Our Testimonials

Safeguarding Training

Debbie delivers quality, engaging, knowledgeable training that is bespoke to our safeguarding needs at the Grand Theatre. She takes the time to get alongside the team from all areas of the organisation and ensures that they feel comfortable as she guides us through at times sensitive material.

Celine Wyatt, The Grand Theatre Blackpool

Youth Work Quality Assurance Support

Deborah went above and beyond to support me during my training in the assessment process. She was always very flexible, which really helped when undertaking a new role.

I found the help and support Deborah gave was outstanding. Her generosity of patience and time in sharing both her knowledge and examples of good practice were invaluable. Her support throughout was consistent, generous, encouraging and motivating. Thank you Deborah so much, I couldn’t have done this without your help and support.

Nikki Hutt Training Academy, Coordinator Base 51

LGBT Course

Great speaker sharing his lived experience and Deborah helped to have a firm understanding of how this relates to communities and practice.

I found the course to be informative; the delivery was personable and enlightening. Well thought out to gain a larger reach, easy to empathise and understand. I think all attendees whether businesses or educational settings would be able to cascade learning points.

Better Start, Blackpool

“Effort, Enthusiasm… Excellence!”

I didn’t ‘give up’ my time to take part as a Role Model in IWD2020, I invested it in the future and in an essential part of the present – young women!

Education is about lighting lights not filling vessels. All young people need role models, encouragement and enthusing to fulfil their potential. So many in our area suffer deprivation but their potential is enormous and shines through…  when opportunities allow. 

IWD2020 provided that for so many young women locally. Eyes were perceptibly brightened, ambitions obviously raised, confidence clearly enhanced and enjoyment shared.

When opportunities are provided and resources applied, confidence grows with attendant added value.

As a Headteacher for two decades, I tried to raise aspirations of my students by stressing their value despite many in society seemingly being disparaging. What IWD, with its team of organisers and volunteers, in Fylde say loudly, coherently and persuasively is that young women matter and are valued. Each one is important and, by working together, even more can be achieved. Adults saying, “We’ve got your backs” resonated across the incredible atmosphere as the young women began to stand taller and knew they were appreciated and not alone. Educators and business women from all sectors of our community wanted to show their support and took part in that investment. From an economic point of view, potential must not be wasted; from a humanitarian standpoint, every loss is all our losses.

I was privileged and pleased to be able to meet up with young women from last year as well as my allocated cohort for this year. Both were grateful and are already reaping the benefits from the message of togetherness, ambition and achievement.

This festival is a celebration of young people and a demonstration of the wider community’s wish, willingness and ability to ensure they know they are important and valued!

Working together works!

Carolyn Mercer

M.Sc., B.A., Cert.Ed.

Asset Based Community Development Training

The training we required was across a whole team and included invites to colleagues and public external to our team and working in partnership. The tutors were able to assess the different dynamics, backgrounds and work focuses and ensured delivery was inclusive and challenging to everyone’s individual needs. The group was directly engaged throughout and experienced learner led development that allowed them to self reflect on current practices as well as considered new practices to introduce into their Community Engagement standards and separate out Community Development actions. The tutors assessed and embedded the core outcomes and objectives we were looking for and provided bespoke aspects into the learning process that allowed for flexibility in the delivery programme.

Colin Smy

Better Start 2019

It was my privilege to work alongside TWG’s Debbie and Sue for the first ever International Men’s Day Event which took place in Blackpool on 19th  November 2019.

This was a ground breaking event and tackled the sensitive issue of male suicide. I don’t know how they did it, but they managed to organise an event with great speakers and fantastic workshops with over a 100 people attending which also got excellent press coverage. TWG’s professionalism, organisational skills and networking skills are second to none, only to be matched by their deep sense of values. I have no hesitation in recommending them!

Mike Crowther

Empowerment Charity, Blackpool

It was a pleasure to have worked with Sue and Debbie from TWG putting together the IMD2019, whilst both are very diligent about work, both show great compassion and empathy when dealing with delicate scenarios. I would not hesitate to be involved in any of the further projects that TWG promote, as I know they will be for causes that are very important in society!

Paul Stewart

Former Man City Tottenham, Liverpool and England Footballer

The Washington Group undertook a formal evaluation of our five year (2015 – 2020) Lottery Funded Project
This evaluation involved talking to staff members, families and volunteers, and working with our team to gain insight of our targets and achievements.
I have to say how impressed I am with TWG and in particular Pete Crossley. 
Pete was honest, respectful, patient, and showed great empathy with the service we offer, with the families who have used that service and with the volunteers and staff who deliver it.
The words Pete has used to describe the meetings he had with all involved demonstrated real compassion. The end result was an evaluation that made me, and the team proud to be part of Home-Start. Sometimes, when you are head down focussed on what you are delivering, it’s a real joy to hear how your work is viewed by others – so Thank You Pete, we really appreciate all the work you put in to developing an honest evaluation.
Pat Naylor

CEO, Home-Start Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre

To be part of the volunteer  team that delivers the IWD event is an honor. 

To see young women accessing such a varied range of activities & finding their confidence & their voice is humbling. 

These young women are our future & we are their role models so it’s been a privilege over the years to show them how no matter of their background/age/education/ability etc they CAN shape their own journey & turn what they sometimes feel is impossible, possible. 

It has been a privilege to help The Washington Group / United youth Alliance help so many young women navigate the obstacles that often hinder their dreams. 

Julie Maughan

IWD Volunteer

Our Projects

Skip to content