As
I gently ease into the privileged position of Chair of Trustees, I am
only too well aware that successful organisations never stand still, but
constantly adapt and change in response to new opportunities, challenges
and ideas. In a sector where there is increasing competition for
resources, then some changes are inevitable if Trustees are to position
Friary Drop-In to flourish in the years ahead.
Top
priority is the challenge that comes out of the uncertainties and cuts
during this last year, which indicates that Friary Drop-In must
identify new opportunities for alternative funding streams, because the
availability of any taxpayer funded grant aid remains questionable. This
matter is of such importance that Trustees are taking specialist advice
on future funding, as it is central to the development of our Strategic
Plan. The aim is to have greater financial independence and flexibility
in maintaining and growing services.
Also
under consideration for inclusion in our Plan, are several practical
ideas linked to social enterprise that would complement existing Friary
Drop-In services and, at the same time, generate surplus funds for
reinvestment. The next 18 months leading to our 25th anniversary
celebrations (in the summer of 2013) provides the ideal motivation for
any major proposals to be put in place.
Various
other changes that will freshen-up the image of Friary Drop-In are on
the horizon. For some time it has been recognised that Friary Drop-In
website needs an upgrade. A design has been commissioned to incorporate
a new logo that will be used on all Friary Drop-In publications.
Similarly, this newsletter will soon be launched in a new format.
There
seems to be some guarded optimism that the project is moving in the
right direction, and I hope the road ahead is not too rocky! However, we
must never lose sight of the reason Friary Drop-In exists. Our Christian
roots constantly remind all of us of our responsibility, and indeed our
duty towards others, especially the hope we can provide for those
disadvantaged and vulnerable people who make 17,000 visits to Friary
Drop-In each year.
Thank you
to everyone for your continued support of Friary Drop-In. Watch this
space.
Robin Lund
Chair of Trustees
