“Community Links has a new generation of social change unfolding. Everyone has a part to play in this, and the Advisory Committee role is integral.”
Ian combined local voluntary action with graduation from West Ham College (Hons Psychology, London Ext.). He then led the homeless charities Crisis (at Christmas) and, later, Carr Gomm Society at formative times. Following an MSc in Applied Social Studies Ian developed preventive work in local authority social services; tackling poverty and entrenched problems, empowering families and, thereby, dramatically cutting statutory orders and associated public costs.
Ian has always been passionate about ‘the unique strengths in the community, and in involving everyone, in finding new solutions’. He was a founder Trustee of Community Links. He transferred to its employ to assist with the campaign to bring the Public Hall back into use as Community Links new Centre (helping involve 128 organisations in the cash and in-kind venture and finishing it with prisoners on a programme of day-release from Pentonville). Developing and leading the independent resource raising operation followed: establishing boards, appeals, events, and countless thoughtful partnerships and creative initiatives over the years. (40 Stories, on the website, illustrates the consistent shared approach and ambition.) Ian has continued to assist, in a voluntary role, with essential funding and with the establishment of the new Advisory Committee.
“The lived experience, and involving everyone, continue to be at the forefront of all we do and plan. Our innovative arrangement with Catch22 strengthens our operating model and extends our collective range. Our programmes and their participants have the ambition for a new generation of social change. The Advisory Committee is important in helping this ambition to be achieved.”