Phil’s Christmas Message
What a year it has been, both for SCVYS and for me personally, hallmarked by gratitude and pride.
I am so grateful for so many elements which have made this such an exciting year. It has also been tough, I honestly don’t think I have ever worked as hard as the last twelve months, but I also recognise that without others, none of the highlights would have been possible.
The team has been amazing, flexing to every challenge and always rising to the occasion. The trustees have been unwavering in their support and encouragement. Our member groups continue to inspire me every day, as evidenced by our latest Annual Census, and we know how hard the operating environment is for local voluntary organisations.
We have tried to communicate the reality of this more widely through the updated State of the Voluntary Youth and Children’s Sector Report published recently, so if you haven’t seen it and shared it with your stakeholders, then please take time to do so over the Christmas break.
When receiving my MBE from Prince William at Windsor Castle in November, I was overwhelmed by the evident pride of family and friends. This caused me to rethink pride as a primary vice, and recognise that there is a good aspect to the word pride too. Maybe pride is okay if others recognise that you have earned it! It is also good to acknowledge the part my family have played in empowering and releasing me to be so involved in youth and community work. They truly are the team behind the man!
Roll on 2025, and my hope is that we remain full of gratitude and the right kind of pride in what we all do to invest in local children, young people, families and communities.