Meet Pannel Croft resident, Val!

Resident at ExtraCare’s Pannel Croft, Val Benjamin, spoke to The Centre of Ageing Better this Black History Month discussing her influences and how she advocates for community change.

I’m aged 70 years old, I’m the CEO of an organisation called Holistic Empowerment Network. It came about as I retired. I was a teacher and am a qualified life coach – I do training, mentoring and empowerment sessions at Pannel Croft. I empower people to move them from where they are, to where they wish to be. I’m also passionate about equality and justice. I came from the Caribbean aged 13, so have lived here nearly all my life. I’ve experienced the good, the bad and the in-between – I’ve used all those to empower people who are what I call the three Ls – the Least, the Lost and the Last.

Who has influenced you?

My influences – coming from a Christian background – and as an ordained minister of religion, I’m influenced by a lady called Joyce Asbury, who I met on a course before going to university. At that time, I lacked confidence and self-esteem, but she was such an encourager and she really inspired me. There are other influences that I see in the media, like Martin Luther King, but Joyce is my main influence.

Taking pride in being a Black Elder

Being a Black Elder means being able to listen to others. My own family is a credit to me, I’ve got three children and they’re my heartbeat. I was divorced and brought them up alone, with the help of God. My children have done me proud. People look at the seeds that I’ve sowed and the fruits that it’s bringing.