9^th November 2018: Service users made a heart-warming contribution to Teamwork Trust’s AGM on Friday 9^th November.

Over 70 people attended the Northamptonshire charity’s AGM at Kettering Park Hotel, including the Mayor of Corby, Deputy Mayor of Kettering and Deputy Leader, Wellingborough Council. Other local dignitaries and representatives from businesses and charitable organisations were also among the guests, but the real focus was on Teamwork’s members, who presented updates on recent achievements and plans going forward.

Naomi Scannell, Development Worker, Enable – an East Midlands learning and skills consortium – said: “I was excited to hear about where Teamwork is as a charity and how they fulfil their important role in the community. It was so refreshing to have a human element at an AGM through the members’ involvement too. Their presence brings true honesty and openness and made the whole event far more engaging.”

During the event guests heard touching stories from members Kevin, Martin, Michael and Jonathan who spoke confidentially about how Teamwork has helped them grow, and their achievements on the charity’s various programmes to develop the skills and future prospects of its members – the SEMLEP ‘Building Better Opportunities’ project, funded through the European Social Fund and the National Lottery's Big Lottery Fund, and other big funding wins were among their presentations.

Strategic director, John Bruce also updated guests on the challenges ahead. “We are entering very difficult times – our charity is in good shape but that doesn’t mean we can let go.  We have to remain as positive and as focused as ever by building partnerships with all the right organisations and to be mindful of all the changes in our local government and how that will affect Teamwork Trust and its members.”

Councillor Mohammed Rahman, Mayor of Corby was impressed by the positivity and determination shown by Teamwork’s staff and members. He said: “The services Teamwork provides to people with special needs and disabilities are so vitally important. They are very positive about their future and making sure that those people are given a chance in the community and a place in society.”