Tuesday 29th November 2016 - social media plus personal

Posted 12:30am.

Yes, it has just turned midnight, so technically it is Monday night.  And another late one.  My body clock is still adjusting back to normal sleeping (whatever that is) after my recent flat issues.

But a lot has gone on since my last entry, especially on Social Media.

I realise that Social Media is going to be a big part of what we are doing, especially for people after they have finished our courses.  Proactive interaction is vital,  To that extent, we have been pressing on several fronts.

Facebook - this is coming - we have a couple of issues surrounding this we need to iron out first - but I am sure we can do that quickly.

Twitter - this is becoming useful.  We have got several people to retweet our first Clissold Park walk tweet, which also states they are every Thursday morning.  I really hope we can grow the walk over the next few weeks.

Website - this is very encouraging.  We have pone published for our committee members at the moment to review, and within the next couple of weeks it will become live for everyone.  Kacper has done some amazing work, and I am delighted with it.

On a personal front, I again realised that I was not actually doing what the program dictates.  There are many facets to the program.  And I have also been working hard on research lately - I have slipped back on my fitness.  So for the next seven weeks I am going to push on - but then, when we start the pilot with SHP in January, I will do everything I ask of the clients - so that will mean the food, budget and sleep diaries, as well as setting realistic targets with my weight and fitness.  In fact it will be a great example to be looking at my goals and targets alongside the people on the course.

Friday 25th November 2016 - program file growing

Posted 3:30pm

The presentation is only 11 days away, and we are gradually organising everything in readiness.  It's incredible just how much work has to go in to prepare for these kind of events.  I think that some people looking to start a business just think they need to get their Business Plan and Spreadsheets done and everything then falls into place.  If only!!!!

I sent a timeline around for the day to all relevant parties.  It is not just myself who will be talking, but SHP are introducing the event, and Fateha, Scott, Adam, and Luke (who will be my fellow deliverer) are also speaking.  I will be doing the bulk of the Power Point, but several of the slides will be led by Luke - and of course the fitness/exercise side of the project (a major selling point and one of our USPs) will be administered by Adam.

I have been researching the program delivery for quite a long while - and have now started designing and researching papers, which we are printing off (courtesy of our new printer).  It is nice to see a file starting to grow.  The whole course has to be fun and interactive - it's the only way to build confidence and esteem, and encourage people to change their mind-set and behaviour.

Thursday 24th November 2016 - First Izzwalkz Clissold Park

Posted 1:20pm

After years of talking, we finally started our first weekly walk in Islington.  In partnership with Highbury Grange Medical Practice, a new healthy walk will now be every Thursday morning at 11am taking in the beauty of Clissold Park, which is just about five minutes from the practice.

It is wonderful having the support of HGMP, and we have created a strong bond between us already, and they heavily support the concept of HMHB and the Ajani project.

The first walk had four people - myself, Fateha and Pooja from HPMG, and Sheila, and we had a lovely hour of walk and chat - we must have traveled between 2.5 and 3km - and we all agreed that it had gone well.

The numbers weren't really important.  This is surely something that will grow and grow, and we talked about how we can try and get more people aware of the walk for next week. I am already looking forward to next week.

It was lovely to see an idea come to fruition.

Wednesday 23rd November 2016 - preparing papers - research and design

Posted 12:15am

Yes, it has just turned into Wednesday.  I have been catching up on project work, and have managed to get a huge amount done.

There are a lot of papers to get ready for the program itself, the clients, as well as presentations. Today, I managed to research and create quite a few.

For our clients, when they start out they will have to complete several forms.  These are now ready. I will also be giving out three diaries they are to keep weekly: food, sleep, and  money.  They are all prepared.

I have a smoking questionnaire for those who smoke - we are naturally promoting anyone that smoking can be harmful to your body and life and it is best to stop.  It is their choice, but we are providing information to them, and then we will help if they do actually decide to quit.  I have prepared the paperwork for that.  I have also gathered together some startling statistics to go with the smoking information.

Our first week is on Mind-set - and I have developed my own quiz, and then help understanding the different kinds of mind-set, and how we can train ourselves to adjust to a "growth mind-set" from a "fixed mind-set".

One of the weeks we are talking about sleep - together with anxiety and stress.  I have researched and developed a sleep questionnaire, and also gathered some other materials to make it a fun way to learn.

There is also a quick exercise questionnaire.  You might wonder there are so many of these.  The purpose of the pilot is to produce measurable outcomes that we can present to prospective clients with whom we can get contracts.  We need to gather a lot of information then to then translate into recognisable outcomes.

