Confidence
• Returning to Work and Study

I am going to go along tomorrow, I will enrol, and sign up for a few of the courses in November and December.  More details when that happens.

Monday 26th September 2016 - Youtube - tomorrow meeting - personal

Posted 12:50pm

Our Youtube channel was set up a few weeks ago but not used so far.  We have several plans for it.

Firstly: We are going to do bespoke fit videos - aimed specifically at the general person who is out of work.  Aiming not just to show the exercises and how to do them, from different angles, but also how not to do them - the mistakes that people generally make (myself included).  Also, we will show which particular muscles they are helping, as well as why.  It will generally involve Adam demonstrating and coaching myself - poor guy. I do think it will be good to have people see someone struggling with exercises, as that shows empathy for them.

Secondly: can show the project from the view of clients, as well as businesses and agencies, and even from HMHB angle.  It will be good getting views of all concerned as it progresses.

Thirdly; I want to be able to put talks on budgeting, nutrition, routine on there - mental health issues too. Nutrition wise - you read so many menus and recipes that involve a lot of shopping and items that cost a bit or you would worry about buying - I want to do it from the view of someone struggling financially, with little expenditure, but also from a healthy point of view - with taste.

Fourthly - my own journey will be on there - and excitingly, I posted my first video today - this morning.  I am doing it as if today is my first day of the Ajani project - which is a thirteen week course.  So I put on why I am doing this, targets I have set myself, and then I even put it on my Facebook page, as well as on Youtube.  I will also be putting it on the HMHB Facebook page - not open as yet.

I do have a couple of very important meetings this week.  Wednesday, I am meeting with SHP to discuss the start of the project with them, which I will aim for 1 November.  That is really big.  But before that, tomorrow morning, I am finally meeting with the managers of Family Mosaic Employment team, and I really want to impress them and get in on their funding if possible.

Sunday 25th September 2016 - forms, crm, to-do, plus personal

Posted 5:25pm

That was annoying - I typed for 20 minutes and then accidentally deleted the wording!!!

I had detailed my work for the day.  It was very important for me to start producing paperwork that I would give to prospective clients.  Whatever happens with the Cripplegate money, which would be a terrific boost, I still aim to launch on the 1 November, even if it is just a very small pilot with few people.  I will also be launching the walks at the same time.

So I have been working on the client forms - preparing three.  I used online templates as a guide, and then adapted and designed specifically for the Ajani project.

1. Equality and Diversity form - required for reporting purposes (the pic at the top regards this)
2. Contact and information form
3. Assumption of risk waiver, disclaimer - for insurance purposes, and protect ourselves

The CRM, contacts database, is becoming more and more important.  It feels like every day I am collecting new business contacts, be that individuals or businesses.  I must ensure I get that up to date quickly and maintain it properly.

The to do list is extensive.  I did get one message from someone asking why I did this:  I got the following paragraph from the internet - puts in better words than I could come up with:

"Motivational speakers will tell you that to-do lists are a useful motivational tool when used as a way to clarify goals. It's easy to say, "I want to get that promotion," but listing the steps that you intend to take to accomplish that goal can help clarify your thoughts and give you achievable short-term goals. As you succeed at each step along the way, you'll gain confidence crossing those items off your list!"

Personal:

Well, as I have put a few times, I am the poster boy for the project.  Therefore, from tomorrow, it is going to be as if I am using Ajani.  I will put my own position, targets, and actions down.  I will also start doing videos per day - which I will be uploading to Youtube - which is not open as yet to the public.  I need to work on that for another two weeks I think.  I will also be filming and publishing the temporary videos to accompany the project. I know in the past, as is known, I have yoyoed with the weight, as well allowed outside issues to affect me,  This time, with the project, and using all the tricks and knowledge I have learned, I will be the success.  YAY!!

Friday 23rd September 2016 - Bank and To-Do List

Posted 11:30am

Had a small bit of "out" time - the lead up to the funders meeting on Tuesday was intense.  I also needed to just step back and review what is still to be done.

