Description

Richard Holmes, the founder of Global Anthem, shares his journey of creating a new communication system for people where language is a barrier to understanding. He describes the challenges, experiences, and impact of his work with refugees and the development of a non-verbal communication system. Richard, Toni, and Lesley discuss the importance of human connection and the need for support in Richard’s mission to make a difference.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Global Anthem aims to create a universal communication system using body gestures and hand movements to help refugees and asylum seekers overcome language barriers. This system facilitates basic communication and understanding in crisis situations, allowing individuals to express their needs and interact effectively, regardless of language differences.
• Richard plans to spread his new communication system via initiatives and partnerships. He developed a teaching pack and playing cards with gestures and phrases in multiple languages, distributed through charities, aid agencies, and directly to refugees. Partnering with UNICEF and UNHCR, he aims to reach those fleeing conflict zones.
• Richard Holmes faced challenges working with refugees, including language barriers, limited education, and diverse cultural backgrounds. He struggled with bureaucratic obstacles, lack of support networks, and harsh treatment by some organisations. He has also dealt with his own mental health issues, including PTSD, while remaining committed to advocating for refugees' rights and well-being.

BEST MOMENTS

"I've decided to create a completely new communication system for people where language is a barrier to understanding."

"What a privilege it is to be able to read, write, understand English, to have had an education, to have the ability to be treated with equality and not prejudged."

"I'm not a businessman. I'm not an accountant. I'm in your face, front lines. I will sit in the mud with people. And that's my skill."

EPISODE RESOURCES

Global-Anthem

Instagram

Richard Holmes - Mentor - Ingenuity Impact | LinkedIn

ABOUT THE GUEST

Richard Holmes, a film industry model maker turned refugee advocate, founded Global Anthem after aiding Ukrainian refugees. His journey, fueled by a desire to help, led him to realise the need for a universal communication system. Motivated by dignity and integration, he empowers refugees through communication.

HOST BIOS

Toni C. Eastwood OBE, MBA, (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator)

Award-winning entrepreneur, who knows exactly what it’s like to start and scale NFP Business, raising multi-millions in funding. She has served as a non-executive board member and Chair of several charities and NFP organisations. With 30 years’   experience in SME, Business startup and growth, as Director of a FTSE 30 Company, starting and growing two businesses over the last 12yrs. Toni knows what it’s like to leave the familiar behind, to personally risk  everything to follow your passion for service and importantly to handle the inevitable obstacles along the way.

Lesley Craven MA – Programme Director – (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator)

Lesley has spent 30+ years leading public and social sector delivery, and as a CEO of numerous NFP organisations. She is an accomplished bid writer, facilitator, and business coach leading our delivery to 1000s of Small Business Owners and Leaders over the last 4 years.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

The Women On Purpose Podcast is where we keep it real, have fun, an authentic and entertaining platform for individuals seeking personal growth, purpose-driven living, and the full range of emotions that make life an adventure.  We share some laughter, and yes, there might even be a few tears along the way. We want the conversation to flow and will be chatting with our guests learning more about their successes, challenges, and how they have navigated these sharing the tools and techniques they may have used alongside us sharing our tips and techniques from our ASPIRE Model.

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