“Give It A Go”Why Sarah Hargerup Decided to Apply to Become a Decision Maker
For Sarah Hargerup, applying to become a Decision Maker for the Growing Together Fund is about helping local people turn ideas into something real.
Sarah is the Managing Director of Climb 4, a social enterprise she founded 13 years ago after leaving teaching. Through Climb4, Sarah and her team support vulnerable children and families using arts-based programmes.
Her own journey started with a small grant.
When Sarah first set up Climb 4, she received £10,000 through Awards for All. That early funding helped open doors and gave her the chance to begin building something that has gone on to support many people across the community.
That experience has stayed with her.
It is one of the reasons she decided to become a Decision Maker.
Sarah understands how difficult it can be to start something new, especially when you have an idea, but need support, confidence and someone to believe in it.
She wants to help give other people that opportunity.
For Sarah, this is also about Grimsby.
She is passionate about celebrating the talent, creativity and potential that exists locally, and wants to challenge the negative stories often told about the area.
She knows there are people in the community with ideas, energy and lived experience who may not always get the chance to step forward.
Becoming a Decision Maker is one way she can help change that.
Sarah also believes local people should have a stronger voice in decisions that affect them.
Too often, decisions have been made “to people rather than for people.”
Through her work at Climb 4, Sarah is used to shaping projects with the people they are designed to support. For her, listening to people and involving them properly is not an added extra. It is how good community work should happen.
That is why the Decision Maker role matters.
The Growing Together Fund is inviting local people to help review shortlisted ideas and recommend which projects receive support.
The aim is to bring together people with different backgrounds, experiences, ages and perspectives, so decisions are shaped by a wider mix of community voices.
Sarah is especially keen to see more younger people come forward.
She understands why some people might wonder whether they are qualified enough, experienced enough or old enough to take part.
Her message is simple.
Give it a go.
If you care about where you live, if you can listen to others, and if you want to help make the process fairer, your voice has value.
You do not need to have all the answers.
You do not need to be an expert.
You just need to be willing to take part, listen carefully and help make thoughtful decisions for the community.
For Sarah, becoming a Decision Maker is a chance to support people with ideas, open doors for others and help make sure funding decisions are shaped by local people.
Because Grimsby is full of people with talent, passion and possibility.
Sometimes they just need the chance to begin.
If you live, work or study in Grimsby and would like to become a Decision Maker, you can find out more here:
https://growingtogetherfund.org.uk