With that in mind I have drawn up a "to-do" list - which is very extensive.  But then again, this is the adage for the project - "It's Your Choice".  I can look at that list - which is scary, daunting, but in some ways exciting - and run away, or face it head on and battle it out.  That's the right choice of course, and the one I am taking.

Scott has been pressing me for a while now saying; "if someone came along with some funding and said start on Monday, can you do that?"  The simple answer would have been; "no, but give me a couple of weeks and I'll be there."

That though would not have been the right answer, and maybe it is only now I am realising the point he was making.

So, I am cracking on seriously with all the relevant paperwork preparation, so that next time I can say that I am ready.

I visited the bank on Wednesday, Santander.  The business manager was very helpful. I have had the bank account for seven years, with a £10 just sitting there nicely.  I now needed to activate the online facility, mobile access and a debit card too.  He asked if I wanted a credit card but I did not see any point at this time for it.  Probably in the future.

The Manager liked the concept I am doing, and even suggested a couple of events that Santander are running with entrepeneurs - and I will follow them up.

I think yesterday I just needed a day's break from it all - come back refreshed today.  There is a lot to do; paperwork, social media, conversations, etc. But I am up for it.

Tuesday 20th September 2016 - wow! what a day!!

Posted 8:30pm
Been a full and progressive day - no guarantees, but more clarity.

First - the funding meeting with Cripplegate.

I had no sleep last night, and in fact was up, showered, fed, suited up, and on my way before 6:30am. The meeting wasn't till 9:30 - in Angel - but was meeting Scott and Adam before - I was so grateful that they came along - not just for their input and support (which was terrific) but because it meant they believe in the project, the concept, and in me.

The meeting itself went pretty well.  Lots of relevant questions from them. I think I answered them all with clarity and knowledge, and came over very well.

The lady we ,met will now create a report and that goes towards a committee in October, and our fate is in their hands.

It is not the be all and end all.  In fact I will launch anyway on the 1st November, definitely with SHP, and Izzwalkz.  If I can others as well then I will.  But the possible finance would make things easier - paying for travel, printing and insurance for example.  Anything extra is a bonus.

Both Adam and Scott spoke up for the project, and for me..  I think their input really showed the professionalism of the concept and the potential benefits - which she appeared to grasp.  I need to get her a copy of the "client journey" - but after that I need to just not worry about it and leave it in their hands.

Moving forward, there is still a huge amount to do.  I need to get the paperwork ready that we will be supplying to the clients - forms, booklets etc.  That is vital - and by this time next week I will have that just about ready.  I also need to keep on with the website and the bespoke videos we will be producing, with out quite unique look on it all.  Adam is central to that, and it looks like we can't do those till November - we need to dedicate a day for it really to get them all done.  That is fine - but in the meantime I will produce some temporary ones to go on Youtube - we can then replace them with the ones with Adam in a couple of months.

There was also news from Adam on something I want to keep to myself at the moment - as I need to see how things pan out first before I put the information on here, but it has the potential to be very good for the project.  Thanks Adam for that - you know what I talking about. :-)

I also had my meeting with the Job Centre, re my benefits at the moment - and whilst doing this initial pilot I will be remaining on benefit.  They were fantastic about it, as they see what significant benefits this project can bring, and if a success will be my job and career for the rest of my working life, so it is in their interests to help me - how many times do you read about the Job Centre being understanding and helpful???

All in all it has been a good day - but that was down to great preparation, fantastic support, good friends, and a positive mindset.  :-)

Monday 19th September 2016 - another big week ahead - plus personal

Posted 12:00pm

Well, there are no quiet days any more.  Tomorrow is the Cripplegate meeting, and it is now all about getting everything ready for that.  I am reviewing the PowerPoint presentation, looking at the papers we need to bring with us, making copies of various letters to leave with them.

Have had some good contacts from Twitter over weekend, and wanting to develop that further. Also looking to start our Facebook page, as well as developing Instagram.  I am hoping that after we launch our followers will grow on all Social Media fronts, so vital to get it ready now.