Tuesday 22nd November 2016 - been unwell, but hopefully back on target

Posted 3:50pm

A couple of people have messaged me asking why I have not been updating blog a lot, and it's time to come clean and say I have not been well for around a week, but thankfully starting to feel a lot better and back on laptop and working on project - a bit of catching up to do - but definitely still on target.  I did say a couple of days ago I was taking a small break, but didn't want lots of messages re sympathy or anything. :-)

When you are on your own, and unwell, it can get quite lonely, and frustrating - especially when working on an exciting project like this.  But almost back to myself today, and aiming to work all the hours I can to get back on target.

Sunday 20th November 2016 - a little break frees the mind

Posted 10:40pm

I realise that I have not posted for a few days, but I needed to just step away and refresh my mind. The next few months are going to be very busy and I will not get a lot of free time - even over Christmas.

In a couple of weeks is the presentation.  And then in January we hope to start our first pilot.

On top of that, our first weekly walk starts this Thursday.

This coming week will really involve a lot of preparation.  It's funny - so many of these "starting a small business" courses focus on Business Plan, Policies, Spreadsheets etc.  I think this can give a false impression to people that once those things are in place everything will be cool.  Maybe in a few circumstances it works like that, but this is not one of them.

I need to finalise the Power Point presentation, as well as get a kind of Agenda order for the day.  I am also working on the content of each of the thirteen weeks of the program.  I am determined for none of them to be boring, and we will not be lecturing people.  I want games, quizzes, fun interaction, but also a sense of building confidence and awareness and self-belief.

I am also still working on different funding spreadsheets, depending on number of programs and number of areas.  All that would involve staff numbers, different expenses etc.  To make it work, after the pilot I think a minimum of 16 programs a year in one area would be required.  My aim is to have 24 a year per borough.  But so much pressure is on me to provide the funding for all this.

I am so lucky to have a great team behind me, and with me.

Tuesday 15th November 2016 - videos and maintenance

Posted 10:05pm
Another strange couple of days.

Yesterday attended a Recovery College course called "A Good Night's Sleep" - which I thought was excellent - and we will be covering part of it on our 13 week program.  I think some people came to it thinking it was going to give miracle answers to their own personal sleep issues - but clearly it was advertised for professionals and service users as more of a discussion of causes and effects.

I will certainly be looking to attend a further three day courses next term - and still have one more to come towards the end of this month.

Kacper has excelled himself - his work on website - which he has not had a penny for (none of us have as yet) and he is doing while he does all his other work - is terrific.  He has also now uploaded all our preliminary exercise videos onto our YouTube channel.  I must must use this as one of my incentives to do well with the weight.  We must also chat with Adam about doing some more before the end of the month (Adam, if reading this, I will be in contact) as well as how we move forward.

Today I had a quick chat with someone from the NHS Islington Patient's Group - they are attending in December.

Personally, my infestation in flat is sorted (so I have been told) - so back to better sleep - and back to gym tomorrow!!  Yay!!

Sunday 13th November 2016 - full week ahead - deadlines getting closer

Posted 10:40pm

A small bug infestation has caused me no end of problems in the last week - a lot of them being lack of sleep, and lots of biting!!!  Thought pest control had sorted, but appears not.

However, that is maybe just excuses, as could have done more last week, so this coming one will have to make up some of that time, as deadlines are getting closer and closer - and rushing up. Thinking heavily of our December presentation.

But a cracking week ahead. Tomorrow I have my second Recovery College afternoon course - this one on "sleep". Should be interesting - especially with my own issues. Tuesday I have the local NHS Patient's Group meeting, and have arranged to talk to a lady from commissioning.  Plus, in the eve I am attending some kind of meeting about a running event next year - to be honest I am not sure of the exact details at the moment.  Thursday is the New Business Show at Olympia, and chatting with Google there.  I am also going to the gym a lot more this week as getting back on my personal fitness after a couple of difficult weeks, and this includes a couple of visits with my website friend Kacper.

I also need to do more work on the finances/funding side - really have to press with that.  I continue to work on the content of the 13 week program too.  So a lot going on.

Thursday 10th November 2016 - looking at costings and finance

Posted 10:00pm

Been a difficult few days - as very little sleep due to little critters in the flat - pest control been, so hopefully things will be back to normal tomorrow.

I did have a cracking meeting with Arsenal in the Community, who said they liked what I was doing, would attend the presentation in December, and could be actively involved in what we are doing. That was another real boost.  Again, all I meet like what we have developed.

I have had to seriously start looking at several things:

looking at outcome forms, to be completed at the start of the program and the end.

now gradually developing the content for each week of the program, including hand outs and games

working on the finances and costings for each course or per year, depending on how many programs we can run in one year.

