Our June #PowerToChange partners meeting took place on a blistering hot day that could not match the warmth of emotion as our partner said goodbye to our CEO Kieran Breen who retires on the 30th of June.
Before getting to the farewells loads of good work was shared, with all the partners continuing to develop and provide much needed frontline grassroots provision, which included:
- Trying to bring together and harness the goodwill and strengths of faith based groups to support young people.
- Developing much needed youth provision in Belgrave.
- A new city centre youth hub which wants to support young people and bring community groups together
- Providing outreach information and support to people in need across our city
- Providing digital support and refurbished IT equipment to people in need.
- A new green initiative in Beaumont leys
- Food and clothes banks
- Providing much needed immigration advice and support
- Re-establishing a youth group for children with a family member in prison.
We then got down to the serious business of saying goodbye and thank you to Kieran
“You really listen to people, not just polite nodding, but you get the vision and, in my case, have inspired and supported me to build my project”
“Your leadership, warmth and passion has left a mark on me, I will carry your wisdom with me”
“Thank you for believing in us and always going that extra mile”
“At a time when it is easy to moan and complain you have always seen a vison and had the energy, empathy and ability to bring people together to move forward”
“You have always been there willing to offer connections, advice and support”
“Your support has given me the spiritual strength to persevere”
“ We will really miss your knowledge, wisdom, positive attitude and willingness to reach out, bring people together and to keep it all moving in the right direction”
“ You have often told me I am a star well you are the sun, that has shone so brightly and inspired and led our sector”
A humbled and moved Kieran replied by sharing
Meeting with you every quarter has given me a shot of inspiration and hope. Your ongoing efforts to support young people, neighbourhoods and communities against a backdrop of never ending cuts is inspirational. You all deserve medals and what I love is that you offer your support with love and smiles, and in doing so you give people hope and the courage to carry on, you are all stars so keep shining
Kieran Breen - CEO Leicestershire Cares
Cards and gifts were given, cake and samosas eaten and everyone present felt a real sense of togetherness and possibility.
We ended the meeting by agreeing Aaron and Claire would take on initial coordination of taking the group forward. We may well rotate chairing and venues. They would set up a meeting later in the summer to agree with partners how we develop. People liked the idea of rotating chairs and venues.
These meetings make me feel part of something and keep me aware of all the great work going on in our city and county, thank you Kieran for making this happen and we will take it forward, #TogetherWeCan