There is a reason that we do what we do, a driver, a purpose, a why. Lots of people have explored this idea, although the most famous is probably Simon Sinek in his book “Start with Why”. The trouble with why is that we often select a reason that fits with a narrative that we want to tell, rather than exploring the real reason we do something. 

Our why is hidden in the stories that we tell, the memories that we have, the key moments in our lives that have affected who we are. At the Building Community conference in July, we started with Why as Dr Vic Carr kicked us off with a keynote that covered hers. Here is a small part of that talk, a great example of how a powerful why really does come from the heart. 

“That’s me, when I was small. It’s probably synonymous with how I am now. I’ve got plasters on my hands, my hair is a mess, I was always into something, a proper adventurous child, climbing, up to mischief, but I spent my entire childhood probably just trying to survive. I was not thinking about my holidays or, like my children are, you know, when I can get a new iPhone or whatever. I spent my childhood just thinking I needed to survive the day, the week, trying to keep everything calm at home. Trying to be a good girl, to go under the radar of everything.  

It was not the kind of childhood that I would’ve wanted, looking back, but it was the childhood that I had. And every day when I went into school, when I was old enough to go, my teachers were lovely to me. The kind words of one of those teachers were quite critical in the journey of my life. I think school was just a wonderful place for me because it gave me purpose to my day. It meant I was safe. So, if any of you are ever in any doubt about what you do, you provide that kind of safety for children. 

First and foremost, obviously, it is what we’re all about: safeguarding, but it’s not just a word. It’s not just about your safeguarding training every year, or, social services ringing you up or having to stay in school until seven o’clock on a Friday night sorting things out. It is actually a real thing, and it really does matter. What you’re creating is an environment where people aren’t afraid.” 

Children must feel psychologically and physically safe, Vic recognises this in her own history, it is something that had a huge impact on her life, it is a huge reason “why” she does what she does. 

Which memories hold the answer to your why?