It's all quite complicated - obviously.  Nothing is straight forward!!!!

Tomorrow - no meetings - which us nice.  I can get back to the gym.  I know that in the last ten days my weight has probably gone up a bit - the lack of movement caused by exhaustion from no sleeping - but that isnt a problem, and I am looking forward to sweating again.

Wednesday 9th November 2016 - Networking and personal

Posted 2:40pm

Sitting in the cafe in the KPMG building in Canary Wharf.  This area is terrific - and just thinking what it was like here around 20 years ago is quite sobering.  More and more tall buildings going up - they are even reclaiming land from the Thames to build on.  But it goes to show what you can achieve from one small idea for the initial building, to what it is now.

Had some good news in that we are meeting Arsenal in the Community tomorrow - if they can be involved in some way that would be terrific.  But I imagine, like funders, they get a lot of approaches and can only deal with so many, so if nothing comes from it this time then that is fine.

Attending a network event this evening, being run by the London Small Business Centre, in East London - near to All Saints Docklands Light Railway Station.  I used to go to a lot of these when I first started with this concept a few years ago - in fact I must have participated in at least 50 over all the time.  They can be useful, and then again sometimes you get nothing from them.  I have not actually been to one for around three years, but thought it was about time.  It was also free, always a nice gesture.  Not exactly sure what the topic is, as there is normally some kind of talk involved.  I will certainly be looking to attend quite a few more over the next few months.

On a personal note, because of sleep issues, I know I have not done as well over the last seven/nine days.  A sudden sit back and think made me realise that I had started finding excuses not to do exercise and eat better, so that is changing from today.  I have started developing good habits - regularly attending gym, and avoiding various shop aisles which can lead to temptation - but need to balance project, life, and social better - again all part of the Ajani project.

Tuesday 8th November 2016 - first college session - plus Arsenal

Posted 11:30pm

Got no sleep last night due to bed bugs - never had them before - contacted Housing Association, and waiting to hear. But it meant no energy for gym earlier - not sure how tonight is going to go.

But I managed to stay awake this afternoon whilst attending a Recovery College session on "Understanding Anxiety".  Was a very interesting two and a half hours - it's funny how quick the time goes - our own thirteen week course will be two and a half/three hour sessions per week.

There was a good mix of attendees, and picked up a couple of pointers, particularly when it comes to "mindset" - something we are being very focused on.

Everyone we asked to attend the December presentation has now replied - and only a couple are not able to come - one of which is sending someone else - and in fact we have two new attendees too - so I am really looking forward to it.

I am also hoping that Arsenal in the Community will attend.  If we can get them involved, especially as we are looking for some small funds to help with the pilot if possible, that would be a real bonus. I had been trying to contact for a while - but understand they must get inundated with emails and requests. But today I got a reply, and am setting up a meeting - so very positive.

It's the same with funders I guess.  They get a huge number of requests, for a limited amount of money and, although disappointing if we miss out, I totally respect the fact that they can only choose a certain number of projects to fund.  I am just grateful to anyone who even considers out project, as at least we know we are doing something right.

Tomorrow is a long day - and will update blog on the details then.  Still a huge amount of work to do, but I feel we are slowly getting there.

Monday 7th November 2016 - more good news - second post of day

Posted 4:20pm

Had a bit of a gym session - and now doing some more project work - and this day just keeps on giving, so wanted to put stuff down while I am feeling good.

Firstly, I have a couple more confirmations for the December presentation - one of which is Circle Housing, which is terrific.  I would very much like to get in with them.  They are one of the biggest Housing Associations around, and I know they have a budget for their employment team, and therefore contracts would hopefully be easier to talk about with them.  The other organisation coming is the Red Cross themselves - I thought it prudent to ask them after their fantastic gesture earlier (in first blog entry today).

I also have signed up for a Network evening event with the London Small Business people.  When I was first developing this concept, I went to quite a few events.  They can be a mish/mash - but also on occasions prove invaluable.  It's nice to get out and about though.

This week is a busy one.  Six things in the diary already, and who knows what else will crop up.  Oh, and after last week being a bit difficult due to three issues (two personal away from the project), I just did two letters dealing with those issues.  Previous, I would probably have ummed and aahhed and not done anything for over a month or two.  This time, I just got it done.  Feeling good about things again.

Monday 7th November 2016 - upbeat with good news

Posted 1:00pm
An afternoon posting as I am working on various project stuff.
After a tough week last week, it was good to start off with a few pieces of good news.

