Community Links Turns 40!
This year, Community Links turns 40 years old! In this blog, our Chief Executive Ruth Kettle and some of our longest serving employees take a look back over their time with the charity and their personal highlights.
Inspire North Chief Executive Ruth Kettle, has answered some questions about her 20-year career with Community Links:
When did you first join Community Links and how has your role changed since then?
I joined in 2003 as a Director of Residential services. As we grew across Leeds my role changed, and I became one of two Operational Directors. In December 2014 I became CEO. In 2018 when we merged with Foundation, I set up Inspire North as the parent organisation and became the Group CEO.
What is your number one highlight over your whole career at Community Links?
One of the best things about my job is seeing the difference we make in the lives of our clients and the passion that goes into setting up our amazing services. I come to work with a happy heart every day.
What is it about Community Links that has meant you have worked here for so long?
Our values, how we listen to people and their ideas and how we work together as a team. I have been supported with juggling my busy home and work life over the years too.
Is there anything you’d like to say to Community Links on their 40th birthday?
Happy birthday – don’t ever change, except to keep improving the services and outcomes for our clients, you are all amazing, thank you for everything.
We also heard from Denise Lazarus at CLEAR:
When did you first join Community Links and how has your role changed since then?
I joined in 2014 as an Administrator.
What is your number one highlight over your whole career at Community Links?
The clients, especially when you see someone who comes into our service who cannot give you eye contact and then, they are peer leading a session, volunteering, or become a member of staff.
What is it about Community Links that has meant you have worked here for so long?
For me, it’s about working together as part of a ‘TEAM’, I feel we are appreciated for the work we do, and I believe we are making a real difference to people’s lives.
Is there anything you’d like to say to Community Links on their 40th birthday?
Well, there’s only one thing to say . . . Happy 40th Birthday and here’s to the next 40 years.
We have also heard from Ginny Barker at Stronger Families:
When did you first join Community Links and how has your role changed since then?
I moved over in 2017 as a Support Worker in the York Families Wellbeing Service. I became Team Leader, then Service Manager for Stronger Families and Manager of Foundation’s Child Therapeutic Service.
What is your number one highlight over your whole career at Community Links?
When the team worked so hard to ensure all our families were supported throughout the pandemic. We tackled it head on and the team were absolute heroes.
What is it about Community Links that has meant you have worked here for so long?
It was like joining a family. Everyone was, and is, so supportive to one another.
Is there anything you’d like to say to Community Links on their 40th birthday?
Happy Birthday Community Links! May you continue to go from strength to strength for a very long time!
We have also heard from Bushra Ali at Walker House:
When did you first join Community Links and how has your role changed since then?
I joined in 2006 as a Mental Health Support Worker. I have had various management roles and I am now a Support Worker at Walker House.
What is your number one highlight over your whole career at Community Links?
A highlight for me was when we celebrated Holli, the Indian festival of colour. We got paint everywhere and had forgotten one of the Directors was coming to visit and when they saw us, they just laughed.
What is it about Community Links that has meant you have worked here for so long?
Community Links’ values and ethos, it’s a great place to work, it’s like my second family.
We have also heard from Pearl Goodison at Rose Villa:
When did you first join Community Links and how has your role changed since then?
I started as a Hostel Support Worker in 1991 and am now a Residential Support Worker.
What is your number one highlight over your whole career at Community Links?
When the whole organisation would get together on special occasions for our Christmas parties, Eid & Diwali, and Summer Fair. We are a family.
What is it about Community Links that has meant you have worked here for so long?
Knowing that I have been able to help someone along the way which gives me great pleasure and fulfilment.
Is there anything you’d like to say to Community Links on their 40th birthday?
Happy birthday Community Links. Keep up the good work you have done, and you can only get bigger and stronger.
We commemorated the charity’s 40th birthday at one of our Leeds based residential hostels. Colleagues and clients celebrated in true Community Links style with creative art, activities and of course, lots of cake! Check out the images below.
To learn more about Community Links history, visit Our History | Mental Health Charity | Community Links (commlinks.co.uk)
To learn more about Community Links training, visit: Training | Community Links (commlinks.co.uk)