Sunday 30th October 2016 - first real test of emotions

Posted 8:00pm

Well, as people have read from the blog, huge progress has happened over the last couple of months, and this is through serious negotiations and meetings, a lot of work - and that not just from myself, but also should be recognised by Kacper on website, Adam on fitness side, and Scott making sure I getting everything done in the right order and on time.

However, our first big test to overcome as emerged.  Cripplegate - we applied for £4500 which included Insurance, Printing, Travel - have turned us down - I honestly thought we would get at least some of the claim.

"Although the panel was sympathetic to the needs of the project, given the demand on available funds, they felt unable to prioritise your application for funding."

Even if we wanted to continue we cant, as we have to have insurance in place, whatever happens.  It is just a puzzle to overcome, and we will, but it is a dent in the confidence.

I know we have a good concept because everyone we speak to agrees.  I know we have a project people are interested in using - we have had enough meetings to know that is true - and hence the december meeting.  Why is it so hard to speak to anyone about money?  I will admit it has upset me, especially as I have done so much recently.

Friday 28th October 2016 - flyers, meeting confirmations, twitter

Posted 2:40pm

I have ordered the Clissold Walk flyers from Vistaprint.  Cheap and cheerful. :-)

They should come next week - and the first walk is on four weeks' time - on Thursday 24th November.  Hopefully we can drum up some media publicity too.

I have already started getting confirmations for the December presentation meeting.  Disability Action Islington - who have stated interest in us running a program in January; Change Grow Live - who have stated interest in us running a program in February.  The DWP Borough Relationship Manager is attending, along with a member of Islington NHS Commissioning Board - they themselves cannot commission, but they would be able to guide us.  All positive at the moment.

I have been on Twitter contacting various funders.  I thought we fitted the critera for Lloyds, but sadly no.  There are options, but we should really be looking at Department of Health, Department of Work and Pensions, and NHS.  Some serious work to do on that front.

Wednesday 26th October 2016 - Massive Presentation Meeting in December

Posted 4:20pm
Second blog entry of the day - but it deserved its own little record.

We have a presentation day in December with SHP - which we were going to be showing off the program to their service users before starting a pilot in January.  Because of the incredible interest I have managed to gather for the project with other organisations, I wanted to use it to also present to them.  SHP, naturally on reflection, said they would not want their service users in on such a meeting. 

However, after a bit of a brain wave, and some slight alterations, we are now presenting to interested parties in the morning, and to SHP service users in the afternoon.  This is terrific for me - as I will get a chance to show off the program to the following - all of whom know of the date and say they want to come:

Circle Housing

Change Grow Live (CGL)

Business In the Community (BITC)

Job Centre (DWP)

Disability Action Islington (DAI)

NHS Commissioning Group

Islington/Camden Public Health Team

Freelance Media Journalist for Camden/Islington

Local Islington Council Media

WOW!!!!  What an opportunity.  It is six weeks away.  That really could be the clincher.  I will naturally be presenting.  SHP say they will say why they are going to be using the program - which is a massive boost.  I will be asking Adam to present about the fitness side of things, and why the proactive approach we are doing is so vital.  I will also ask Fateha (from the local medical practice) to speak about why the proactive approach is needed from their point of view.

Wednesday 26th October 2016 - logos, camera bought, walks.

Posted 4:00pm

On a personal note, after all the exertions of the last couple days I have taken it a bit more leisurely, although the bank made me walk for around 10km earlier.  The HMHB account is with Santander.  I collected the £201.36 grant from SHP - which they got from the Cataylst Fund run by Cripplegate - and went to pay it into the Holloway Road branch only to be told that you cannot pay in Business cash at branches - personal is fine.  They said I needed to use the Post Office. Extraordinary.  But when I visited the PO they would not accept the card. I eventually walked to Angel and they politely allowed me "as a one off" to pay the cash into the bank account!!!

So I have ordered our video camera, the house printer and inks.  Plus our two new logos for Ajani and Izzwalkz.