On personal front, had exciting idea for both myself and project.  I am the "prime example" of how this project can change your life around.  But as people who have followed my story over the last couple of years will know I have had ups and downs, and yoyoed.
So instead I am going to do a daily vlog.  This will cover what I have done in the day, and being on camera will also be able to show the difference, over time, to my physical self, as well as mental well-being.  Therefore, over the last three weeks I have not concentrated on losing any weight, so I can show progress on the screen (although somehow I have actually put on instead - which was not the plan).  Anyway, my journey can be a good demo for others - he says!!!!  I am speaking with my internet wizard, Kacper, so we can edit videos - I have no clue!  :-)

Saturday 17th September 2016 - website development - plus videos

Posted 10:15pm

The HMHB website is going to be an integral part of the project - offering information on various issues, plus access to videos, and a gallery, access to blog, and other information.

I want to be able to show a demo of the website on Tuesday at our meeting, and so had a terrific meeting today with Kacper - I'm so sorry for oversleeping mate - and we got a lot done.

We have just about finished on design - although the funding will produce a couple of extra logos. I am so pleased with what we have done (and when I say "we", the work has been done by by Kacper, directed on how I would like things - there is no way I could have produced what he has done so well). Over the next few months, Kacper will demonstrate to me how to do changes, and he is a very small part of my funding application.

We also filmed five very short demo videos - all under 30 seconds - just so we can upload some to the website as demo.  They are not the ones we will be using.  I am very much looking forward to meeting up with Adam, and producing around ten initial videos (I have not actually told him that number as yet, this could be the first time he discovers!!).

We are hoping to be able to make the website live in five weeks' time and starting the project in six weeks.

Friday 16th September 2016 - it's a prep weekend ahead

Posted 5:20pm

Just waiting in Greenwich to go and see a subtitled film with my terrific deaf friend Robin, and found I have time to update on more goings on.

Had a solid meeting with Scott earlier - discussing insurance, financial procedures, and most importantly the funding meet next Tuesday.  What we need to say, what papers I need to bring, how we are going to approach issues that may arise.  

I have changed my CRM - at the moment I am only using it as a contacts database to keep track of all the names, emails, mobile numbers etc.  Plus meeting dates.  I decided that the original one I had chosen did not have the correct search facilities that I required, but after a little research I think I have now bagged the right choice, and will be adding all my contacts over the weekend.

Looking forward to tomorrow, as meeting up with Kacper and we are going to tweak the website, film some temporary videos for it (exercise plus history), and I also want to chat about Instagram and Twitter too.  If you are reading this Kacper, terrific stuff mate.  We are also heading to the gym - and I like going with him as I push more on things I probably would not do so on my own.

Thursday 15th September 2016 - proposals

Posted 4:20pm

Had a really good session following up on work proposals - and all the feedback I got back was positive - and many meetings being organised.

I spoke with:

• Circle Housing
• Family Mosaic Housing
• Islington and Shoreditch Housing
• Barnsbury Housing
• SHP (single homeless project) - in fact just had a telephone call back from them - they want to do it - meeting up in two weeks to discuss the basics:  YAY!!!
• BITC (business in the community

I think that, because a lot of the proposals went out in August, quite a few got put to one side due to people being away on holiday, and things just got missed.  These follow up calls have reenergised the work.

I also contacted Arsenal in the Community - I had messaged them on twitter and they passed me their email contact, and hopefully we can get a meeting with them too.

Thursday 15th September 2016 - insurance

Posted 1:15pm

Getting everything organised for this small funding meeting (this application is for just under £5000) next Tuesday is a full time job in itself.  In my time, I have looked after multi-million pound/euro budgets, and this is proving to be even more of a headache.

Insurance is a massive factor - and the part of the funding application will cover it.  But naturally I want to get the  best deal as well as the correct coverage.  Straight forward? It should be.

The fitness side of things is under the control of my friend Adam - we must hook up soon mate if you read this - I have messaged today.  Adam is one of the most inspirational men I have ever met - relaxed and laid back, but also very focused, and understanding.  Adam was the Head Trainer on a three week resedential bootcamp I went on three years ago (honestly Adam, I will reach that target again soon), and the fact we are still in such good contact, and hopefully good business partners soon too, is testament to his outlook on helping people.

