Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your connection to Bracknell?
I’m Louise Welland, Building Manager at The Lightbox in the Southern Business Area. I live in Bracknell and have done for numerous years and I’m involved with Bracknell BID as a board member.
How do you balance your work with your fundraiser or volunteering?
A lot of my fundraising I complete within the building itself and I like to get my tenants involved. The latest fundraising was in aid of Mental Health Awareness Week, it was to promote Mental Health Week to my tenants. I held a cake sale and breakfast in aid of donations towards the Sky Dive fundraising, which helps build community as people have the chance to network.
What inspired you to complete the Sky Dive?
Mainly it was in aid of Mental Health Awareness Week, but I am also an adrenaline junkie so I’ve always wanted to do it and I didn’t think of a better cause that I could promote and be able to do it for.
Can you tell us a bit more about the event?
The Sky Dive took place in Salisbury on Friday on 15th of May, which is the Friday of Mental Health Week. I had been fundraising for about a month prior to that, including breakfast and cake sales. I raised around £1,500 for The Mental Health Foundation and the jump itself was from 10,000 feet.
Has there been a specific event or moment that motivated you to start giving back?
I’ve always wanted to build a community and give back to local companies. In the past, I’ve done a Giving Tree for Sebastian’s action trust. We’ve done collections for the food bank, I try to do things to get most tenants involved and raise awareness with what’s happening in the local area.
Have you volunteered with Bracknell BID? Are you involved with any other charities or community groups?
I have volunteered with Bracknell BID including Tidy Days and lunch time walks as well as Meet Your Neighbour events. I’ve done charity work in the past including Race For Life and an abseil. I am always looking at worthy causes and doing something a bit different.
What skills do you think you gained or improved during your Sky Dive?
I would say the Sky Dive improved my confidence and pushed me out of my comfort zone, its important to overcome challenges or fears you wouldn’t expect yourself to be able to.
Can you share a particularly memorable or impactful moment from the Sky Dive?
The most memorable part for me was landing on the ground safely with my instructor as all of the emotions come out, we hugged each other and I felt a huge sense of achievement that I had completed the task.
How do you stay motivated or how did you stay motivated when the Sky Dive got tough or your nerves kicked in?
I kept reminding myself of the reason I was doing the Sky Dive and that people that are suffering mental health, we all do at certain times in our life and some more than others, but just remembering what they’ll be going through. I also remembered that stepping out of a plane at 10,000ft is no comparison to what some people are going through, as well as the money people had generously donated. There was no doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t jump as I had people counting on me.
What have you learned about yourself through completing the Sky Dive?
I learnt that I am always up for a challenge and I am already looking at what I can do next.
How do you think your efforts have made a difference in the community, or especially in the Bracknell BID business area?
Raising awareness of particular topics and then also raising awareness of the BID as well as the free training that we put on mental health workshops trying to be sort of a tool of the community.
What advice would you give someone starting to fundraise or volunteer for the first time?
My advice would be definitely do it. It’s worthwhile. You don’t have to raise a lot or do anything big but it all helps. We are all busy and I’m a single mum, but I think just give what you can and try to be part of the community. Its good for your own mental health, as well as developing awareness for important topics.
How can others join in fundraising or volunteering for Bracknell BID?
Getting involved and speaking to the BID team about upcoming events and sharing any ideas they may have which can be implemented.
Do you have any personal goals or another type of fundraiser you want to do in the future?
I would like to do another Sky Dive but higher as it was over so quickly, and I am also interested in doing a ‘plane walk’ where you walk on the wing of a plane whilst its airborne.
Do you have a favourite project or initiative from Bracknell BID?
I’ve got a couple of favourite projects that are key. The Bracknell BID Shuttle Bus as it helps with transportation to across the Southern and Western Business areas and a lot of my tenants use this service. As well as the Bracknell BID Loyalty card offers because we’re getting individuals who are interested and aware of the BID through the loyalty cards, which gives them offers and discounts, and also creates a community feel because they’re aware of the upcoming events and projects.
What’s your favourite area in Bracknell?
My favourite area in Bracknell is probably Mill Pond. It is always maintained really nicely and it’s nice on any day, summer, winter, rain, you see it changing on the seasons. It’s a great place to walk.
Do you have a role model or someone that inspires you?
I don’t have one particular role model, I take inspiration from everybody around me, from my managers and from the BID and anybody I come in contact with as it is personal development. I like to set my own challenges and goals.
What’s one word that your friends would use to describe you?
One word would be ‘chatty’, I am an outgoing individual and very confident.
What does the word ‘community’ mean to you?
To me it means bringing people together for the same purpose and sharing knowledge. Building support through networking.