Young carer turned BGU alumni and colleague to deliver Tedx speech

Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) colleague, Connor Short, is set to deliver an inspiring speech on his journey from young carer to graduate and now, proud BGU colleague at upcoming TedxBrayford Pool event.

TedxBrayford Pool’s seventh flagship event is taking place on Saturday 2^nd and Sunday 3^rd November at Lincoln Arts Centre. This year’s theme and call to action centres around the idea that we are ‘united by ideas’ – highlighting the inaugural collaboration with TedxKyiv.

With over 20 speakers and performers taking part across the weekend, attendees can hope to hear from voices that transcend across Lincolnshire all the way to Ukraine.

Connor originally graduated from BGU in the summer of 2022 and became SU President for the following two years. Connor is passionate about sharing the barriers he overcame from his beginnings as a young carer, to where he is today – working within student engagement at the university.

Originally from Grimsby, Connor cared for his mum from a young age. He said: “I was my mum’s carer for many years, and she always told me I could be more.

“I was often told by teachers and adults that I wasn't likely to succeed or achieve anything. So, naturally, I made it my mission to prove them wrong. This experience feels like the perfect gift to my younger self.”

Connor’s mum, and other children like himself, are the joint inspirations behind his upcoming speech.

Connor continues: “Change is possible. Young carers, like myself, can get into a rut. They often become inclined to believe that this is all life will be for them but that’s not the case, more is possible.

“Kids like I was need an outlet and I am so incredibly honoured to be part of the vehicle enabling that to be possible.

“Both BGU and TedxBrayford have helped me to climb. If you want to succeed, you could do a lot worse than coming to both BGU and TedxBrayford.”

Owen Tonks-Lewis, Co-Curator of TEDxBrayford Pool Series, added: “As a BGU graduate myself, alongside my Co-curator, Andy Farenden, an ex-lecturer at BGU, we continue to enjoy working with the university.

“We are very pleased two of our speakers for this event are also recent graduates.”

For ticketing information and the full programme, visit: TEDxBrayfordPool | Annual Conference | TEDx Lincoln UK