BACK PAGE: And this is what I do - Vince Attwood, community artsworker, Soft Touch, Leicester
Wednesday, January 29, 2003
How did you get the job? There are no exams: the arts sector always rebuffed the idea of qualifications. I knew I wanted to work with people, but wanted more flexibility than working, say, in a local authority. The only thing to do was create our own company, which we were able to do through the old Enterprise Allowance Scheme - though I don't think the Tories had us in mind when they set that up.
Who's in your meetings? Absolutely anyone: we try and work in partnership, which could mean the police, social services, youth offending teams or local residents. Anyone who works with young people finds their way to us.
What's the best thing about the job? The variety of work means we maintain the enthusiasm to keep positive in very negative environments. That's how you make a difference to young people and that is the thrill of it.
Biggest headache? Not being able to say yes to those people who want to work with us but have no money.
Although my colleagues would say my biggest headache is saying yes to people who can't pay us ...