Latest news with #ChangeMakers
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Paralympic gold-medallist from Colchester continues 'adversity' workshops
A PARALYMPIC champion from Colchester has received national funding so he can help people understand the challenges of living with disabilities. Jonathan Broom-Edwards, who won gold in the T64 high jump at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, has been announced as one of 16 athletes to be funded by the ChangeMaker initiative, which allows Olympic athletes to support worthy causes across the country. As part of the scheme, Mr Broom-Edwards runs "dealing with adversity" workshops which offer children a chance to experience simulated impairments and get an idea about the challenges faced by disabled people each day. Mr Broom-Edwards, 36, is one of 16 athletes receiving grants of up to £10,000 to support their respective causes. He said: 'I'm absolutely thrilled to be part of the ChangeMakers initiative. 'It's an incredible opportunity to grow and expand my accessible sporting workshops, a project that's very special and has the potential to positively impact so many lives. 'The workshops offer children a chance to experience simulated disabilities or impairments, helping them understand the challenges faced by their disabled peers.' Delighted - Jonathan Broom-Edwards (Image: Newsquest) Mr Broom-Edwards, who was born with clubbed foot, competes in the T64 category which is for athletes with a single below the knee amputation who run with a prosthetic body part. He won his first paralympic high jump title at the Tokyo Olympics and was crowned world champion in Japan last year when he cleared 2.04m. He continued: 'The ChangeMakers initiative creates lasting impressions and fosters empathy, promoting a more inclusive mindset that they can carry into society, shaping a future where people with disabilities are fully included, respected, and valued. 'It opens up opportunities for them to inspire the next generation, not only by sharing their personal journeys, but also by helping to roll out these workshops more widely, paving the way for a more inclusive world. Sally Munday, CEO of UK Sport, said: 'The National Lottery continues to be the biggest champion of sport at all levels in the UK. "It's wonderful to see Allwyn, as operator of The National Lottery, enabling our athletes to go even further and use their voice and platforms to power positive change for people, communities and the planet.'
Scotsman
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Scottish athlete driving social impact as recipient of Allwyn ChangeMakers grant
A Scottish athlete will be making a big difference to her local community thanks to Allwyn's ChangeMakers initiative. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Robyn Love, who will be driving social impact in Scotland after receiving funding from the new operator of The National Lottery, said: "Being part of the ChangeMakers initiative is something I'm so proud of and it is giving me the opportunity to grow something I truly believe in. 'The 'Love Wheelchair Basketball ' programme is all about creating a supportive space where women and girls with disabilities can build confidence, connect with others, and realise just how powerful they are - both on and off the court. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Our first session was amazing, with 30 participants and four incredible coaches, and I can't wait to build on that. Tess Howard, one of the other 15 athletes who will also receive funding like Love, put on a session for school children as she launched the announcement of the recipients of the ChangeMaker fund. 'A huge thank you to Allwyn, UK Sport and ParalympicsGB for backing this vision and helping me reach more people through something so close to my heart.' The ChangeMaker grant will allow Robyn to develop the provision of 'The Love Handles' programme - the programme exists to empower women and girls with disabilities to realise their full potential and enhance their confidence both on and off court. She will join fifteen current and former National Lottery funded athletes to receive grants of up to £10,000 to support their activity across a range of causes from the improvement of health and wellbeing, supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion to driving environmental sustainability. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad ChangeMakers is a partnership between Allwyn, UK Sport, Team GB and ParalympicsGB launched in 2024 as part of Allwyn's commitment to having a positive social impact which sees the National Lottery operator commit £1M annually to its Social Value Fund. The grants are the next step in the ChangeMaker initiative which is made of three elements to enable and empower athletes to deliver social impact for the causes and communities which are important to them. Firstly, after the Paris Olympics and Paralympics more than 130 athletes committed to go back into communities across the country to support grassroots projects they are passionate about. The second element – enables athletes to apply for grants to support their personal projects – with the successful recipients being launched today with the third strand being a special Changemaker 'Powered By Purpose' cohort. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This is a UK Sport programme which provides athletes with the skills, knowledge and confidence to turn success on the field of play into long-term positive impact for communities. Andria Vidler, CEO of National Lottery Operator, Allwyn, added: 'The ChangeMaker grants from Allwyn's Social Value Fund will enable these inspiring athletes to make a real difference to the causes and communities which matter most to them. 'Their passion extends beyond sport and I am proud that through Allwyn's commitment to having a positive social impact, we can support to them to take the next step. 