For this week’s Everyone Everywhere story, we spoke to Jodie Ward, Frontline Manager at our Bedfordshire Lifelong Learning Centre. Jodie was the winner of the Everyone Everywhere category at MacIntyre’s Staff Awards ceremony earlier this year. Here’s a quote from her nomination:
Jodie is a natural born connector, is friendly, approachable and a person who will always go above and beyond. Since introducing Everyone Everywhere, Jodie has truly shone and is always thinking what next, how can we connect with the community and involve the people that draw on Macintyre's support - she just gets it!
We asked Jodie what winning the Award had meant to her and her main response was surprise. She had hoped the Bedfordshire area would receive recognition but was taken aback – and delighted – that she personally won the award. She was keen to point out that her whole team was responsible, not just one person.
Jodie has been with MacIntyre for two years. She has a brother with a learning disability, and this drives her to reflect on what we do through the lens of would it be good enough for her family member.
Jodie knew that although MacIntyre has been established in the Bedfordshire area for many years, a lot of local people were not aware of what we do. She started thinking about how to change this and reach out to the local community, and speaking to her team and people supported to gather ideas.
Starting with strawberries
Her first idea was to reimagine something that had been a tradition for some years: the annual Strawberry Tea. This had always been an event for people supported by MacIntyre, and was enjoyed by everyone. But to Jodie’s way of thinking, why keep something so good to ourselves? The doors were thrown open and the Strawberry Tea event was enjoyed by visitors from all around the local area. It gave them a chance to find out about MacIntyre and what we do, and to meet the people who draw on our support. It was the beginning of forging great community relationships.
A small idea grows fast - Santa
Jodie’s next project was a bit more ambitious: a Christmas event called Story Time with Santa. This started as a small idea and turned into a real community project. Staff have a lot of connections locally and put out the call for donations for gifts for families who were struggling financially. The team was overwhelmed with people’s generosity. One man donated wooden toys he had carved himself.
The event also included a collaboration with the local team from Mind, to share resources with people who were struggling to cope, and with the local Early Years team who were on hand to give advice to parents with young children.
A huge success
Jodie and her team put all their energy into the event, which was a huge success. We asked Jodie what she thought the impact had been:
Although we work in a fairly wealthy area there are many people who struggle financially. As well as making new friends, we know there were families who had gifts to open on Christmas morning which wouldn’t otherwise have been the case.
Santa's flying in again this year
Of course the Christmas event was such a success we’re repeating it this year. Click here to find out all the details - it's all happening on 7 December. This year the team have also been working with the local women's centre to collect gifts for people who might not otherwise get any.
And on to 2025
Meanwhile, Jodie’s busy planning for 2025, and has ambitions to launch a Community Choir. Watch this space.
Connect at Christmas
Be sure to follow us on our Bedfordshire Facebook page, to keep up with our latest news and events in the area. Together, we can make this holiday season—and every season—one filled with connection, joy, and support for those who need it most.
#ConnectAtChristmas with MacIntyre. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
