Generate is celebrating inclusion and achievement, says Beverley Dawkins
Generate was founded in 1972 as Wandsworth Rathbone, changing its name to Generate some years later. At only 44 we are relative youngsters but we have our roots in the inspirational work of Elfrida Rathbone. We have much in common with the other organisations in the Elfrida Rathbone ‘family’, working to create better days and better lives for the people we support, enabling them to develop independence and encouraging connections through people, places and activities. Together we have chosen the themes of inclusion and achievement to celebrate this centenary year.
Leon talked to me about what has been important to him about being a Generate member and the work he has been doing for the centenary celebrations. Leon has been coming to Generate since he was 12 years old. He explained that he started coming to Generate youth clubs and said how important it was for him to have something to do after school and college and to meet up with his friends when he was a teenager. There was the Monday Night Triangle Club, Boys are Us, on Tuesdays and another club on Thursday nights. Leaving Generate for a time when he reached 19, Leon re-joined when he was 24. At school he had always had a strong interest in music and poetry and wanted to develop this talent. Leon explained, “Now I am older, I listen to music and the message it is sending me and I experiment with it when I am drawing and writing. A connection started with poetry – I like the timing, melody, lived content and emotion – poetry has all that. The two things fused!” Leon has had some of his poetry published in magazines. “That was very encouraging. I was surprised and touched and it motivated me to write loads more”. He is looking forward to getting more work published soon.
As a regular member of our Tuesday music group Leon has a strong connection with our music tutor, John. “I have a keyboard and harmonica at home. I update John and get advice on what I have been working on. He helps me with stuff like the keys and timing and gives me positive encouragement. John can see my talent – he helps me get back on course, gets me to pitch ideas and he makes it work. He is patient and willing to go over it again and again. My respect for John is not in this galaxy!”
At Generate we are all about creating opportunities for people and connecting them with the community. Leon explained how good it is to perform with other Generate members at local venues. “Concerts are really, really good – we have a laugh. They are never gloomy. It’s upbeat and we take pride in what we do”.
Leon says he thinks that getting out and performing our work will get Generate better known for all the great things we do. Asked what’s most important to him about Generate, Leon says “Generate gives members their own voice. Staff and members come together – it’s an equal partnership. For me it’s important that the door is always open and people are never judgmental. There is a strong network of support. When I had problems I had them to turn to and have asked for help more than once. The support is always there”.
Beverley Dawkins, CEO, Generate
As part of the centenary celebrations of the work of Elfrida Rathbone, the Generate music group has been composing a song. They have certainly stepped up to the challenge of capturing the pioneering spirit of Elfrida! Part of the song includes a rap that Leon (above)has written.
100 years and counting…
A hundred years is a lot to be thankful for
Work you did, which began in the first world war………
And at first the vision that you had was small
The strength you gave us – it made us all stand tall
Come along, join the fun, for the war was won!
Chorus:
You helped us to shine… and I feel fine
Let’s have a good time
You showed us the sign… now we’re combined
Lets come together, in all kinds of weather
And celebrate all night – we won’t give up the fight!
Everyone coming out of their comfort zones
Generate, create holidays to stepping stones…
All the talents of equal balance now
Have the voices, make the choices – and here’s how:
Everybody together, forever!
Chorus
Leon’s rap:
Our strength came from a hundred year age
What we wanted was out of our range
At first we were perceived as strange
That’s when things – you decided to change
Fairness and equality was your vision
Soon it became your life-long mission
Took off like a dove in graceful flight
The love we have inspires us to keep up the fight
Chorus
