‘I would like to see more businesses investing in young women’

This is the last in the Bristol24/7 series that aims to showcase the wonderful women who have won an award through Bristol Women’s Voice (BWV).

BWV set up the Wonderful Women Awards as part of their International Women’s Day celebrations. This is part of the organisation’s initiative to make women’s equality in Bristol a reality. 

Lucy Clayton received a Wonderful Women Award for her work with vulnerable young people in Bristol. She helps them get on their feet and supports them in all aspects of their life, from daily tasks like taking them to do their food shops, to re-homing, counselling and getting them into work.

We put some questions to her:

Award winner Lucy Clayton

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions There’s no such thing as a stupid question and remember, mistakes are how we learn and grow.

Don’t waste time worrying too much about what others think of you, eventually you will stop caring so much.

Don’t compare yourselves to others or compare yourself to people on social media. They’re all edited versions of real life and everyone has their crosses to bear.

Even at your lowest point remember everything is temporary; the sun will always rise and give you a new day to start over.

Enjoy your youth because it goes far too quickly. Experience as much as you can because ageing is one of the only things that man has not yet learnt to control.

Finally, respect and love our Earth, it’s the only one we’ll get.

Which women have inspired you?

My mum. She’ll hate me saying that as she doesn’t think she’s inspiring. She’s mortal like me and she’s made mistakes like us all, but she’s amazing. She’s been brave and sometimes a little reckless, she’s intelligent and sometimes a bit daft, she’s funny and loving and very supportive. We’ve not always got on, in fact, growing up I never thought we’d have the friendship we have now. She’s a retired nurse of 40 long years; she’s looked after hundreds if not thousands of people and their loved ones, not to mention animals too. Now she lives in Spain with her five rescues dogs.

In my work, I am lucky enough to have met some amazing people and some of my biggest heroes are the ones who manage to get through another day, the ones who constantly struggle to do things which so many take for granted, like getting on a bus or going to their doctor. There’s a reason to be inspired by so many people from all walks of life.

What do you want to see change for women in Bristol?

I’d like to see more therapy available to young people over the age of 18 and more support for young LGBT+ people. I would like to see more businesses investing in young women and more alternative training for vocational study. University shouldn’t be the only option for some professions.

I’d also like to see more education providers with crèches available onsite or solutions to make learning and working worthwhile for mothers and fathers, and more affordable childcare so that women can return to work if they wish.

Find out more about Bristol Women’s Voice and their Wonderful Women Award’s at www.bristolwomensvoice.org.uk