One of the things I love most about my role is the variety – no two days are ever the same. At the heart of my work is making sure we truly understand what local communities need, and then supporting the voluntary and community sector (VCS) to provide safe, relevant, and effective services.
I first joined MVDA in August 2012 to manage various projects and rejoined in 2024 as Partnership Development Manager. After six years managing Healthwatch South Tees, I now oversee new areas of work, supporting new projects and building on MVDA’s efforts to facilitate VCS engagement and development, while representing these interests across a range of planning and partnership forums.
A typical week might start with gathering insight directly from voluntary and community organisations (VCOs). I send out regular surveys to hear about what’s happening on the ground. I then turn their responses into a clear report that helps us to see the big picture and spot the most pressing needs for our VCS support services so we can put them in place.
On other days, I’ll be focused on the Changing Futures Programme. This might mean helping to run workshops with services supporting people facing multiple challenges – such as homelessness, domestic abuse, justice involvement, addictions, or mental health. Together, we explore what’s working well, what isn’t, and most importantly, how to make practical changes that improve lives. I also contribute to the South Tees Systems Leadership Programme, where we look at barriers in the system and work collectively to find solutions.
I also take time out of my week to help support aspects of the LocalMotion work which focusses on;
- Making connections between people and organisations to address local issues communities want to tackle or raise awareness of.
- Exploring ideas to strengthen our local economy and build community wealth, ensuring our communities benefit from the work we do together.
Recently, I joined Safer Communities and the Youth Justice Service on visits to residents affected by the riots, as part of a restorative justice initiative. Hearing first-hand about the impact of those events was a powerful reminder of why inclusive, joined-up community support is so important. You can read about my experience here.
One of my favourite parts of the job is connecting with organisations across the sector. I enjoy sharing good practice and lessons from past projects, so new initiatives can build on what’s already been learned rather than starting from scratch every time and learning isn’t lost.
I’m also helping to develop the Tees Valley Voice of Disabled People group – a network of disabled residents working with local decision-makers to drive real, lasting change and ensure their experiences shape local planning. It’s still early days, but the group’s energy and ambition already show great promise in influencing future planning, funding, and awareness across the region. The group are are encouraging disabled people and organisations who represent them to attend an upcoming meeting to hear the progress achieved thus far and be involved in future work and decisions. Find out more here.
To keep my work rooted in what matters locally, I make time to attend the Mayor’s informal chats and other local forums. These conversations give me valuable insight into the latest developments in Middlesbrough and the wider South Tees area and help ensure MVDA’s support reflects the real needs of our communities.
At its core, my role is about connection: linking people, ideas, and opportunities to create positive change. If you’d like to hear more about my work or explore how we can work together, please get in touch at lisa.bosomworth@mvdauk.org.uk
