“At Christian Action we work with young people in supported accommodation, Lizzie (ELM) has been working alongside our team for the last 6 years and has become an integral part of our offer to young people. Lizzie has helped us develop our own media studio and has developed group work sessions as well as 121 work. As a trained youth worker and social worker Lizzie can quickly build trust with young people to bring out their full potential. Young people have had a safe space to discuss their experiences and feelings and have used writing and music as a form of therapy with Lizzie. Lizzie has worked magic with some withdrawn and sometimes traumatized young people to get them creating their own music from scratch. Lizzie provides coaching and confidence building sessions with young people and often this is so successful they are ready to perform live and show case the talents they didn’t even know they had! In a professional capacity Lizzie has been able to support the work that we do to build a safety net of support around young people. This became even more important during the pandemic when Lizzie changed her style of work to continue to meet with young people and support their mental well-being through the music sessions. She fits in as part of the team and is always a pleasure to work with!”
Gemma Watts, YPS Operations Manager, Christian Action Housing
“Lizzie is a passionate, caring person, who enjoys teaching and helping young people discover new talents and skills they never knew they was capable of developing. Everybody Loves Music is a growing, fun and welcoming place for you to learn and feel the love in Music”.
Iesher H, Vocalist and songwriter, (Previous Service user and now support worker)
“I met Lizzie while attending Parkside Youth Club in Manor House as a youngster. The thought alone makes me feel old! At the time I was an aspiring musician still seeking validation and confidence. After meeting Lizzie, she helped me develop my passion for music further, supporting me as I grew in confidence as a lyricist and performer.
Lizzie's approach in working with people has always been fused with great empathy and encouragement, often seeing much more in you than you see in yourself. A few years later, I was in the process of deciding a university course, torn between International Business and Broadcast Media. Lizzie gently reminded me that I am a creative and should honour this in my choice of studies. I chose Broadcast Media. Years later I would become a filmmaker. This is the kind of impact Lizzie can have on people.
A very easy person to work with, Lizzie wears her passion on her sleeves and effortlessly builds rapport with young people and adults alike.
It's truly testament to her character and influence on me that all these years later, we are still in touch, and I now consider her a friend.
To say I highly recommend her would be an understatement. She's the real deal and I am a product of her work.”
Serge Rashidi - Zakuani, Innovation Coach & Filmmaker
