“Where You Live Shouldn’t Determine What You Do” – Meet Linzi our new Project Manager.

Hi I’m Linzi, the new Project Manager at People’s Powerhouse. By way of introduction, I thought it would be best to write a little bit about myself in a blog.

Working and living in Blackpool my whole life, I have often been asked (by people who don’t live in Blackpool) why I haven’t moved to a city or pursued my career elsewhere. The simple answer is – I love my hometown. I believe that where you live shouldn’t determine what you do. Granted the higher paid jobs are in the cities but I’ve happily carved my career in the creative arts and charity sector, progressing my career in a way I’ve wanted without moving towns.

Now more than ever, online working and WFH has opened the door to the world.

In February 2022, I decided that this next year would be about pushing myself in my career and shaking off the hyper local focus I have had for so many years. During Covid I became a member of the APPG with the Connection Coalition and was also selected for the Eden Project Community Camp. Through the amazing Roots Programme, I was paired up with the CEO of the Network of Wellbeing who has since become a great friend. Earlier this year I was nominated for an award with the Northern Power Women, recognising the work I had done on Elliot’s Place Project. I was encouraged to apply for and interviewed with the Churchill Foundation to study Suicide Prevention strategies in Norway.

All these amazing opportunities made me realise that my progressive thinking shouldn’t be focused in one town. They gave me the confidence to say I can make a difference on a much larger scale with a much bigger network. By surrounding myself with those positive changemakers it was clear I had to make a change for myself.

Working across the North of England is going to be an amazing opportunity. People’s Powerhouse is just that – a powerhouse of positive people living in the North who say levelling up means levelling up. Working with campaigners, activists, communities and anyone who is passionate about where we live actively being brought together to make a real difference.

But what does that really look like you might ask? Well, for example, my work in Suicide Prevention and Bereavement in Blackpool will continue but on a much larger scale. What are other seaside towns in the North doing to prevent suicide? What does that look like and what is the learning from those people with lived experience that needs to be shared to decision makers? Ultimately how can this be implemented as one strategy for the North but regularly monitored so it changes with the people and the times we live in.

A festival? Why not! And no we aren’t talking about Glastonbury. But why does change making have to look like a seminar, webinar, training or KPI task driven strategy? I want to work with real people who have real lives and do things in a way that isn’t radical, it just works for them, as they are the professionals in the room.

So, to all the people in towns and cities across the North – I am coming to see you for a cuppa!

Linzi Cason is the new Project Manager for People’s Powerhouse. You can contact Linzi on: Linzi@peoplespowerhouse.org.uk