Foundation Turns 40!

Foundation Turns 40!

To celebrate Foundation turning 40 we have been hearing from colleagues past and present. We were lucky enough to hear from
Chris, Former Foundation Chair…

I was privileged to join the Foundation Board on 27 July 2004.

I was Board Chair for a number of years. During that time, we set up a consortium, Together Women to provide services to women offenders and those at risk of offending [in 2006]. In 2006 band 2007 we expanded into Lancashire, Durham, and Darlington.

In 2009 Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary and as Board Chair I wrote in the Annual Impact Report:

‘‘Since the days of the Timble Housing project we’ve come a long way. Whilst we’ve added many diverse activities and service enhancements we haven’t forgotten our core reason for being; putting a roof over the head of someone who needs one. Call it what you will: a base, your space or simply your home.

It’s a basic human need and our service aims to meet that need for people who, for a whole host of reasons, don’t have one.

A key focus for us is finding opportunities to involve them [ the customer] in the delivery of our service-putting them at the centre of what we do.’’

I was very fortunate to be able to contribute to Foundation and to work alongside Steve Woodford who was truly inspirational. I learnt so much and am delighted that Inspire North have decided to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of such a wonderful organisation!

Chris Ions, Former Foundation Chair