A letter from our new Director
Dear Sanitree followers,
Reflecting on another year of Sanitree Edinburgh operations, the journey we have embarked upon is nothing short of remarkable. It feels like we have finally emerged from the post-COVID recovery phase, a transition which aligns beautifully with our fifth birthday celebrations – a significant milestone celebrated by the publication of our founding story in a captivating graphic novel, WE Mean Business! Sharing this accomplishment with our dedicated supporters and cherished customers has been an incredible experience, a poignant reminder of the distance we've covered. Learning more about our roots has proven to be a fascinating adventure for our entire team, leading us to centre this in our new and improved training.
As my second and final year in the role, I wanted to focus on establishing processes to ensure the Edinburgh team would continue to thrive as a collaborative unit. The implementation of SMART goals has cultivated an environment where each team member is not only accountable for their personal aspirations but also can attain a sense of achievement and honesty in addressing obstacles. Restructuring our weekly meetings to accommodate more interactive discussions and opportunities for team members to spearhead skill-enhancement workshops, has nurtured a collective sense of ownership over our team's growth; regular socials have helped to increase team bonding. This concerted effort has amplified our collective motivation, pushing beyond the boundaries of our past accomplishments. This is testament in their feedback, detailing achievements that they are not only really proud of but are also making a meaningful impact, evident in the statistics in the pages that follow.
My job as Team Leader is to support each and every team member to optimise their potential, which, in a volunteer team, brings its own challenges. Every day has presented a rewarding learning experience, punctuated by the lessons drawn from failures and the invaluable space this role affords for growth.
At the outset of this year, I had the privilege of visiting the Her Shakti Centre in Jaipur, where I had the honour of meeting Ishu Shiva, and our Beneficiaries – Kripa, Meera, Seema, Nandini, and Suman. Immersing myself in their tales of resilience and discovering that their involvement at the Center has reinstated their smiles was profoundly heartwarming. This encounter solidified not only the significance of our impact within the Edinburgh team but also instilled a deep respect and gratitude for the joy and spirit they infused into their work, catalysing transformative effects on one another's lives. A remarkable community of women has flourished, fostering an inclusive environment that nurtures the growth of each individual.
Passing the baton to the new Team Leaders fills me with immense anticipation. Witnessing their unwavering commitment and enthusiastic embrace of the challenges and rewards this role presents has been hugely reassuring. The sudden vacancy that we were confronted with last week was a shock but the success of Sanitree’s welcome week has seen us develop a strong presence on campus and thereby in a strong position to be opening up our doors to new recruits. I am excited to meet applicants in interviews later this week, and deliver the developed onboarding materials.
As I transition into the role of Sanitree Edinburgh Director, a position I will serve for the upcoming twelve months, I look forward to collaborating closely with Ishu and the Business team to propel our growth aspirations even further. I will be working closely with the Specialist Volunteer Network under Inspiring Scotland, who will provide targeted support to help boost our sales and discover an appropriate legal structure and coaching from Jane, the CEO Brilliant Leaders which will support our leadership model to become more sustainable. These partnerships among others will be crucial to our long-term success and my ability to make my desired impact over the next year.
Finally, I would like to thank you for your continued support. Whether you’ve bought a pad, donated, attended an event or followed us on social media, each contribution, no matter how small, has played a pivotal role in our mission to make a substantial and ethical impact; creating a world where period care is accessible and affordable for all.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Frances Roberts
she/her
Sanitree Director