Goodbyes and Good memories

We didn’t know it at the start, but 2025 became a year of endings and transitions. A year of personal reflection and deep soul searching. Juggling the complex and challenging life of community alongside family and all it brings can be a tricky balance to find.

In July Alice resigned as a director, a huge loss but understandable decision as she moves further into systems change. Leading the way, or trying to, rebalance the power of resources that flow to communities and grass root organisations. Alice has been a critical friend, allie and a much-needed breath of fresh air through the early days of Nh&S. We are so grateful she walked alongside us and wish her the very best as she continues the work.

Not too long after this, Ben resigned as director. A solid supporter of our work from the beginning, his contributions have been invaluable. After working through a tricky transition, we are delighted to have found a balance whereby Ben remains an ongoing part of NH&S, utilising his financial expertise to support the next phase of work.

And finally, the biggest transition to make was that of Angela, who formally left in December to have the freedom and flexibility to spend time on the work and people she loves. I’m not sure any words I write will do justice to the legacy that Angela leaves with NH&S but I will try. Angela is the absolute cornerstone of where and who we are today. She has influenced so much for this community.

Brought to life changes that were a dream 6 years ago. Not only has she shaped how connected this local community is now, she has shared this passion and vision across the borough, region, UK and globally. She has a remarkable ability to see possibilities where there are non, influence systems change and support others along the way. It’s been life-changing and an honour to have been able to do this work alongside her. We know Angela will never be far away and thank her immensely for all that she has done.

And then there were two! Myself and Lisa.

Whilst change is rarely easy, I think we’d all agree that it was a precarious 6 months. All passionate people who work for a deep and meaningful purpose. When you work so closely on something that many don’t understand, it’s more than a job; it’s a mission. Allies are crucial for survival. Change, however uncomfortable, is necessary. It is brave and authentic to recognise the need when it could be easier to go with the flow. It takes trust in yourself when you are feeling wobbly and trust in others who will remind you of your anchor.

2026 has already brought plenty to deal with as we continue to explore community ownership. A huge and scary undertaking but one that we are excited about. The transformation of a local pub into a bustling hub of community life could be the next phase of wealth-building. Fingers crossed, we can line the ducks up accordingly to make it a reality.