Former High Sheriff of Northamptonshire Anne Burnett DL has pledged her support for Northamptonshire charity Teamwork Trust as the organisation’s very first Patron.

Anne’s role, unveiled at the charity’s Annual General Meeting, will see the farmer and former Investment Manager play a pivotal role in supporting Teamwork Trust as it continues in its bid to become sustainable, transformed and prepared for the 22^nd century.

Anne, whose current charitable roles include being a Northamptonshire Community Foundation trustee and a Deputy Lieutenant for the county, served as the county’s High Sheriff in 2014-15, an appointment that was given the seal of approval by the Queen.

Teamwork Trust has three centres - in Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough and works with and supports its Northamptonshire members who are adults with mental health needs, learning and physical disabilities.

Anne, who lives near Oundle, said: “Being a Patron is a new role for me so that is exciting to begin with. Working with such a great team and getting to know all the members and hearing more about their lives and how we can help them will be my starting point. I am also looking forward to supporting the charity’s Trustees as they plan for the future and seek new ways to raise the profile of the charity.

“I have always been one to promote the charities I work with as I am quite a hands on person, I could never be a figurehead and do nothing. I aim to promote the excellent work that Teamwork Trust does and to help secure future streams of funding for them. I’m also interested in the work Teamwork are doing with children with learning difficulties and helping their parents secure their future.”

Talking about what Anne likes most about Teamwork Trust she said: “I like the way the members are encouraged to get on and live as varied a life as possible. The staff and volunteers never give up in helping them to achieve a little bit more and are so good at ensuring members overcome challenges.”

John Bruce, Strategic Director for Teamwork Trust, added: “We are proud to have Anne on board and, with her help and commitment to the charity sector, we are confident that Teamwork Trust can achieve all its objectives, continue to support its members and focus on becoming sustainable and fit for the future.”

Anne Burnett - Patron