Allan Bentley

A skilled professional with a strong background in communication, patience and empathy, adaptability, and resilience. Adept at navigating diverse environments and fostering positive relationships. Career goals include leveraging transferable skills, academic gains and social conscience to contribute effectively in community-focused initiatives which contribute to the improvement of peoples well-being and social inclusion.

• Hiking/(wild/camping) - I am a very keen hiker/walker/yomper. As well as having climbed Scafell Pike at least 20 times I've also recently completed the West Highland Way, the national three peaks 24 hour challenge and The Yorkshire three peaks. I am currently planning to complete the Tour Mont Blanc. I have a passion for exploring and value walking through a landscape shoulder to shoulder. A great passion of mine is venturing into the Lake District or Scottish wilderness.
• Volunteering in a community garden/pond. I am a prominent and passionate member in a local community group which have transformed an overgrown swamp into a beautiful community pond. We have received National Lottery, Co-op and local government funding which indicates the projects value is universally recognised. Every volunteer from elderly members to socially isolated individuals have benefitted through social connections, being outdoors and learning new skills. This year we created a wildlife calendar using the photographs I have taken of the project which was a big success.
• Bee keeping - I am currently partaking in a Bee Keeping course to ensure that I will be able to maintain and care for Hives which we are introducing to the community project. Our aim is to produce Honey and candles to ensure the project is self-sustaining.
• Art - I am a creative individual and love learning new skills and using new materials. I believe everyone is an artist and any form of expression is beneficial. I am also a judge for a local monthly Homeless charity (Emmaus) Photography competition and I am planning on providing a workshop.
• The Gym - keeping fit. Physical adversity is a staple to my positive well-being.

I have been nominated for a national press picture of the year award four times.