'These grants represent our belief that athletes can be powerful catalysts for change both on and off the field of play.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sally Munday, CEO of UK Sport, said: 'The National Lottery continues to be the biggest champion of sport at all levels in the UK, and it's wonderful to see Allwyn, as operator of The National Lottery, enabling our athletes to go even further and use their voice and platforms to power positive change for people, communities and the planet.' The grants are split into two types; a 'Try It' fund which helps athletes who have a social impact idea and want to test its viability and impact, and a 'Scale It' fund, to support athletes who have a pre-existing social impact initiative that requires more support to take it the next level.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Vasie Papadopoulos at ChangeMakers to Speak at Women in PR North America's WorkWell Conference 2025
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2025) - Vasie Papadopoulos, Vice-President of Corporate Affairs at ChangeMakers is pleased to announce their participation as a speaker at the inaugural Women in PR North America WorkWell Conference, taking place on May 7, 2025 at the Old Mill Toronto during Women's Health Month. Image 1Cannot view this image? Visit: The WorkWell Conference is a premier event designed to empower professionals in public relations, media, investor relations, and business to accelerate growth while prioritizing career success, wellbeing, and innovation. Hosted by the Organization of Canadian Women in Public Relations, the conference brings together top industry professionals to discuss strategies for leadership, resilience, and growth in today's dynamic business environment. Vasie Papadopoulos will be speaking on The Future of Women in Leadership: AI, Innovation, and Stakeholder Trust, alongside a distinguished lineup of industry experts. This session will be about AI and automation and how they are reshaping industries, while stakeholder expectations continue to evolve. This panel will explore how leaders can embrace innovation, foster trust, and navigate the complexities of an increasingly changing world while staying true to their values and vision. "It is critical female leaders continue to gather and discuss topical issues so that our voices remain powerful and influential," stated Vasie Papadopoulos. The conference agenda includes three keynote presentations and five expert-led panels with over 20 speakers on leadership, health and wellbeing, emotional intelligence, creativity, personal branding, media and public relations. To mark Canadian Women in Public Relations 10-year business anniversary, the event will also feature an evening reception, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to network with event speakers and connect with fellow professionals in a relaxed and celebratory setting. Tickets for Women in PR North America's WorkWell Conference 2025 are available now on and on Eventbrite. About Vasie Papadopoulos Vasie is the Vice-President of Corporate and Public Affairs with ChangeMakers. She is a seasoned communications leader with deep expertise in executive counsel, crisis and issues management, data-driven campaigns and stakeholder communications for both public and private sector organizations. She has led, guided, and trained organizations and executives on thought leadership, media training, and public outreach in complex and highly regulated sectors. She has an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Ottawa, a master's degree in philosophy from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, and an executive MBA from Ivey School of Business. She designs shoes and is an accomplished travel photographer. In 2020, she was named one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women through the Women's Executive Network. About Women in PR North America Canadian Women in Public Relations Ltd. (Women in PR Canada®) and American Women in Public Relations (Women in PR USA®) is an influential network of leading businesswomen striving for excellence in the field of public relations. Together, the organizations form the networking group Women in PR North America®. Media Contacts: Vasie 529 4372ChangeMakers Talia Beckett DavisFounder & CEO Canadian Women in Public RelationsAmerican Women in Public Relationsmedia@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
Zawya
16-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
GU-Q students witness global shifts firsthand through immersive learning in Washington, DC
Doha: Now more than ever, students are witnessing major global shifts, with the United States at the heart of these changes. Against this backdrop, during Spring Break, two groups of students from Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) traveled to Washington, DC, during a pivotal moment in history. Women as Changemakers For the third consecutive year, students in the Women as Change Makers course embarked on a capacity-building trip designed to empower women and foster camaraderie within the unique environment of Georgetown. In collaboration with the GU-Q Women's Center and the Office of Student Life, the course and trip highlighted the diverse and intersectional experiences of women, connecting GU-Q students with networks on the DC campus and introducing them to women leaders and changemakers in the U.S. capital. From meetings with Rosemary Kilkenny, JD, Vice President for Institutional Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, to visits to the Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching, and Service, and classroom discussions, students explored the role of women in politics and religious sectors. For Mariana Pereira de Souza (GU-Q '26), meeting with female leaders and learning about the political history of the United States through their eyes was a transformative experience. 