Dame Hannahs charity in Ivybridge has welcomed a new Chair of Trustees, Ian Cowley.

During his business career, he has been closely involved with a number of charities, who found themselves having to overcome challenging and difficult situations.

His work helped them to get through their difficulties, refocus on their core values, renew their sense of purpose and put in place the financial security that is so important for the long term sustainability of any charity.

In the past Ian has also been a non-executive director of a number of social housing organisations, all with a number of care homes within their businesses.

Ian speaks of his motivation to become a Trustee: “It comes from being part of a charity that makes such a difference to the lives of the adults with disabilities we care for. Indeed it is difficult to underestimate the importance of the care we provide.

“It comes from understanding just how difficult their lives would be without Dame Hannahs.

When it became clear that Dame Hannahs were looking for somebody with my skills and experience, it was impossible to turn down the invitation.”

He says there are a number of things he can bring to the charity: “It is the humility to understand how important it is to encourage everyone to live life to the full including having access to the support for them to meet their full potential.

For a number of years, I was the disability champion for a major UK business, and this helped me to properly understand and appreciate all the little and large things we can do to make life easier for others.

In practical terms, I am a very experienced businessman, with a track record of building successful and sustainable organisations in a number of industries and countries. The skills I have learned and the challenges I have overcome, will hopefully be helpful as Dame Hannahs moves on, from what has been a difficult period in its history.”

Ian’s plan for the next two years ist to make sure that Dame Hannahs thrives, moves forward and concentrate on what they do best – providing first class care for our adults with disabilities.

“He wants to keep looking at ways to expand their lives and to enable them to have an even better quality of life.

He believes it is critical that they make sure that the Trust is in a position to provide the same level of care for a greater number of adults with disabilities on a sustainable basis.

Ian says staffing is vital: “It’s my job, with my other trustees, to get to know the staff, to fully understand what is needed to help them do their jobs to the best of their ability and support the Executive in putting in place what is needed.

It is fundamental to our future success, that we maintain an encouraging, positive nurturing and welcoming environment. Ensuring that all our employees have the confidence to move forward with the knowledge and belief that Dame Hannahs now has a bright future.”

Ian has one more priority: “To help spread the word that Dame Hannahs is now in a strong and stable position and making good progress.

To expand the reach of the charity by finding more volunteers of all ages and reconnecting with key supporters in the South Hams and Plymouth.”

Much of the past and hopefully future success of Dame Hannahs has come through the dedication and support we receive from all our volunteers.

The Covid epidemic has made it much harder for us to be fully engaged with our volunteers and one of my key goals is to ensure we continue to work closely with our existing and new volunteers, supporting them to the best of our ability.”