My name is Ellie, I am 21 years old and I am the Operations Assistant at Babbasa. I work alongside all services within Babbasa and assist with various tasks to alleviate workloads. I do a lot of admin work, outreach work, internal and external communications. I also spend a lot of time on Babbasa’s projects and engagements. I am involved in many events, I love to engage with young people and the community, I love to share my story, get passionate and inspire. If I had to describe myself in three words it would be determined, enthusiastic and fun!
At the end of November 2021 I moved to Bristol on my own, in hopes of creating a new life for myself. For the first few months I experienced an array of different challenges, it was so hard for me to fit in and find my thing! Fortunately, in January, I came across Babbasa and my life changed forever. I signed up to Babbasa as a young person and was completely taken aback by the incredible people and opportunities involved within the organisation. Before Babbasa, I had very little idea what I wanted to do with my life, no direction, no relevant qualifications or experience, I honestly couldn’t even imagine myself as a professional! Through moving to Bristol and working with Babbasa as a young person, I have changed immensely. I have gained massive insight into my career path, I can see clearly many professional goals and I am excited by my career every single day. I managed to get connected with my fabulous mentor who has helped me so much. Not only professionally, but personally I cannot put into words the overwhelming support I received as a young person. I would not be where I am or who I am today without the support of the Babbasa team.
The first day I arrived at the Babbasa office as a young person, I knew this was the exact environment I would love to work in one day. The drive, passion and positivity behind such a wonderful group of people is what really made me feel inspired, comfortable and safe. Before long a position came up at the Babbasa office, I got the job offer and could not have felt more blessed.
I really love everything about working at Babbasa. Every day is so different which is the best part for me! My favourite parts are getting out of the office and engaging with the community. My highlight so far has been public speaking and sharing my story to others who are willing to listen. I have struggled with my speech and confidence in recent years, therefore successfully speaking to large groups of people has been incredibly uplifting for me. I can’t wait to expand my skills and confidence even further.
Working at Babbasa has created so many incredible opportunities for me, and continues to do so. Through Babbasa I have gained confidence and clarity in myself, experience in public speaking, networking, workshops, community engagement, business structures and strategies, social media, events/events planning, career insight, safeguarding, mentorship and the list goes on and on. The start of my career has absolutely sky rocketed all thanks to Babbasa. Not only this, Babbasa has given me a platform to be my authentic self and, most importantly, feel welcomed and loved as my authentic self.
In the future, I see myself as a freelance youth and community worker, sharing my story and inspiring people on bigger scales. I see myself spreading mass awareness for mental health and substance abuse. I would love to incorporate social media into my advocacy and awareness.
My advice to young people:
- Be unrealistic – you truly can be anything you put your mind to, believe in yourself and don’t let the negativity of others bring you down. Dream hard, you can pave the way!
- Be fearless – nothing good ever happened without risk!
- Love yourself – be kind to yourself, appreciate yourself and know that you are deserving of whatever you want!
We believe Bristol’s most marginalised deserve access to support at their own pace, have their voices heard, and have access to real work opportunities.
If you believe that too then get in touch!