How far is our reach?

By Matt Williams, Community Builder

Hi, My name is Matt Williams, I have lived in Gloucester for over 20 yrs. I am one of the community builders from the CIC that is working across Gloucester, focusing on Kingsholm/Tuffley areas. While also delivering strength-based workshops across the county.

Having survived/thrived 😉, so far in this role, I wanted to briefly reflect on the journey and hopefully encourage those who read this and who love their communities too…

“Reaching others beyond ourselves” has always been a challenging mantra that I try to aspire to. This role has definitely put people back at the forefront of community life across the city while challenging my own human desire to rescue/fix people.

Already I have seen passions/ talents/ skills shown from people who live in different areas of Gloucester and witnessed great groups that inspire others to connect and grow.

One example was to hear a local lady saying she wanted to see a Community Café in her area but actually saying she wanted to be part of setting it up and taking the initiative.

What will enable this lady and others like her, I hear you say?

I think empowerment and encouragement are essential in all our lives. Realising that the journey is tough, but HOPE is at its core... so don’t give up!

I have been really surprised/ encouraged by the many residents/ groups in these last two years to the extent that positive change can happen despite the difficult surroundings.

”Wow, people do matter and care for each other” I have said out loud numerous times.

Finally, for Me, the communities of Gloucester have to be viewed as exciting, skilled, passionate, knowledgeable, kind, creative and many other positive attributes. Then and only then, do we have the courage to step out and believe we all have a part to play alongside each other in the many diverse communities across the city.

 Keep believing and live that DREAM!!!   

Matt xx