Annual Report 2021/22

Hear Us Annual Report 2021 – Chair’s Opening Statement

Abbi Greene (Chair)

Working as interim Chair since December 2021, I feel very privileged to have formally stepped up to Chair in December 2021. I am so proud of the work of our Chief Executive, Tim Oldham, who, together with our wonderful staff and volunteers, have worked tirelessly on the frontline to provide essential support and services, enabling Hear Us to support more people than ever before, achieving organisational growth in the most challenging of times.

Although Covid-19 restrictions were officially lifted on 24th February 2022, the pandemic continued to have an impact on society, our economy and our ways of working, meaning that our support and services have never been more needed. It has been a tough time for staff and volunteers, but everyone has kept working tirelessly to deliver the best possible service, while adapting to the new way of working by continuing to provide services virtually while working from home. The Open Forum was held remotely via Microsoft TEAMs. The Linkworking team ran virtual and telephone Linkworking sessions. Although reduced, the Reachout project continued to deliver sessions to the Metropolitan police.

As a result of all the tremendous passion, dedication and commitment of Hear Us staff and volunteers we are a position to able to expand our workforce and secure the future of all Hear Us activities. Our funders have trusted us to continue to deliver and evolve our vital services in Croydon. Eleanor spearheaded several successful funding bids while building good relationships with our funders. The whole team have been involved in the huge amount of work required to prepare for the Advice Quality Standard (AQS) assessment due in June 2022. Claire Hawkes accepted the newly created positions of Deputy CEO. Thank you to Jonathan for stepping up to Treasurer and welcome our two new Trustees, Niall McVeigh and Jackie Ashton.

I would like to extend a well done and huge heartfelt thanks on behalf of myself and all the Trustees to staff and volunteers for continuing to make sure that the voice of service users is heard loud and proud in Croydon.

OUR FUNDING

As a registered UK charity and part of our commitment to be open, honest and accountable in everything we do, we publish our annual financial reports here on our website.

The great majority of our funding comes from Croydon CCG, Croydon Council and grant-giving bodies, but we also receive and welcome individual donations. We’re completely open about our finances – please feel free to read our financial reports.

Please contact us if you need any more information.

Tim Oldham
CEO
Orchard House
15a Purley Road
South Croydon
Surrey
CR2 6EZ
Tel: 020 8681 6888
Mobile: 07594 373 104
Email: tim@hear-us.org