Hope you guys like them.

The first walk we are doing - in Clissold Park - we are doing in conjunction with Highbury Grange Medical Centre.  Earlier, I dropped an email off to the Operations Manager of Islington Central Medical Centre to see if they would partner up for one in Highbury Fields.  I will wait to see what comes back.

Tuesday 25th October 2016 - filming, presentation and progress

Posted 2:15pm

I am aware that this is the first entry since last Thursday - time definitely is flying along - but I can assure readers that we have not been standing still.

Yesterday, Kacper (website guy) and myself traveled to Cirencester, via National Express coaches, to visit Adam, where we filmed around 15 fitness videos for the Youtube channel.  Fantastic scenery meant we chose to film in a field next to his property, which meant a very natural look.

I really wanted to get some videos up and published, especially as we are talking to companies about programs and contracts, to give them a feel of what we can do.  These are initial ones which we will probably replace, but I liked the genuine way the information came across.  It wasn't scripted and with Adam first demonstrating the exercises, and then me struggling my way through them, people can relate to how difficult some of them are.  And with me still wanting to lose around 10-12kgs, my belly, moobs and chin shows that anyone can do them.  I liked the way we showed easier and harder versions of the exercises, as well as explaining which muscles we were using, and even why the exercise was useful.  Massive thanks to Adam for giving up his time, and his patience - and also to Kacper for his time and camera skills - especially as he had not used the camera before.  A day well spent.  We will get the videos up on Youtube shortly.

Our Youtube channel is  hmhb2016

I met up with Scott last Friday, and we went over the program presentation I am preparing.  At the moment there are now 30 slides on the Powerpoint.  It includes slides on all 13 weeks of the program, the five walks we want to deliver in this area, as well as an overview of the fitness side, and why we are actually doing it, and what the outcomes we perceive it will produce.  I have also sent a copy to my committee to look at, and there suggestions will definitely be taken into account.

Twitter is continuing to be a good outlet for us - and I have several followers who can be influential, and I am learning how to use it productively.  Our Twitter is  @hmhb2016 - please follow us.

On personal note I gained 1lb last week.  I am not surprised or disappointed - although naturally I wish it had not happened.  I had to give up several days to project last week - which meant no exercise at all - and let myself down a couple of days with treats - so this week I am very determined to turn that around.  In fact I have just come from the gym where I did a 6km run and then a further 2km on the crosstrainer/step machine.  More to follow.

Thursday 20th October 2016 - another stunning day

Posted 9:00pm

So much to put in this blog entry - I must ensure I don't leave anything out.  But the days are coming thick and fast, but if all are as good as today I will be very happy.

I have been thinking a lot lately about the content of each half day of the 13 week programme - but today it was just one of those inspiring moments, and it just flowed and flowed.  I got it all down - the basic content but anyway - naturally I now have to broaden it for delivery - but the actual base is now set down.  Very very happy with the way it has come.

Not just that, but the first Izzwalkz" is going to be on Thursday 24th November in Clissold Park, and will be there every week following that.  We are doing it in partnership with Highbury Grange Medical Practice - and they are delighted to be joining with us - which is amazing.  Meeting at 11am outside the Practice we will be walking for around an hour and a half - finishing at the tea venue in the park.  The start of something I have wanted for a while.  I had to produce a flyer, which I have designed and they have approved.  Brilliant!!!

There are also a lot of administration items to get which people might not think about - one of which is sorting out domain names and emails.  This I have now done with 123-reg, and after this weekend, once I have had a good opportunity to understand it all, I can then adjust paperwork with email addresses and the website address.  I had to loan the company a little money of mine to get - and people know I am not flush currently - but that is worth it.

SHP have advised me that the small grant - it is from something called the Catalyst Programme, managed by Cripplegate has arrived.  The £201.36 will go into the HMHB account tomorrow, which I have to provide evidence of to SHP.  I then must spend the money as I indicated - the video camera, logos for Ajani and Izzwalkz - and the home printer with inks - and provide the invoice receipts for these also to SHP.  It is exciting though to see this come through.

