MaSSths
What is the social venture you have developed and why?
I’m developing an app to support people learning Maths who may have dyslexia, poor literacy and/or English as an additional language, including BSL. From working in secondary schools, I realised that the standard teaching methods can leave such learners behind. Many people ‘can’t do Maths’ but need a Maths qualification. I think this app will support their confidence and better achievement.
Before you came on the Time To Grow programme where were you at with your venture?
I had the idea about 9 years ago when I was working in a school. School loved it, but would not support the development of the resource, and I had neither the time nor the money to do it in addition to my full-time work.
How has the Time To Grow programme helped you?
It was on the first day of the programme during a visit to The Sharp Project in Manchester that I was inspired to revive this idea. I doubt I would have persevered with it had I not been on the Time to Grow programme.
What elements of the TTG programme have been of particular use, what have you used from it?
Being part of a group of women all looking to develop their ideas. Giving and receiving support and encouragement, the camaraderie, and the can do attitude of the programme deliverers.
How has your journey been since the programme ended? Any highs or lows yet?
Still on the programme, but the highs have been the access to the Sounding board session of Flourish’s Mentor-a-thon, and the additional networking via Flourish. It’s been well targeted and of a very high calibre.
How do you see the future of the project developing?
I will be following the advice from the Sounding board to find an entrepreneur with an interest in Corporate Information Technology and equal educational opportunities. I would hope that in a year’s time thing will be well under way to producing and marketing the app.
Any top tips to share with other social enterprise start ups? Things you wish you’d know? Ways you keep yourself motivated?
Get connected to Flourish or a similar organisation and keep a network of others in their own ventures to maintain ongoing support.
Anything else you would like to share with the Flourish network?
I would hope to be able to contribute in some way in the future. I think we’ve already identified a need for an Excel workshop, but in SOUP meetings etc. too.
Is there anyone or anything that has been inspirational to you when it comes to creating social change?
I worked with an amazing team of people under the leadership of Sue Preece and Caroline Smale at Bridge College in Stockport in the early 2000’s. The ethos and practice there in my early days set me on my course. Tony Jones was the person I would credit with inspiring my use of technology as a learning aid.