Earlier I had a good chat with the Operations Manager for Islington Central Medical Centre - Aniko Szulyovszky.  Another person who got the project immediately and could see the benefits.  We are teaming up with Highbury Grange Medical Practice for the Clissold Park walk starting later this month, and I wanted to discuss the opportunity of joining up with ICMC for a walk in Highbury Fields.  They seemed interested and she said she would discuss this with the doctors at their meeting later this week.  Terrific stuff.

I also received the flyers for the first walk in Clissold Park.  I dropped some off at the surgery, and will be dropping other off around the area.  I will also be printing up a couple of posters, and contacting the local paper too.  We start on Thursday 24th November at 11am.

Finally, I had approached the Red Cross, as I felt it important to have an up to date First Aid certificate if I am dealing with members of public, but without money currently I pleaded poverty and asked if they had charity places on their courses.  I explained that I would be doing a pilot program with SHP.  They called me back this morning and, ironically, they train the SHP staff so knew the organisation.  And the Red Cross made me a fantastic offer.  Once we know when the program is running, they will do a short 2-3 hour course, not only for myself and Luke - as members of staff - but also for the people on the course too.  They would end up with a certificate, and it will be something they can put on CVs too.  A wonderful gesture.

This has all really lifted me up.  I admit I was down last week, as previous blog entry said but, again, just being proactive and being positive has paid dividends.

Sunday 6th November 2016 - tough week over

Posted 11:15pm
That was a tough week.
Last weekend, in one day, had three pieces of news that set me back a little - project was one (Cripplegate) and personal a couple.  It just stayed on my mind a bit during the week.
I have the ongoing finance issue too - which is a nightmare.  This is not only project, but also personal wise - bills and Christmas coming up.

Anyway, I also met my daughter on Friday and ate far too much, and far too many bad things - and I will definitely be heavier tomorrow - maybe even a couple of kgs - which is disappointing.

But that is just life - I need to get back into things.  I have done just that today.  I opened up and installed the new printer (pic above), and I also got out the camera (other pic).  So that is a bit of a lift.
I followed up on quite a few emails and contacts to do with the 6 December meeting.
I have also been working on stuff for the website that Kacper has been asking me for for a little while - sorry mate.  Will finish that tomorrow and send to him - and seeing him at the gym on Tuesday to discuss it all.

Also, been updating the presentation a bit. I think I just need to know that at some stage finance is going to come. I need a life!!!!

Thursday 3rd November 2016 - more good meetings

Posted 9:45pm

Yesterday I attended a team leader meeting at SHP to present the project to them.  I brought along a gentleman called Luke, who I hope will end up delivering the program with me, to eventually end up doing them independently - that is if we can get the funds and the outcomes.  The dream is to be doing at least 24 a year in each borough, and obviously in several boroughs and beyond.

The program was really well received by all the people at the team leader meeting - and they will be gathering service users for the first program to start in January.

It was interesting doing a 15 minute pitch, and I was told I came over very well - so that's a good start.

Today I had a meeting with someone from Public Health Islington - they have started an interactive app for issues like smoking, alcohol, substances, sexual health.  I wanted to find a way to join in with the Council, and this looked ideal, as well as join up with Public Health.  They, also, were very enthusiastic, and it looks good going to the future.  Again, it appears our major stumbling block at the moment is serious funding.

I have been doing more work on the Power Point presentation we will be giving on the 6 December, and incorporated many adjustments passed to me by Adam, which were much better wording than some of mine.  I did not do all changes, as I have reasons for some of the stuff on there obviously. But I am so happy that people are giving input, which can be valuable.

Meeting my daughter tomorrow night - which will be a welcome break to the fun/stress of all this.

Tuesday 1st November 2016 - spirits lifted - plus personal

Posted 2:00pm

After the weekend disappointment of the Cripplegate funding decision, there is no point in allowing that to affect us.  Yes, it could have gone our way, and would have been a terrific help, but there are lots of avenues to explore, and meetings to have.  Need to stay positive.

I was lifted on a personal note by getting back on track to my own weight target.  Yesterday I was down to 85.3kgs - so a loss of 3.2kgs in 5 weeks (two of those weeks negated each other) so a half a stone loss is pretty pleasing.  I also noted that I had to be more disciplined shopping wise - which is not hard at the moment due to my own dire financial income.  Every cloud eh?

I was also cheered by Kacper - website supremo - and that is coming along really well.  Meeting him tonight to go over changes.  But his ideas are looking nice.  That again is a positive.  Thanks mate!!

Had a provisional meeting today with SHP and I am attending their Team Leader meeting tomorrow and presenting for 15 minutes.  I think I can do this well enough.

Altogether, keeping busy.  Out and about all the time.  It's the adage I am trying to put over to people with the project - stay positive through adversity, always see hope not despair, be active, get out of the flat//house, and push yourself to achieve.