
A message from our ceo, michael pitchford
Dear TSL Members,
I’ve just completed 5 months at TSL Kirklees and am deeply grateful for the support I’ve received from so many of you. I am acutely aware that I’ve come in at a time of crisis for the sector. We are seeing cuts and closures for many groups. Lots of you are facing huge uncertainty whilst trying to cope with escalating demand. I know it is overwhelming.
At the same time, I’ve seen some fantastic work going on in communities, strong relationships across organisations, and a real sense of determination and resilience. This sense of togetherness and solidarity will be vital as we move forward.
TSL Kirklees has done some great work over the years, but it too is facing significant cuts and uncertainties. We will need to change, both to adapt to the financial context but also to ensure we are providing what is needed in a challenging environment.
My priorities are to clarify TSL’s strategy and funding going forward, rooted in what is needed from the sector. I’ve met a large number of you but am keen to see many more of you. We have work to do to clarify what membership of TSL means, to ensure that sector representation is diverse accountable, and that we are able to articulate our collective value. We need to collaborate as well as develop a powerful collective voice.
In this context, I would like to hold a series of conversations with TSL member organisations to set out TSL’s direction of travel, hear about your challenges and successes, explore how we support one another through these times, and what you need from us going forward. I envisage a discussion of 12-15 individuals from different TSL member organisations – any more and it’s hard to have a proper dialogue.
I’ve no idea how many of you will have the time and appetite for such a conversation. We will hold two initial conversations – one in North Kirklees and one in South Kirklees (first come first served) and put on more if there is demand.
The two dates are:
- Thursday 18th July at Brian Jackson House, Huddersfield: 10am-12pm
- Wednesday 24th July, Ravensthorpe Community Centre, Dewsbury: 2pm-4pm
If you’d like to chat on a 1-1 basis, outside of these meetings, please drop me a line – michael@tslkirklees.org.uk.
Looking forward to meeting you,
Michael