Member Event: Share This and Share That Too, With Stephen Waddington

Changing Lives – the new name of The Cyrenians – says everything about what this pioneering charity has done for many thousands of vulnerable people and their families in the North East for more than 40 years.

A national leader in its field, the organisation is renowned for the wide range of specialist support services it provides for thousands every month. Working with people experiencing homelessness, addiction and a range of other problems, the charity’s pioneering and innovative work really does help people to make positive, lasting changes together.

As Chief Executive since 2002, Stephen Bell has overseen and implemented significant growth at Changing Lives. Under his leadership the organisation has grown from an turnover of £750k to one of £11.7m, from 42 staff to 333, and from a local to truly national support provider.

In 2008 the then Cyrenians was named the Charity Times National Charity of the Year and the following year it received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Stephen Bell was awarded an OBE for his services to homelessness in 2011.

At this open event, Stephen will tell the story of how Changing Lives has grown into an acknowledged leader in its field and the important role local business has played in its growth.

He will discuss how the charity’s success in achieving positive outcomes for its clients is reflected in its commercial performance as it attracts record levels of funding from both regional and national sources.
And the event will consider how the critical attributes of successful businesses - strong leaders, an efficient structure and systems, robust financial management, effective marketing and a dedicated and talented team – apply equally to the highly competitive charity sector.

Stephen will focus on how local partnerships can be the catalyst for changing lives and reducing levels of exclusion in society during an evening that is bound to provoke plenty of thought and discussion.