Gratitude, hope and growth: a final word for 2024 from Sue Bell, OBE DL

This past year has flown by and, amidst the end-of-year whirlwind, I have taken a moment to reflect on why we do what we do.

For my part, our service users continue to inspire me every day. So many have gone through unimaginable adversity and would not be blamed for believing that help does not help. I remain humbled by their hope, bravery and the trust they place in us.

Then there is the creativity, determination and unwavering purpose of the whole Kids Inspire team, which fills me with pride and gratitude. Thanks to all of you we have grown to touch thousands of lives every year.

Sue standing outside our offices

A year of growing together

2024 has been a year of growth in our services, reach and impact.

We expanded into Suffolk, connecting with new communities in Ipswich through partnerships, with our Community Engagement team running workshops, assemblies and exhibitions. The enthusiasm and engagement we have seen have been inspiring.

Our Clinical and Clinical Admin teams have expanded to support this growth. Alongside this, our therapists have continued to deepen their expertise, particularly in neurodiversity, ensuring we continue to meet the needs of those who come to us. Moreover, with a stronger focus on data, we now better understand our service users’ needs, what brings people to Kids Inspire, and how we can best help them recover from trauma and thrive.

Our fundraising team has had a phenomenal year. From a record-breaking annual ball, to energising community events and supporting fundraisers, not to mention the Essex to Amsterdam cycle challenge. Our corporate supporters have continued to go above and beyond, their generosity showing once again how much they believe in what we do.

This year also brought change and fresh energy. Kami De Nadai and Emma Ritchie joined us on the senior leadership team, bringing new ideas and perspectives that have already enriched our work. Also, with our sincere gratitude for his service, we bade farewell to Simon Carpenter as our outgoing Chair of Trustees, and warmly welcomed Nick Tesseyman into the role.

The only team not to have grown in numbers is the Business Team. Through their professionalism, extraordinary ingenuity and endless enthusiasm, they have continued to provide the whole organisation with the solid foundations that enable our ongoing growth.

Looking ahead to a brighter future

As we close this year, I want to thank every one of you who has supported, championed or worked alongside us this year. Thank you for being such a vital part of this journey. Together we have grown stronger and more capable of creating lasting change in the lives of the children, young people and families we support. And I head into 2025 with a renewed resolve: to reach even more children and families, to create ever greater impact, and to keep listening, learning, and growing together.

Whatever your plans over the New Year, I hope they bring you moments of happiness, peace and connection. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey, and here’s to an inspiring and impactful 2025. Let’s make it a year to remember.

With love and hope,

Sue Bell OBE DL