Meet Virginia (aka Vee) Worrell – Matthew Boulton’s First Black Inclusive Support Co-Ordinator
Virginia (aka Vee) Worrell is Matthew Boulton’s first Black Inclusive Support Co-Ordinator.
Here, she shares her achievements, journey and personal experiences, in her own words…
“I will start with letting you know a bit about where it all began. My parents travelled from Barbados, as part of the Windrush generation – my father an engineer and my mother (RIEP) a trainee midwife. I am the eldest and the only girl of their 4 children.
“I married 37 years ago, to Elston. We have two beautiful daughters and four exceptionally wonderful ‘grandees’, who call us ‘GrandPapa’ and ‘GrandMama.’
“Post 16, I undertook a secretarial course at Brooklyn Technical College, now our James Watt Campus, during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. I went on to work, not without its challenges, as a secretary in and around Birmingham. In the mid-80s, I headed for the bright lights of London, where I was secretary to the director of leisure services for London Borough of Brent. I was in meetings with Paul Boateng MP, Diane Abbot MP and the late Bernie Grant MP, to name drop a few! I ended my adventure and opted to return and settle back in Birmingham (to be real, those London house prices were steep)!
“On my return to Brum city, I ran my own secretarial business for 10 years and during this time, I started my teacher qualifications, but sadly fell ill during the final semester. Determined to complete my studies, I graduated from Birmingham City University in 2000. I then worked as a Programme Manager for Birmingham Adult Education Service, taking early retirement in 2012. After living leisurely for almost 4 years, I decided to return to the world of work in 2016. Later that year, I joined Matthew Boulton (MB), as an Additional Learner Support worker to now becoming their first Black Inclusive Support Co-Ordinator, approximately 18months ago.
“Well, let me tell you what I find great about my Inclusive Support role…it’s all about being there for our students when they need me the most. I get to be their cheerleader, problem-solver, a shoulder to lean on, a guide and I help them tackle challenges towards achieving their goals. It’s like being a part of our students big adventure, where I get to help them succeed and that feels pretty awesome!
“As part of our student enrichment activities, Student Service’s Lucinda and I, run a lunchtime singing club called “MB17s”, named by our EHCP/SEN students. They have proudly performed at Open Events and at a Volunteer’s Afternoon Tea. In addition, they have been filmed during our Disability Awareness Week in 2023.
“I’ve also co-ordinated links with homeless charity, St Basil’s, by raising donations of food, essentials and money to support them, along with the aid of our students and staff. Plus, I’m part of our Mentoring Team and am currently undertaking an Apprenticeship in Career Guidance and Development Level 6 qualification. In addition, I am a proud member of the award-winning, BMet BAME Network.
“When not at MB, I am an active member of my church. I also like organising events and coach trips and thoroughly enjoy going on holidays with my family and friends. Finally, my secret passion is to return to riding a motor bike (yes … a 125cc motor bike!!!).“