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New Leadership at Community Links

The Trustees of Community Links, are delighted to announce that Geraldine Blake has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.

Chair of Trustees Gavin Rennie said:
As all of us are aware, these are testing times for the economy and for the people that Community Links focuses on. The trustees and I see this appointment as a key stage in our efforts to ensure that Community Links is able to achieve its vision, and carry forward the new strategic plan.

19 Oct 2009

Following a thorough and testing process of selection, Community Links Trustees were unanimous in selecting Geraldine to take on the role. Geraldine has been interim CEO since April 2009 when she stepped up from head of Community Links’ national team, Links UK. Geraldine Blake has led Links UK from its start five years ago to the leading force it is today in social regeneration in the UK, with international links. She now brings the same passion, collaborative approach and strategic action to the full mission of Community Links.

Geraldine Blake said:
I am delighted to be the permanent Chief Executive of Community Links - an amazing organisation, making so much difference to people here in east London and far beyond, These are not easy times, but I'm looking forward to working with our partners and supporters to take Community Links forward, building on the successes of the last 32 years, staying true to our unique approach and deep values, and realising our full potential as champions of positive social change.

“Shared Vision: Lasting Impact”: Community Links new strategy will be launched on October 21st at a supporter’s reception kindly hosted by Lovells LLP. The next five years will see the development of Community Links extensive range of community projects each focusing on the four strategic aims of Raising Aspirations, Extending Opportunites, Tackling Poverty and Strengthening Communities.

Notes to editors:

1. Community Links is an innovative east London charity running community-based projects and sharing local lessons to create national change. Founded in 1977, we help thousands of vulnerable children, young people and adults every year. Examples of local projects include after-school clubs, free advice services, alternative education, neighbourhood sports schemes and youth crime prevention. Financial support for Community Links comes from statutory grants, government contracts and independent and corporate support.
More information www.community-links.org

2. The work of Community Links has been widely celebrated. The Prime Minister Gordon Brown MP has referred to the organisation as “The innovative charity at the forefront of community regeneration” David Cameron MP, Leader of the Opposition said Community Links was “…one of Britain’s most inspiring community organisations”

3. The Community Links Annual Review: Overcoming Challenges and Strategy Document Shared Vision: Lasting Impact are each available on request . or can be downloaded from the website.

4. For further information please contact:
Richard McKeever, Communications Manager
Community Links
105 Barking Road
Canning Town
London
E16 4HQ
Tel: 020 7473 9671 (direct line)
Tel: 020 7473 2270 (switchboard)
Email: .
Web: www.community-links.org