Tania Townsend

No form of hate will stop me from the deeply meaningful and symbolic mitzvah of carrying the Torah later on today.

In the midst of community grief, my hope is that all communities will connect together and remain steadfast in strengthening love for one another over what threatens to divide.

Shanah Tovah. May this new year bring sweetness, courage, and collective renewal 🍎

#RoshHashanah #PublicService #DesignJustice #JewishNewYear #Leadership #EquityInAction

Whether you're observing the holiday or reading this out of interest, I hope it brings clarity, courage, & connection. May we all step into the new year with a renewed sense of purpose - & may our collective efforts bring sweetness to the lives of those we serve & care for, here & across the world.

#RoshHashanah reminds me transformation is possible, accountability is sacred & hope is a discipline. In 5786, I’m recommitting my leadership to building services that honour lived/living experience, challenges inequity, and create belonging - for every child, adult, family & every community.

For me, this year, it means driving reforms that centre children, families with multiple challenges, & communities historically excluded from power. It means embedding anti-racist practice, design justice, and relational approaches into how we lead and serve.

This work is sacred. It calls us to lead with compassion, to repair what’s broken, and to imagine boldly.

The public sector carries the responsibility of shaping systems that touch people’s lives deeply.

"Words only lead us to the edge of action, But it is deeds which bring us closer...and to each other."
In public service, we are entrusted with the wellbeing of others. We hold stories, shape systems, & strive to build communities where dignity and equity are not just ideals, but everyday realities.

🍯 It's 5786! As Rosh Hashanah begins, I’m embracing this season of reflection and renewal - not just personally, but professionally. The Jewish New Year invites us to pause, take stock, and recommit to the values that guide our work and our lives.

Excellent to see @hackneycouncil.bsky.social Hackney Year 6 pupils, which includes my son, crowned the best in the country for KS2 results.

A far cry from my day when education in Hackney was so poor that my mum sent me out of the borough.

news.hackney.gov.uk/news/hackney...

The Champions of Europe, and always the leaders of North London! Well done and mazel tov to my beloved #Arsenal 💕

‘We need to reclaim childhood’: UK ministers urged to restore right to play A steady erosion of outdoor playtime is impairing the development of infants, say experts

“Children’s worlds have shrunk enormously over the last 50 years… We need to reclaim childhood.”

> More than 80 per cent of 55- to 64-year-olds said they regularly played out on the street and had freedom to explore when they were young, compared with only a quarter of children today.

Care, courage and connection ADCS is a membership organisation. Our members hold leadership roles in children’s services departments in local authorities in England.

📖 Read the full article www.adcs.org.uk/care-courage...

💭 I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences on being a radical leader, and fostering care and connection in times of change.

A special thanks to Noel Hatch for his inspirational words, who effortlessly leads change for social good.

Care, courage and connection ADCS is a membership organisation. Our members hold leadership roles in children’s services departments in local authorities in England.

Let's embrace the journey of reflection, renewal, and community support as we work together to create sustainable futures for our children and adults.

Care, courage and connection ADCS is a membership organisation. Our members hold leadership roles in children’s services departments in local authorities in England.

In a time of significant transformation across health, police, and local government sectors, it's more important than ever to design our collective impact with intentionality and compassion.

Care, courage and connection ADCS is a membership organisation. Our members hold leadership roles in children’s services departments in local authorities in England.

Inspired by one of my favourite and recent Jewish festivals, Passover, I reflect on how these principles can guide us in navigating the complexities of change management with empathy and care.

Care, courage and connection ADCS is a membership organisation. Our members hold leadership roles in children’s services departments in local authorities in England.

🌟 Change with Care, Courage, and Connection 🌟

I'm thrilled to share my latest ADCS blog www.adcs.org.uk/care-courage..., where I explore the profound themes of change, radical leadership, and resilience through the lens of relational practice. 🧵

picture of Ezra Collective after winning the Best Group at the Brit Awards

"Group of the year was made by youth clubs." What a brilliant salute to youth work. I love Ezra Collective - their music, ethos, and passion for community - to bits. Mazel tov for their #Brits2025 win.
buff.ly/uwDkmKp

Maureen Tyne, Chef and Co-Founder, Maureen & Verna’s — Resy | Right This Way Years before London’s supperclub scene took off, Maureen Tyne was cooking in her Brixton home and selling it to a growing base of loyal fans. She shunned social media and a website, instead using the ...

More about Maureen: blog.resy.com/2022/08/maur...

Maureen’s Kitchen taste test 💕 would you try it ? 💕#foodcritic @Maureen’s Kitchen TikTok video by Keith Lee

Caribbean and other cutural food businesses bring London to life, creating the world in one city. Their social value can be understated.

Keith Lee, American social media personality and food critic, visited Maureen's Brixton Kitchen. You have to watch until the end.

www.tiktok.com/@keith_lee12...

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made last week so special. Here’s to continuing our Child-Friendly Islington mission with creative vigor, dedication and love! 🚀
#ChildrensServices #TeamWork #Inspiration #Diversity #Achievement #OfstedOutstanding

our work, the strength found in diversity, and how individual achievements are intrinsic to collective team success. Kriss also spent time with our current children in care, leaving a lasting impact on them just as he did with our staff.

reignite our passion for the vital work we do. I had the distinct honour of introducing the incredible Kriss Akabusi, who grew up in Islington's care and I've had the pleasure of working with on ways to support care-experienced adults. His inspirational talk reminded us of the immense power of.....

Last week was a momentous one for us! We received an outstanding Ofsted report for our Children's Services—an achievement that we couldn't be more proud of. 🎉

To celebrate, we hosted a staff conference to not only recognise our accomplishments but to also discuss the challenges ahead and....

Take part in research on the impact of financial pressures on children’s social care Take part in a study designed to inform the development of evidenced-informed policies and support that improves families’ financial circumstances and outcomes for children.

Recent rises in living costs are putting incredible pressure on both services and families.

We are looking for professionals to take part in research about families facing persistent financial challenge and the impact this has on children’s social care. ow.ly/uYxT50UAoLE

How is #Islington and it's fantastic Congolese community connected to one of 2024's highest grossing films, "Wicked?" 🧵

Wicked: Meet the London braider behind Elphaba's wig Marie-Josee came to London as a refugee from Congo.

This accomplishment is a testament to their exceptional skills steeped in the culture and the vibrant artistic spirit within the Congolese community.

📺 https://buff.ly/3BYXMNn

#Islington #DRC #CongoleseCommunity #WickedMovie #Hairdressing

One remarkable example is Josee's Pro Braiding Studio, a hairdresser with a small salon in Finsbury Park. They recently achieved an incredible feat by creating the iconic micro-braided wig for Elphaba in the highly anticipated "Wicked" movie.

Islington is home to a thriving Congolese community, with many individuals having fled the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) seeking refuge and a better life. Their resilience, creativity, and talent enrich the borough in countless ways.

How is #Islington and it's fantastic Congolese community connected to one of 2024's highest grossing films, "Wicked?" 🧵