'Learning this from a woman's perspective was very empowering because we don't tend to see ourselves represented in a lot of important spheres,' she said, adding: 'They encouraged us to be our truest selves.' Bridging Two Capitals For students in cross-campus Bridging Two Capitals course, the trip offered an immersive learning experience in international affairs, engaging them with local experts, policymakers, and cultural leaders with their classmates studying in Washington, DC, followed by hosting their classmates in Doha. Through academic discussions, field visits, and collaborative projects, students examined how governance, religion, and global diplomacy shape daily life in each capital. Pre-trip coursework provided students with foundational knowledge about the capital cities, enabling them to critically compare both cities. During Spring Break, GU-Q students explored Washington, DC through monument and museum visits and spent time at Georgetown's Hilltop campus. A week later, during the DC campus's break, eight students traveled to Doha for a parallel experience. Their itinerary included meetings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Al Jazeera, along with visits to the National Museum of Qatar and the Museum of Islamic Art. To further immerse themselves in Qatari culture, they experienced a traditional majlis, explored Souq Waqif, and engaged with the country's rich heritage. 'This inaugural experiential learning class, along with the exchange trips to both campuses, has provided a meaningful cross-cultural experience, strengthening the ties between the student bodies on the Hilltop and the Doha campus,' said Alex Sandner (GU-Q '25). Now celebrating its 20th anniversary in Qatar, GU-Q continues to demonstrate its commitment to academic excellence and educating the whole person through innovative experiential learning courses like these. For students and faculty engaging in these global experiences, the trips served as a bridge between campus communities while celebrating the unique geographical and cultural identities of each location. About Georgetown University in Qatar Established in 1789 in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is one of the world's leading academic and research institutions. Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), founded in 2005 in partnership with the Qatar Foundation, builds upon the world-class reputation of the university through education, research, and service. Inspired by the university's mission of promoting intellectual, ethical, and spiritual understanding, GU-Q aims to advance knowledge and provide students and the community with a holistic educational experience that produces global citizens committed to the service of humanity. Georgetown's unique, interdisciplinary program prepares students to tackle the most important and pressing global issues by helping them develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills within an international context. GU-Q alumni work in leading local and international organizations across industries ranging from finance to energy, education, and media. The Qatar campus also hosts the Executive Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs along with the Executive Master's in Leadership graduate degree programs. For more information, please contact Nahla El Sherif at +974 3006 6412
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Primary school 'calmer' following pupil training
A primary school is "so much calmer", say teachers, who have started training pupils in Year 5 and 6 to be mental health ambassadors. St Michael's Church of England primary in Wolverhampton has begun teaching a programme to help children manage emotions, following investment from the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership. A group of 20 pupils, which includes those with special educational needs, are being taught how to be "upstanders", so that they can look out for younger children, the partnership stated. One of the upstanders, Apryl, aged nine, said: "I don't think nine years old is too young to be thinking about mental health, because everyone is unique, and it's been fun to learn about how people struggle with their lives." "Sometimes you can just tell them what to do to feel better about it, and then they can get past it as we talk about it. "It's really helpful to talk about your mental health and your sleep." She added being an "upstander means looking from others' perspectives to see if they are getting bullied", and it could be "really important to show the other person who's bullying that it's not ok to bully people". Upstanders wear blue high-visibility jackets on the playground during break times and younger pupils can ask them for help. Osayi, aged 10, said: "I'm one of these people that gets angry really quickly, so it's not hard for me to spot something bad going on. "Being an upstander is part of my life. It is all about having that integrity and determination to keep on going and doing the right thing." Pastoral lead at the school Rachel Vann said having the programme had made children "more confident". "Physically and mentally they are looking out for things all the time. "The difference in behaviour at lunchtime and playtime, it's so much calmer." The West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership, which leads prevention initiatives, has also invested £70,000 in developing and rolling out the Change Makers scheme to primary and secondary schools. Police and crime commissioner Simon Foster, who chairs the partnership strategic board, said the scheme would encourage students to take skills "into their everyday life and use them to help their peers, keeping themselves and others safe and improving their wellbeing". Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Child mental health crisis: Better resilience is the solution, say experts 'Many vulnerable children can't get mental health help' Huge leap in children in mental health crisis West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership
