Words of WISDOM

Great takeaways from our inspiring ladies

Which women inspire you?

I thought I knew a bit about menopause until I spoke to Dr Louise Newson. Then I realised I knew nothing. Now I want to get as much accurate information out there as possible, so women can make informed decisions about their health. Davina

I’ve been hugely inspired by [legendary broadcaster] Denise Robertson. Thanks to her I got my first opportunity to do therapy on TV. She was warm, honest and unapologetic about her passion for mental health. Anna

I admire Mary Berry for her work ethic. I am also inspired my nan, who has always worked hard despite being in an unfamiliar country, and my mum, who works the hardest, and my mother-inlaw for being unwavering in her faith and my sister, who shows up and gets stuff done. Nadiya

My self-confidence and self-belief came from my mother, a most inspirational, visionary woman who taught me that anything was possible, to keep smiling, never give up and face challenges head on. Floella

The people I have met through the Katie Piper Foundation will forever be my inspiration, including the survivors, volunteers and brilliant medical team. The work they do is incredible. Katie

The message I try to pass on to young women is the power of self-worth and determination. It’s amazing what you can achieve with inner strength. Floella

If you have a friend, family member or colleague who has disappeared a bit or haven’t been themselves recently, ask them if they need help. Davina

Being honest about my anxiety helped me and my family. I know talking about it could help others. Nadiya

How do you stay positive?

I’m surrounded by brilliant women, at work and at home. We have a WhatsApp group and we’ve created a strong support network, whether it’s going out for a drink and a chat or delivering Calpol at midnight. Anna

I love the quote “Be the woman who mentions other women’s names at the table.” Katie

How do you relax?

I try to get as much joy and contentment as possible out of everything I do. I wake up and say, ‘Take me, show me, lead me, world, I’m yours!’ Floella

I relax by having a bubble bath and reading, eating something wholesome and delicious, and before I go to bed, praying slowly and reading the Quran. Nadiya

I love nothing more than to relax in front of the TV with a bar of chocolate! I love a good book and a podcast too. Katie

I love jigsaws. You can’t think of anything else while you’re doing one. And the joy when you find a piece? Exquisite! Davina

Asda Community Champion Jess Drake chats to youth worker

Chris McCoy about the £25k Asda Foundation grant to a north London youth club

WORDS HELEN RENSHAW PHOTOGRAPHS DAVE COTSWORTH

Our Asda community champions help to put a spotlight on a charity or community group in need of help. This issue, Community Champion Jess Drake – who works at Asda in Edmonton Green, north London – catches up with Chris McCoy. He is director of local youth club Northside Youth & Community Connexions (NYCC), which he started up to help empower young people in response to the effects of gang culture.

Jess: I remember our first meeting clear as day. I’m a woman of few words and you’re a man of many words –so you did most of the talking! Your passion was inspiring and by the time you left I was 100% convinced that your grant application deserved my full focus and support.

Our Asda community champions help to put a spotlight on a charity or community group in need of help. This issue, Community Champion Jess Drake – who works at Asda in Edmonton Green, north London – catches up with Chris McCoy. He is director of local youth club Northside Youth & Community Connexions (NYCC), which he started up to help empower young people in response to the effects of gang culture.

Jess: I remember our first meeting clear as day. I’m a woman of few words and you’re a man of many words –so you did most of the talking! Your passion was inspiring and by the time you left I was 100% convinced that your grant application deserved my full focus and support.

Chris: If I came over as passionate, that’s no surprise – empowering young people in this community has been my driving force since I launched NYCC in 2009. Back then, kids were literally dying on the streets because of gang violence, and the problems in our community have only grown deeper since. There’s not much help for them out there. You were so welcoming, I felt supported from the start.

Jess: This is my community too. I live nearby and have a 10-year-old son of my own. I know what goes on, and how families struggle to keep youngsters away from the gang lifestyle.

Chris: It’s personal for me, too – I grew up in the area, and have seen kids being let down and told they’ll never amount to anything. But I believe every young person can achieve great things with help and support.

Jess: I’ve worked in this store for years, but I knew nothing about the amazing work you were doing – just a couple of minutes away – until we met.