My Journey to Becoming National Director of Sexpression:UK: A Personal Reflection

Hello, everyone! I’m thrilled to share my journey with you as the National Director of Sexpression UK. It’s been a remarkable path that has not only shaped my passion for sexual health education but also solidified my commitment to empowering young people across the UK.

Volunteering in Leeds

I started my journey with Sexpression in 2020 as a volunteer with the Leeds branch. The COVID-19 pandemic had significantly impacted us, with all schools closed and all of my university learning was online. Initially, I only joined the training because a friend persuaded me, however I soon learned that I had a strong interest in supporting young people, and delivering inclusive sex education.

Stepping Up: Schools Liaison and Vice President

In 2021, as the world began to reopen, I was appointed Schools Liaison for the Leeds branch. This role allowed me to forge strong connections with local schools, working to deliver essential workshops and educational sessions. Additionally, I stepped into the role of Vice President. It was a vibrant year as we organised numerous events aimed at increasing our outreach and impact. I was eager to get into schools, and our efforts were fruitful—we found ways to engage with students and provide the essential support they needed.

Rising to the Challenge: Becoming President

The following year was transformative; I became President of the Leeds branch while also taking on the role of Child Protection Officer. I maintained high standards for our team, resulting in our branch reaching the most schools in that academic year. A pivotal moment for me was organising the national conference. As I took on the majority of the planning and logistics for the event, I was often juggling many moving parts, but it was an incredibly rewarding challenge.

As the conference date approached, I was fortunate to have a strong team rally around me, eager to help bring our vision to life. Together, we welcomed around 60 members after a few years of pandemic-related uncertainty. We engaged in stimulating discussions and workshops that inspired everyone. I came away from the experience with a greater sense of belonging in the Sexpression community and a deeper commitment to our mission.

Embracing New Roles: National Opportunities

During this time, I also joined the national team as Monitoring and Evaluation Director. Initially unexpected, this role aligned perfectly with my background in computer science and my interest in data. I helped to streamline our evaluation processes and laid the groundwork for what our monitoring efforts look like today. This experience fuelled my desire to become even more involved with Sexpression:UK.

In the following year, I took on the role of Branches Director, acting as the National Vice Director for internal affairs while simultaneously serving as Vice President for the Leeds branch. Balancing my final year of studying computer science with these responsibilities was immensely rewarding. One of my proudest achievements was creating branch packs, which were sent out to all branches at the start of this school year. I organised these packs to include everything from a new tablecloth to various freebies designed to help each branch set off in the right direction. Additionally, I had the opportunity to support branches across the country, including assisting with our Newcastle branch during the national conference, which was both fun and enriching.

Transitioning to National Director

In 2024, I applied for the position of National Director, a decision accompanied by a mix of excitement and apprehension. Around the same time, I started my master's in human resources and began a full-time job, juggling multiple responsibilities. Being the National Director is undoubtedly a challenging role filled with stress, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. You truly get out of it what you put in.

I focused on supporting our committee and trustees, enhancing our internal processes, and simplifying our volunteering platform while also refining our fundraising strategies. A significant part of my role has been dedicated to helping my team further develop and refine our internal training programs. I believe it’s crucial that we are delivering the best work possible, and this involves equipping our volunteers with the knowledge and skills they need to excel. Together, we have worked to implement training resources that not only align with our mission but also encourage growth and confidence among our volunteers. My main aim this year has been to maintain momentum after the fantastic groundwork laid by my predecessor, Jack.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on my journey, from a volunteer in Leeds to National Director, fills me with gratitude and determination. The path hasn’t always been smooth, but every experience has contributed to my understanding and commitment to this essential work. My goal is to empower young people with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions regarding their sexual health and relationships.

Thank you for reading my story. I am excited about the future of Sexpression:UK, and I eagerly look forward to continuing this vital work together with all of you!