We are bursting with pride to share that our very own Project Manager, Tanya Vice, was invited to the Parliamentary Estate to speak as an expert witness for the Women and Equalities Committee.
This incredible opportunity came about thanks to a special invitation from Local Trust, who reached out to Tanya to represent the power of local voices on this national stage.
This panel is part of the Committee’s community cohesion inquiry, specifically looking at the role and need for youth services and the vital importance of community cohesion.
Tanya sat alongside a distinguished group of leaders—including Lara Thompson (The King’s Trust), Isabella Pereira (The Young Foundation), Lucy Lees (Mahdlo Youth Zone), Debbie Cook (EFL), Ali Oliver MBE (Youth Sport Trust), and Ruth Hollis (Spirit of 2012)—ensuring that Sidley’s voice was heard in the room.
Championing the Sidley Voice
Tanya represented the Heart of Sidley wonderfully, acting as a powerful voice for our community and ensuring our lived experiences reached the ears of national policymakers. Her message was clear:
True Empowerment: Communities need to be heard, have a real seat at the table, and be the ones making decisions about their own futures.
Investing in Youth: Tanya advocated passionately for our young people, calling for them to be given true ownership of their communities.
Breaking Stereotypes: She spoke up against outdated labels, reminding the committee that our youth are the leaders of the future, and they deserve to have their voices heard today.
“It was an honour and a pleasure to be invited to speak up for Sidley on such a prestigious panel. I am so proud of the work we are doing in Sidley, and it was a privilege to advocate for our community’s needs at this level.” — Tanya Vice
It was an incredible opportunity to highlight that when we trust and empower local people to lead,
amazing things happen.
A massive well done to Tanya for being such a brilliant advocate for Sidley on the national stage! 👏❤️