Honey spinners and hidden talents - it's all about connections and community

To celebrate Communities Week 2019, we spoke to GGT's Community Support Manager Clare Skivington about what community means to her and bringing people together at Gloucester Services.

What does community mean to you?

Community means to me bringing people together to share, talk, support each other and most importantly give people a sense of belonging.
 
Why do you think being part of a community is important?  

Everyone has a strength and a story to tell, being part of a community helps to connect with each other, understand each other, gives people opportunities to share their strengths, an excuse to come together to celebrate and communities can be very strong in supporting each other during difficult times.
 
Tell us about being a Community Support Manager at Gloucester Services?
 
My role at Gloucester Services is varied, interesting and never dull! Probably the most important thing that I do is listen to people, our GGT community partners, our colleagues and our customers. I try and connect people and highlight the strengths of the community and encourage people to use their skills to get involved.
 
For example, we have two beehives on site that with the help of Reyaz from Fair Shares, our colleagues have learnt how to look after. We recently harvested the honey, part of the process was in the foyer, which attracted lots of attention. One local customer was watching the honey spinner, and said he needed one, Reyaz immediately said he could borrow it. This sums up my job, bringing people together and sharing assets for the good of the community.

Clare with a pupil from Moat School, Gloucestershire

Clare with Sue Cunningham from GGT partner GL Communities on the Growing Space at Gloucester Services

The beehives at Gloucester Services which colleagues help to manage

Customers at Gloucester Services watch the honey spinning

Clare with colleagues outside the Matson Gateway, where it all started for GGT and Gloucester Services

I also get to work with our community partners to bring fun activities to Gloucester Services to show what they do, spend time in local schools talking about careers and meet new and existing local producers.  GGT also support some amazing local events I'm able to go along to in our communities, including bake-offs, school competitions and wicker sheep making! 

What would be your advice to anyone reading this about how they can get involved in their community, and why should they?
 
Think about what you enjoy, if it’s woodwork, sport, cooking, gardening, music or just talking to people. Everyone has a hidden talent – really, and you will be surprised how sharing your skills can really help people connect and you too will learn from others, join in to help and celebrate what we have. Keep an eye out at your local community centre, schools or libraries, or contact GGT we can put you in touch with our community partners.

What are your hidden talents?
I asked my husband and he said dancing when sober!  I'm also a trained Forest School leader, I make a good hummus and I like running, I've run the London Marathon before.
​
What’s the best example of community building you have seen or been part of?

I would have to say Gloucester Services, the story of how it came about, people talking to each other in the local Community Café in Matson (the Matson Gateway), talking about their futures, their needs and a vision. With the help of the community, local people and Westmorland, we have a unique model and a way where business and the community can work alongside each other, it’s fascinating, it’s not all plain sailing but we are creating a circular economy for our colleagues, suppliers and the company, we know with all our assets we can do more, so watch this space!