Where did the last year go?

Yesterday marked 1 year of my being with Cumbria CVS…. And what a wonderful year! 

It’s remarkable to feel so completely connected to a place and its people so quickly and I feel blessed to have found somewhere so very special.

So what makes it so special…….

Firstly the Team – Currently I have 24 colleagues, both staff and volunteers (and a few more on the way) and each one is hardworking, dedicated and responsive to the needs of the community we serve. As usual for the third sector, their hours get a little longer than they should, they bend and flex around the needs of others and they each play a truly vital role in our survival. I’d be lost without them and have the utmost respect for their amazing talents! 

Secondly our Trustees – At Cumbria CVS we have access to the immense knowledge and brilliance of a supportive, challenging (in the right way!) and diverse opinions of 10 trustees who gift their time and expertise to ensure our survival and oversee in our governance. I have learnt a lot from them over the past 12 months and very much look forward to what they have to teach me – and our team next.

Thirdly but certainly not least is the external colleagues around us – We have some wonderful partnerships and I personally have been given support and assistance when needed by a great network of third sector colleagues and beyond for which I am extremely grateful. We have big plans for the coming years and I look forward to completing them with our networks by our side.

Don’t get me wrong…. There have been challenges this year, with changes in the team and the impact that a new CEO invariably brings looking through fresh eyes and different experiences but CVS and all the team have been remarkable in their approach and willingness to try new things. I’m proud to work with such a resilient and competent team.

So all that’s left to say is a big Thank you as I raise a celebratory slice of cake in anticipation of the next fabulous 12 months…………..THANK YOU!