It is Adam's fitness advice and expertise that we will be channeling to clients, and this comes under his insurance.  We have approached his insurance company and they have given us a very good employer's liability quote.  I am looking into the subject of public liability.

However, we are also looking to organise "Izzwalkz" - at least three weekly walks in Islington for people out of work during the daytime, at three different locations.  This is proving to be a little more awkward on insurance, but am confident I can get something in place.  It's the public liability that is essential - but the first quote I was given was rather steep - and I am sure I can get for less.

Wednesday 14th September 2016 - lots of organising - plus Housing Assocs

Posted 4:35pm

Exciting news on the proposal front.  I have spoken again with Circle Housing Association - I met them originally in the second week of August.  They are still very interested, and the employment team will be coming back to me with a meeting date.

Even more wonderful - Family Mosaic (who I have to say have been incredibly difficult with which to communicate - finally contacted me.  This probably was down to the fact I looked up their Head of Customer Service online and telephoned her direct (this after their main switchboard told me that they could not put tenants through to her).  She was wonderful, and I now have a meeting arranged for the 27th September, where I will meet up with two of the main organizers of the Employment Team. :-)

Posted 2:35pm

It's been busy bee time lately - lots of fiddly little organising to be done.  I have been to network events in the past where people have terrific ideas, but no paperwork, and no real idea of the size of work that needs to be done in preparation before any actual project work can go ahead.

I have been lucky in my time to have office managed, finance managed, personnel managed, and project managed in different situations, all of which seem to have come together quite nicely for me at this time.

It's even the smallest, almost insignificant, things, you need to have correct.  Today, I have arranged a meeting for next Wednesday with the Business Manager for Santander.  I opened the bank account several years ago when I originally set up the company, as any finding applications normally ask about those details.  It has sat there, with £10 sitting in it, dormant, for some time.  But now, I need to have a debit card, online access, mobile access, and online statements, all of which I need to be proficient in before any funding money goes in.

I also popped into EE to discuss the business mobile that I have - I currently only pay £30 per month (incl. vat).  But they said for an additional £20 per month (and we are asking this in the funding application) I can get a Samsung Tablet too - and this could be invaluable as we meet clients and discuss matters.  Much easier looking up on a larger tablet than on a mobile phone - it also looks more professional moving forward - naturally this is all down to funders - and they may of course turn us down completely!!!

I also have a meeting organised for the 10th October with the Clissold Park Manager in regards to the walk i want to organize there, plus other outdoors activities.

I have also started preparing for the forms and booklets I will be giving out to clients - firstly in preparation of doing the project, and also on feedback and outcomes for reporting purposes.  It's definitely busy.

Monday 12th September 2016 - website news

Posted 7:50pm

My amazing website guy has been working very hard for me - and he naturally doing it for free as there is no money at the moment - and we are using one of the "make a free website" sites.  So all considered I am very grateful for all efforts.

We are producing one with several pages:

Home

About Us

Ajani

Izzwalkz

Gallery

Blog one

Blog two

Contact

It feels wonderful seeing things all come together.

Tonight I am carrying on with CRM and tomorrow I will be doing the proposals.

Sunday 11th September 2016 - Clissold Park - full week ahead

Posted 8:05pm

Part of the project is launching three walks a week in the area (although the pilot is Islington, Clissold is right on the border of Islington and Hackney, but is covered by Hackney).

I tweeted the Clissold Park Users Group on Friday, and quite by coincidence they had there bimonthly meeting today in Clissold House - which is in the middle of the park.  I attended the meeting, which was lovely (it is amazing just how much work goes into running a park).

I wanted to ensure that the walks are run with permission and knowledge, and hopefully support.

This week is all about preparation for the funding meeting on the 20th, and following up on proposals for work.  I will be visiting all the companies that have not come back to me - and I wont go away till I have a meeting organised.  I am certain that I can do this successfully, and the passion for it will win people over I am sure.

For the funding meeting I need to gather a lot of paperwork ready.  I want to impress on them that I have so much support - which I do - and that the money they give will be spent wisely, properly, and will benefit the project.

This is going to be a busy, but exciting week. :-)