Maddy

Travel information

I am currently

Description

My name is Maddy, I currently live in the UK but since 2023 I've been working remotely as the communications manager for a small Brighton-based arts charity that uses creativity to address environmental and social justice issues. I'm now looking for a supportive host who is happy for me to to continue my paid part-time work alongside work-away duties. I am also happy to offer communications support and advice in return!

I care deeply about the world and enjoy spending time learning about people, arts and culture, different ecologies and agricultural land management systems. I'm an anthropologist interested community development, off-grid living and sustainable farming. This led me to researching and volunteering at a permaculture plot for a couple of years in the UK where I became obsessed with this approach to earth and people care. In 2021, I completed a Permaculture Design Course in the aftermath of Covid-19 but outside of my irregular volunteering efforts and looking after the houseplants in my flat, I became 'too busy' and stopped prioritising this area of focus since then. Now, I'd like to get back to being on the land and start to nurture my skills and passion for permaculture. I can't think of anywhere better to do this than Andalusia, a place I've dreamed of going to for over ten years!

On a day-to-day level, I'm a very relaxed and friendly person who can get along with anyone. I like to read, listen to music, stretch my body, go running, pet animals, dance, drink coffee and chat. Finding a balance between resting, working and being with people is an art form if you ask me. I love to be with people, learn about them and share stories but I am also content and comfortable being or working solitary.

Interests

Languages

Languages spoken
Spanish: Beginner

More details about my language interests
This workawayer has indicated that they would be interested in sharing their language(s) or learning a new language. You can contact them directly to discuss this.

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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

DIY and building projects

Babysitting and creative play

Being an elderly companion

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Life at a Farmstay

Helping around the house

Animal Care

Art Projects

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Some knowledge of:  

Gardening

General Maintenance

Eco Projects

Charity Work

Languages

Helping with Computers/ Internet

Teaching

More details about your skills

I have lots of skills and am very much an all-rounder! I am an enthusiastic learner so will always try to develop my skills.

In my professional work I am a communications specialist, cultural producer and community organiser so I'm happy to share this knowledge. I am interested in finding the stories of a place or a person then finding respectful collaborative ways to share them. One of the photos attached to my profile is from a research project I did on a community-garden where I asked volunteers to show me what permaculture meant to them by taking photographs. We then looked at all the photos together and I recorded peoples stories as they spoke to one another.

I have a strong interest in sustainable activism and education. I've worked as a workshop facilitator for many years starting of in as a CELTA-qualified English language teacher. I have worked with young people in various countries since 2016 including long stays in Poland and Italy with hosts.

My arts practice is always developing and I like to try many different things, I am a trained florist and enjoy working with natural materials. I have good general DIY skills and have installed many exhibitions and worked as a building officer for over a year.

During my time volunteering at Brighton Permaculture Trust I helped to construct a herb spiral, build a bug hotel from recycled materials, pick and dry herbs for tea, digging and planting, clearing overgrown spaces, laying woodchip, mulching, turning compost, decanting fertilizer, propogating plants for sale, and helping to lay the foundations of an irrigation system in the form of a small pond.

Aside from that, I am happy to help in literally whatever you need assistance with, from doing laundry to cooking dinner. I have lived independently and with other people in shared houses.

For almost a year I have been learning Spanish online with my teacher who I met in Peru. My level is basic but I am committed to improving and hope the cultural exchange will support me to improve.

Age

28

What else ...

I am trying to improve my Spanish and would like to find a dance class or people who want to be silly and free.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  no

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  Special dietary requirements
  I try to eat vegetarian.