Community Connectors
Community Connectors are natural networkers, relationship builders and are passionate about their communities.
They work in a small team within Hull Red CIO to advocate for the work of the Hull Red, including Hull Red Events, Nice Twice Club and Gig Buddies.
One of our community connectors Jess shares some reflections about her first few months in the role.
Community Connector - Jess
“I started as a community connector in February 2026, so far, I have written and delivered disability awareness training to Hull Central Library. My first training went really well and I enjoyed speaking to the group. I really like the true or false questions, and seeing what people answered to them and see if they knew the answers. I like it all! I’m looking forward to running the next session together with my colleagues and seeing what the next group will be like.
In the community meetings I welcome other members in and make sure they feel comfortable. I am comfortable talking about my learning disability and my experiences which then encourages other people to talk about their experiences and what it’s like to live with a learning disability.
I am only two months into the role, I’m really looking forward to delivering more training, welcoming more people and seeing where the role takes me”.
Our campaigns manager Emily reflects, “People with lived experiences have always been at the centre of our work and wherever we could we’d ensured they were paid for their time. When we were successful with a funding bid to onboard two community connectors, we were so excited to shape the role with the community members. Jess and Ash have been a part of our work as volunteers for a number of years and it was really great to be able to offer them the community connector roles, it was such a natural progression for them both.
For Jess and Ash to share their lived experiences and passion for Hull, it makes others feel more comfortable to share also and take pride in their community. We’re super excited to see their roles take shape over the next few months and see where they go with it”.
Jess previously wrote a blog for Nice Twice Club a year ago. Take a look back and read what Jess had to say, you can really see the progress a year has made.