Tania Townsend
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taniatownsend.bsky.social
Tania Townsend
@taniatownsend.bsky.social
Head of Strategic Programmes & Strategy. ❤️#localgov. Black & Jewish, Londoner, Mother, Gooner, Hackney lady and blogger. ♥️ diversity matters. Views my own.
@TaniaTSays on X
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.
October 2, 2025 at 1:14 PM
🍯 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.
September 23, 2025 at 6:32 PM
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...
Hackney Year 6 pupils best in the country in 2025 | Hackney Council News
Hackney pupils ranked joined first in provisional KS2 SATs results
news.hackney.gov.uk
September 21, 2025 at 6:23 PM
The Champions of Europe, and always the leaders of North London! Well done and mazel tov to my beloved #Arsenal 💕
May 24, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Reposted by Tania Townsend
“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.
‘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
www.ft.com
April 17, 2025 at 1:36 PM
🌟 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. 🧵
Care, courage and connection
ADCS is a membership organisation. Our members hold leadership roles in children’s services departments in local authorities in England.
www.adcs.org.uk
April 17, 2025 at 12:05 PM
"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
March 1, 2025 at 10:27 PM
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...
Maureen’s Kitchen taste test 💕 would you try it ? 💕#foodcritic @Maureen’s Kitchen
TikTok video by Keith Lee
www.tiktok.com
February 20, 2025 at 1:01 PM
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....
February 3, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Reposted by Tania Townsend
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
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.
ow.ly
January 6, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Reposted by Tania Townsend
How is #Islington and it's fantastic Congolese community connected to one of 2024's highest grossing films, "Wicked?" 🧵
January 5, 2025 at 9:54 AM
How is #Islington and it's fantastic Congolese community connected to one of 2024's highest grossing films, "Wicked?" 🧵
January 5, 2025 at 9:54 AM
The power of care and volunteering can't be underestimated.

Last year, the festive period for my family and me was awful. My granddad, one of my last remaining Windrush generation family, passed away in his care home. This Xmas, watching the iconic DJ AG..
December 24, 2024 at 6:38 PM
December 23, 2024 at 6:07 PM
O fiscal devo, fiscal devo, wherefore art thou fiscal devo?
Here's how the Government envisions working with strategic and local authorities:
December 16, 2024 at 6:34 PM
On the one hand, a focus on #localgov workforce development. On the other, secondments between the central and regional tiers only. Interesting.
#devolution
December 16, 2024 at 6:25 PM
I may currently be in a London borough however I can't wait for the Devolution White Paper. The opportunities for the future, form and function of local government and #localgov family don't come around often.
December 15, 2024 at 7:36 PM
At the #NCASC24 race and racism session, I was one of the Black audience members who commented. I have had to take a couple of weeks to reflect and reorientate. Here is why 🧵
Comments from the audience at this race&racism session are powerful. It is distressing to be having the same conversation 20,30,40 years later… our Black colleagues are tired, angry & carrying pain. And yet we ask them to meet the needs of Black children & families carrying the same pain. #ncasc24
December 15, 2024 at 2:56 PM
Are we back to Public Service Agreements and a Prime Minister's Delivery Unit?
December 5, 2024 at 12:54 PM
Farewell, for now, Liverpool. One of the top, and best, cities in the world.
#ncasc24
#ncasc
November 29, 2024 at 4:26 PM
More than one in three children in poverty. This study measures a family’s resources, not just their income, a model that the DWP will use. A welcome emphasis but depressing news.
More than one in three children in poverty as UK deprivation hits record high
Exclusive: Study finds almost quarter of UK population living in poverty, reaching the highest level this century
buff.ly
November 19, 2024 at 10:05 AM
I'm in a semi-controversial mood about #localgov & #devolution this week.
1. Should London have 32 + 1 local authorities?
2. Could an 'Assembly of London Council Leaders' replace the GLA?

@pialidg.bsky.social @jesstud.bsky.social
November 18, 2024 at 11:08 PM
Last week started and ended in joy. Firstly, @DCMS announced a new National Youth Strategy co-produced with young people themselves. It promises to rejuvenate youth services and create better-coordinated support. A fantastic step to empower our youth and give them the tools they need to thrive.
November 18, 2024 at 8:25 AM