Bettina Wilhelm-Exley
Clapham and Brixton Hill Better Start Area Manager
Bettina has been a key partner for much of the work carried out by LU’s family learning team in Lambeth.
She has always been more than willing to host us and also to try out new offers in terms of provision. This willingness to take risks is best illustrated by the Play Out project which was born during Covid. The project was aimed at isolated families of children under five. The project was so successful, in part due to Bettina, that it won a Campaign for Learning Award.
In September 2021, Bettina contacted LU about a hotel in Clapham for asylum seekers. With her support, LU and a local charity made and delivered 50 family learning packs, one for each child living at the hotel. Again Bettina supported us in every way possible.
Bettina’s connections in Lambeth are numerous. Two examples stand out. Bettina has linked LU up with the Clapham Relief Fund which has provided funds to support asylum seekers attending LU provision. Tell Bettina about a child who appears to have mobility issues and within a day she has contacted the right health visitor and arranged for a visit.
Bettina is also a big supporter of volunteering as a way of strengthening partnerships and communities. Above all, Bettina knows how important it is to always put the child at the centre of everything.