As I write this piece, I’m very conscious that this will be my last ever contribution. At the AGM in October, I will be standing down, having served the charity as a Trustee for 15 years, and as Chair for the last 8 years.

Back in 2008, I hadn’t long stepped back from full-time work, sensing that the time was right for me to explore what God might have me do alongside part-time work. I’m now well on my way to 70, and those last 15 years seem to have flown by! Together with FareShare, inHope – or ‘Crisis Centre Ministries’ as it was then – were the first charities that I got involved in. Coming from a business background I had no real knowledge of the voluntary sector and had to learn fast. The charity was relatively small, and our headquarters was on City Road. I can still recall my first Board meeting, ably led by our previous Chair, Graham Donald – from whom I learned a huge amount.

Since that time, thousands of people have been supported with hot meals in the Wild Goose, hundreds of women have had somewhere safe to stay, countless individuals and families have been given food parcels and financial support, and many people today are living well in their recovery from addiction and trauma.

There have also been huge changes – a new name, a different Board of Trustees (I’m the only one that remains from 15 years ago!), a new CEO, a new base for our operations, and most importantly significant growth in the reach and impact of the charity across Bristol. It’s been a joy and privilege to have served as a Trustee over that period, and it’s been incredibly humbling to reflect on God’s goodness and faithfulness throughout that time. I continue to be amazed and grateful for the commitment of the inHope team, the generosity of those that support us through finance or volunteering, and, of course, the goodness of God! Thanks to you all!

As I look to the future, I feel very positive indeed. We have a strong staff team, and excellent CEO in Jonathan Lee, a diverse and very capable Board of Trustees, and a new Chair in Lindsay Smith, who will undoubtedly do an excellent job. inHope will remain very dear to me, and I hope those of you who have provided such great support over the years will continue to do so.