I have heard back from Islington NHS Commissioning Group, and will be definitely meeting the lady on the 15th November to discuss the program - and I am anxious to get in there, as if we can get commissioned to do the work, we will get paid, and I do not have to worry too much about my personal bills then - and can concentrate on the delivery.

I am so excited at the way things are developing.

Wednesday 19th October 2016 - prioritise and time management - plus personal fitness

Posted 11:40am

An earlier post today.  I am looking after my elderly friend this afternoon - and will be working on project there, but time to stop and make my blog entry before.

Yesterday I had a meeting with Business In The Community and now, alongside Disability Action Islington and Change Grow Live, they also express terrific interest in a programme, but with all I have to dot the "i"s and cross the "t"s and provide clearer paperwork.  I did explain to all that we are developing that at the moment for SHP, and also invited all to attend my "day presentation" at the start of December.

I have also asked Islington Commissioning Group, a member of the Islington Public Health Team, Circle Housing, and two members of the media - the printed press and the Islington Council online service.  So that is a deadline I cannot ignore.

I need to prioritise and get everything down in a clear and structured way.  That is proving to be stressful, but also therapeutic in a strange way.  It is great seeing it get clearer and clearer, and even now continues to develop as issues come up.

The meeting with Voluntary Action Islington was particularly interesting from an organisation point of view.  We went over subjects such as Company structure, as well as funding, evidence and outcomes, and I got some useful contacts and internet addresses.  I just wish I could delegate some of this to others, as research is required.  Hey ho.

For the walks I thought it would be good to see if I could get a First Aid qualification - I have done the courses before, but they have time limits.  I contacted the Red Cross to see if they do any charitable places on day courses, explaining my financial situation.  They are looking into it for me.

Personally - I feel very energised.  Yesterday, I went to the Copperbox Gym in the Queen Elizabeth Park, where the 2012 London Olympic stadium is based, with Kacper - the guy doing my website. He is also coming next Monday when we go to film some of our fitness videos with my fantastic expert Adam.  That should be fun.  I am pressing on - although still struggling a bit with tiredness.  It's not just about losing the weight - which is great and things going steadily there - but also eating better, overcoming my reliance on food when issues abound.  Again, I am controlling things well - maybe helps that my financial position does not allow me to spend a lot - but again a blessing in disguise. It's looking at the positives!!

Monday 17th October 2016 - what a great day of meetings!!!

Posted 7:40pm

It's been a day of meetings - and all went really well - what can I say!!!!

First, I met with the practice manager, and her assistant, from Highbury Grange Health Centre. Could not have gone much better.  Discussed several matters:

• going to start the Clissold Park walk - joint venture with them. I have to produce a flyer.
• we are looking into contacting council about getting an outdoor gym in Highbury Fields
• they are going to assist me in contacting a qualified nutritionist/dietician re presentation of nutrition on project
• also going to put me in touch with motivational speakers - looking at guests
• also re-contacting the commissioning group
• there is a health show at olympia i will look to attend

All very positive though.

Second, I met with Disability Action Islington.  The project is available to all, and I wanted to ensure I could adapt it for people with physical disabilities in a way that would benefit them just as much. The conversation went very well indeed, and they expressed great interest in starting a program with us at the start of next year.  Naturally there is a lot of paperwork and such like to cover, but they will come along to the SHP day event in December, but they are already talking about how we present the project.  Very positive.

Finally, I met with Voluntary Action Islington - which was incredibly helpful - more for networking and fundraising advice and the contacts they have.  The lady I met with was fantastic, and understood the benefits this could bring.  There is a huge amount of work to do from this meeting, but going forward it could prove to be of massive importance.

