AGM – 2015 a year of changing lives

Our AGM took place on 26 January 2016. It was a great opportunity to meet up with members, friends and colleagues over a nice buffet lunch!

The event was opened by Martin Walker. Martin used to work for Doncaster Council and talked about how he had always welcomed the good relationship he had built with Active Independence as it kept him constantly in touch with the experiences of local Disabled people. He also described his experience of applying for a Blue Badge for his dad saying it was a perfect example of how difficult applying for such essential things can be.

Brian, our chair, formally welcomed everybody and in his speech talked about the tremendous amount of hard work volunteers and advocates have been doing during 2015 and the difference they were making to so many people’s lives.

Barbara, our secretary, then presented our annual report which highlighted Brian becoming a finalist volunteer of the year in Rotherham and becoming one of the 1st Volunteer Ambassadors. See our  Annual Report 2015

After the formal business of the AGM 2 of our advocates, John Ward and Jo Ritson, talked through some examples of how they have supported people to have a much better quality-of-life with more secure finances and more independence.

The event ended with a heart-felt personal story from Tony Clark. Tony explained how in the past 6 months his life has literally transformed from living without any help, in a damp inaccessible flat – lonely and isolated. After contacting Brian and the team he is now living in a new apartment in a supported housing scheme. He has 2 PAs who support hime to get out and about, to eat well and have a much better quality-of-life. Thank you Tony!