To all Reach clients, family carers, volunteers and supporters,

I am writing to introduce myself as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees having recently taken over from David Thompson. As many of you know, David served as the Chair for over 20 years since the charity was first set up in 1999. During this time Reach has grown into the wonderful organisation it is today supporting nearly 250 people with learning disabilities across Nottinghamshire. David is kindly staying on as a Trustee until contracts are signed for the Southwell Accommodation Project.

My first real involvement with Reach was some years ago when funding was secured to help with business management. I was so impressed by the passion and professionalism of the staff at Reach that I didn’t want to leave. I continued as a volunteer and was honoured to be invited to become a Trustee.

The Covid pandemic has challenged Reach and stretched us to our limits. The response from everyone throughout the whole Reach organisation has been exceptional. The Trustees have told me repeatedly how proud they are of the ways in which clients, family carers, staff and volunteers have adapted to the continual changes.

My sincere thanks to the entire Reach community for your hard work, your commitment and your willingness to go the extra mile. You are an outstanding team of amazing people doing incredibly important work.

I look forward to working with you all to achieve Reach’s vision in the months and years ahead.

Rachel Lannon
Chair of Trustees