No gym today - although I did lose another 0.5kgs last week - down to 85.4kgs - which means I have list just under half a stone in three weeks.  Things are going well there.  It;s not just about weight loss though.  I feel energised (apart from early mornings - I want to improve that) and am not allowing any issues to cloud my vision.

Sunday 16th October 2016 - videos, plus big week

Posted 9:30pm

Massive thanks to Adam - as we have organised to visit him next Monday (24th) and film the first batch of videos for the Youtube channel and the website - fitness etc.  Looking forward to that very much.  More news of that when it happens - but I have spoken to a lot of people about our plans and they like the sound of what we propose.  Now it is a question of doing them right!!!

I have plans for many more videos, bespoke for the project.  It is exciting.

A big week ahead - with a lot of work to produce.

Several meetings booked:

Highbury Grange Health Centre

Disability Action Islington

Voluntary Action Islington

Business in the Community

I have quite a fun meeting on Wednesday morning too - which I will explain on the day.

I am sitting for my elderly friend for two afternoons - which will give me a chance to type a lot up.

I would like to have produced most of the program by the end of the week - so a lot of research, printing and forming of ideas to come.

Plus I want to nail down the paperwork we give to the clients.  It's a lot of fun.

Friday 14th October 2016 - more progress

Posted 3:50pm

This morning I met with Change Grow Live, based in Seven Sisters Road just off Holloway Road. They keen on the project, and I have invited them to attend the day event with SHP on the 6 December, with a view to discuss starting a program with them in February 2017.

They like the concept, as does everyone I ever talk to, but money could be a sticking point.  I would need to discuss this further.  It always boils down to money!!!!

Adam sent me through a link to a company called Tribe:  "Our journey has inspired TRIBE: we decided to make natural foods to prepare other people for tough journeys." is the quote from their website.

Thyey organise runs and events - obviously marketing their products at same time - and I have booked up for a couple of events (free) including a run/exercise thing on the 25 October.  Should be fun.

I abandoned the CRM system I was using - it was not what I was looking for, and then discovered how to use Microsoft Access - which build just the contacts database I require - so re-entering all my contacts on there.  It is simpler, and easy to make searches.

Tomorrow I am hooking up with my website friend, and want to pin that down soon - as all then we would need to add are the video stuff and pictures.  I am also hard at work on the fundamentals of the program, as well as other papers.  Next week is full of meetings - and on two days I am sitting for my elderly friend.

Thursday 13th October 2016 - small SHP grant approved £200

Posted 2:40pm

Delighted to get the news today that the small grant applied for by SHP for me, on my behalf,has been approved.  In fact, when SHP rang me they said the funders were excited to hear about the project and wanted to get developments.  Nice!!!!  :-)

So this means that we can get the digital video camera - fantastic news.  This can help with providing the films for Youtub channel, as well as recording progress as we go, feedback, and various events. Really excited to get this backing.

I can also get the logos for Ajani and Izzwalkz - I have got them done online, saved.  So it is just a case of getting on and ordering them, and using them.  Really pleased with that.

Finally, I can improve my home printer with a better one - which again is great timing.  It will be nice to update my current one, which has served me well for quite a few years, but this one will be wireless and quicker and better.

Tuesday 11th October 2016 - meetings galore - personal fitness

Posted 11:10pm

A late entry today.  But that's because it was a long day, and then there was football on the television, with England playing out a draw with Slovenia in the football (they could easily have lost).

Good meeting with Scott today.  I am busy working on the 13 week programme and its content, and have been developing the paperwork we intend to give to the clients:  this includes a Food Diary (for nutrition reasons), a Money Diary (for budgeting reasons), and evidence booklet - this showing what can happen if they allow themselves to fall into the unemployment rut.  We will also be giving them a fitness booklet (still working on that).

Lots of meetings are now organised, and by the end of the next three weeks we really should have a solid idea of where we stand, especially what we will be doing in the next six months.  I want to see it grow, naturally, but that is very much around contracts and money - i need a salary, and I need to pay at least two other people a part-time salary.  It's a headache - but a nice one.

