Here is a brief selection of our recent work, and what we expect to be doing next month.

In March 2022, among other activities, we have…

• worked together as a staff group on plans for the new Enhance programme
• hosted the Time to Shine conference Improving outcomes through coproduction and collaboration 
• advertised for a new CEO and new Administration Officer, and two Trustees
• been 1 of 12 (out of about 200 applicants) to be shortlisted for the Government’s Tackling loneliness with transport fund
• celebrated our partnership with 100% Digital Leeds to support the third sector to deliver digital inclusion services
• reflected on some of the fantastic work in Leeds supporting older people through the pandemic, two years on from the start of lockdown
• taken part in the launch of the Leeds Neighbourhood Network evaluation report by our partner, Centre for Ageing Better.
• published reports sharing our learning on Intergenerational work and LGBT+ projects
• said goodbye to our brilliant Administrator, Harriet
• closed the Time to Shine programme after seven years

In April 2022, we expect to…

• interview for two staff members                                                                        
• launch a survey with Leeds Neighbourhood Networks to find out how we can work together in the coming year                                                                     
• launch the Enhance programme                                                                      
• welcome a new member of staff into the Friendly Communities team
• produce reports to share learning from the last few Time to Shine partners, and start a plan share the learning from the last seven years                         
• host an interactive workshop around the new State of Ageing in Leeds report                                                                                                                          

Rob Cook
Communications Officer, Time to Shine