This month, we’re talking with Klara, who recently re-joined our team to coordinate delivery of our new Community Parenting Academy programme across London.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I was born in London but, when I was two years old, moved to Budapest with my mum, which is where she’s from. We stayed with my grandparents for just over a year and I went to nursery there before returning to London to get ready for primary school.
I’m an only child, although I have lots of cousins on my dad’s side of the family–they’re Turkish Cypriot and live in North London. I grew up in Enfield with my parents. My dad works in IT, and my mum is a freelance translator and has also worked in the property sector.
Looking back, I think my parents taught me the importance of independent thinking, self-discipline, and determination. I went to school in north London before studying English Literature at the University of Exeter. After that, I completed a Master’s degree in Modern Literature at King’s College London. During that summer, I did a cultural exchange course in Denmark studying anthropology and artificial intelligence.
I’ve always loved reading, although I’m not entirely sure where that came from as neither of my parents are big readers. Perhaps being an only child meant I spent a lot of time entertaining myself through reading.
What's your role at LifeLine?
The Community Parenting Academy teaches Peer Mentoring with the aim of turning parents into leaders that can support other parents and their wider community. It builds on the Mayor of London’s Champions Support Network with the goal of encouraging long-term support within all 32 London boroughs.
As the project coordinator, my role is to make sure everything runs smoothly. I support our trainer, Safiyya, in delivering the course, act as the first point of contact for participants, and organise venues and promotional events. I am also the Internal Quality Assurer for the programme—as the course is accredited, I have to ensure everything is carried out fairly and consistently to meet the provider’s standards.
All this means that being organised, friendly, inclusive, creative and reliable are important. Building good relationships with people is a big part of the role too.
I’ve been in this role for two months, although I worked at LifeLine previously for nine months with the FaithAction and Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham teams. As I left and then came back, I’m considered what our CEO likes to call a ‘boomerang’.
What do you like most about the role?
I’m really enjoying being part of a new project and having the opportunity to think creatively. I also really value the teamwork involved, which helps everyone feel connected to what we are building together.
It was the chance to help create something new that really appealed to me. Opportunities like that don’t come along very often.
I’m particularly proud of our launch event. There was such a positive atmosphere. It felt hopeful, supportive and enjoyable, and it was wonderful to see people come together.
And the idea that the project will create lasting positive change within the community fills me with hope. Knowing that the support we provide today could continue to benefit people in the future is very encouraging.
Have you learned anything from the people you've met so far?
I’ve learned a great deal from my colleagues. Their authenticity and integrity have encouraged me to be myself and have helped create an environment where people feel comfortable being genuine.
From the start, everyone was very welcoming and friendly. I felt like part of the team very quickly. LifeLine is diverse, welcoming and supportive. Everyone here is warm, helpful and enjoyable to work with.
What was your journey like before LifeLine?
When I was young, I wanted to be a writer because I loved expressing myself through writing. I liked the idea of sharing thoughts, telling stories and helping people connect with one another.
I really enjoyed going to university. It was the beginning of a new chapter, and it was where I met lifelong friends who have shaped me and changed the way I see the world.
Studying literature, spending time abroad, and meeting people from different backgrounds have all shaped my outlook. Those experiences taught me the value of curiosity, understanding and learning from others.
What is something that most people might not know about you?
When I was fifteen, I was a finalist in a national bird-watching competition. I remember when I was about four, my dad bought me a big red RSPB book on British birds and that was the beginning of a lifelong hobby!