Personally, I am doing really well.  I was very happy with my first two weeks.  Weight wise - first week I lost 1.4kgs - and last week I lost 1.2kgs.  Overall that's a great start - but I have had them before,  This time is so different.  I thought that on several occasions, but this time, with the videos and the project, it is all coming together.  I feel energised, positive, focused, but most of all I have deadlines and actually know the program will start.  Yes, I would like some money - I want a life like anyone else - I haven't had a holiday for ages and ages, or a nice big shop, or a splurge - but if I continue to believe and work hard, it will come. 

Monday 10th October 2016 - big week ahead - personal success

Posted 8:30pm

I did not post over the weekend - not because I was not actually doing anything, but admittedly I did not do much.  Saturday, Kacper my young website whizz, came round and we did a bit on the website. It is gradually coming along.

I also have been busy completing forms;

• I totally redesigned the Client Information form - I had completed the first using a lot of cut and paste from other sites, but realised I wanted to have my own look and design.
• I also did the same for the Diversities and Equalities form - it just did not look right by cutting and pasting - but I am very happy with the new designs
• I typed up a Non Disclosure form - this for the companies we will be working with - protecting my Intellectual Property - stop them saying that they like the idea, but wont do it - and then go and do it themselves (Family Mosaic have sort of done this - I should have prepared myself before)
• I am also preparing a two/three page letter to send to Theresa May - I originally met with the Conservative Policy Team a few years ago, and they were so impressed they passed it then to Theresa May when she was at the Department of Work and Pensions - and she wrote back asking to be kept informed - and then she moved to a different department.  I am hoping to meet the policy team again.  Can't hurt to write.

I met with a lovely lady who is one of the managers at Clissold Park today, and they happy for me to use the park for walks and other activities.

I am now working on papers for a meeting with Scott tomorrow - there is a lot to prepare by the end of this week if I want to meet deadlines.

Friday 7th October 2016 - brainwaves

Posted 12:55pm

It is funny how things develop sometimes.  For something like this project, which has developed over several years, and has changed over time, this is because of different conversations I have had and various people I have met over time.

The programme itself, I know how I want to deliver it, but was stuck on various pieces of concept and how to actually put it over in a way that is fun, but also easy to understand.  And then last night I had a brainwave.  It was almost like I was putting a jigsaw together and suddenly saw the pattern and how to put it together.  So this weekend is going to be very busy.

Adam has come up with a couple of good ideas with the fitness - and I am looking forward to spending a day with him later this month hopefully.

The days are speeding by.  I have been hoping for ages to get this started and have deadlines - and now they are here they are approaching very fast.  

Thursday 6th October 2016 - exciting developments and meetings

Posted 11:50am

When setting something up like this, you know you are going to be contacting a lot of people and trying to arrange a lot of meetings.  There will also be a great deal of following up on emails and texts.

Yesterday I did a lot of chasing - and it has paid off handsomely.  Some terrific meetings have been organised.

Disability Action Islington and I will be hooking up on Monday week on the 17th October.

Change Grow Live have arranged a meeting for next Friday - 14th October.

I have spoken with the commissioning board for Islington NHS, and requested a meeting with them.

This afternoon I am meeting the "Assistant Public Health Strategist for Camden and Islington Public Health Team".

On Monday I am chatting with the manager for Clissold Park re the walks.

More than ever we need to work on several areas that will have to be ready for the first week of November.

• The programme will have to be detailed down in writing
• The website will have to be live
• At least 10 of the videos will have to be on Youtube
• All paperwork to be handed out will need to be correct
• We need to have a serious look at all funding opportunities
• We need to be focused on how we will produce the outcome figures

It's okay being without a salary at the start - but it is important to make this self sustainable as quickly as possible, as well as make sure all HMHB parties are paid properly.  It will naturally take a while to get established, but if we work hard, and produce the significant outcomes that I know this project can provide, we should be be able to earn enough not to worry.