CEO's May Update: Sunshine, students and keeping spirits raised

Summer, with all its promise of sunshine, is fast approaching. You might wonder what complexities come with summer, but for us it’s a familiar mix: holidays and school holidays, increasing demand on our services, and the challenge of balancing it all while still trying to enjoy the brighter days that lift everyone’s spirits.

We’re heading into an especially busy and exciting period. We’re patiently awaiting the outcome of the CRS men’s contracts, and our House project is progressing really well. Alongside this, we’ve been busy reaching out to larger stores for kind donations of just about everything needed to turn the house into a true home. There’s so much more to come over the next few months, so watch this space for updates as everything comes together.

We’re also incredibly lucky to be hosting five Social Work students, who have been working extremely hard on their placements with us. Their time is nearly at an end, and we’re delighted to be able to share their feedback and reflections on their experiences.

For me personally, this period is very much focused on fundraising to ensure we can continue to meet the growing needs of the people we support. This has become increasingly challenging due to the cost‑of‑living crisis and the ongoing impacts of war, with many funders having to reassess their funding criteria. To all third‑sector organisations navigating these same challenges: we see you, we feel your pain, and we stand with you. We’ll get through this phase together – and brighter funding opportunities will come for all of us