Tania Townsend

@taniatownsend.bsky.social

Head of Strategic Programmes & Strategy. ❤️#localgov. Black & Jewish, Londoner, Mother, Gooner, Hackney lady and blogger. ♥️ diversity matters. Views my own. @TaniaTSays on X

Richmond Station is back in its art deco glory. It’s stunning. This is placemaking. A reminder that public infrastructure can honour heritage, elevate design, & nurture belonging. Stations aren’t just transit points. They’re civic thresholds. Richmond now greets us with dignity, history, and hope.

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No form of hate will stop me from the deeply meaningful and symbolic mitzvah of carrying the Torah later on today. In the midst of community grief, my hope is that all communities will connect together and remain steadfast in strengthening love for one another over what threatens to divide.

🍯 It's 5786! As Rosh Hashanah begins, I’m embracing this season of reflection and renewal - not just personally, but professionally. The Jewish New Year invites us to pause, take stock, and recommit to the values that guide our work and our lives.

“Children’s worlds have shrunk enormously over the last 50 years… We need to reclaim childhood.” > More than 80 per cent of 55- to 64-year-olds said they regularly played out on the street and had freedom to explore when they were young, compared with only a quarter of children today.

‘We need to reclaim childhood’: UK ministers urged to restore right to play

A steady erosion of outdoor playtime is impairing the development of infants, say experts

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Last week was a momentous one for us! We received an outstanding Ofsted report for our Children's Services—an achievement that we couldn't be more proud of. 🎉 To celebrate, we hosted a staff conference to not only recognise our accomplishments but to also discuss the challenges ahead and....

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Recent rises in living costs are putting incredible pressure on both services and families. We are looking for professionals to take part in research about families facing persistent financial challenge and the impact this has on children’s social care. ow.ly/uYxT50UAoLE

Take part in research on the impact of financial pressures on children’s social care

Take part in a study designed to inform the development of evidenced-informed policies and support that improves families’ financial circumstances and outcomes for children.

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The power of care and volunteering can't be underestimated. Last year, the festive period for my family and me was awful. My granddad, one of my last remaining Windrush generation family, passed away in his care home. This Xmas, watching the iconic DJ AG..

Last week started and ended in joy. Firstly, @DCMS announced a new National Youth Strategy co-produced with young people themselves. It promises to rejuvenate youth services and create better-coordinated support. A fantastic step to empower our youth and give them the tools they need to thrive.

On 19 Sept, Islington voted to recognise 'Care Experience' as a local protected characteristic. Within the motion is what I'm working towards: the Council resolved to "explore further how those who have ever been care experienced is included within care experienced as a protected characteristic."

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen family circumstances, I was unable to judge in-person in Liverpool at this year's LGC Workforce awards. However, oh my, what brilliant submissions #localgov you're amazing! Congrats to the 2024 - 2024 Winners

LGC Workforce Conference & Awards Programme 2024 - 2024 Winners

LGC Workforce will showcase and celebrate workforce innovation in local government all in one place. We’ll find out about how the initiatives came together, who was involved, the challenges overcome…

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