A message from our Chair
Dear Members and Volunteers,
As Chair of The Exchange, I want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support. This has been a year of incredible energy, collaboration, and progress, and it’s all down to the collective effort of our members, staff, trustees, shareholders, supporters and above all our volunteers.
I’d like to thank the previous Board of Trustees for their significant efforts and contributions to The Exchange. Since stepping into our new roles less than a year ago, the (mostly) new Board and I have been inspired by the dedication and creativity within this community.
Over the past year, we’ve seen great success. Our workshops have continued to empower participants through craft, with community-made products both for use and sale. We’ve celebrated the vibrant diversity of Erith through events like *Akwaaba* and festivals such as *Erith Made* and *Here Comes the Sun*. Our garden was featured in Garden’s Illustrated, our building won the 2024 RIBA South East Conservation award, and our products are now appearing in local and national publications, all of which are building awareness and bringing new audiences to our work. Our impact on the local community from mental wellbeing, creativity, and community pride remains at the heart of all we do, as reflected in feedback from those who engage with our programmes.
The year has also been a year of focusing on strengthening The Exchange as an organisation. We’re building new governance structures, new engagement programs and activities, renewing our focus on sustainability, and finding more ways to bring people to The Exchange. We are working through the challenges of funding and creating a stronger financial footing to meet future challenges and opportunities.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about what’s to come. Revitalising the café, new weekend workshop opportunities, and an even more inclusive programme are just some of the ways we’re building on this year’s momentum. However, to make all of this happen, we need your continued support. Whether it’s volunteering, sharing ideas, or helping us spread the word, every contribution makes a difference.
Thank you again for being part of The Exchange. To those who attended the recent AGM, thank you for your engagement and insights. Wishing you all a lovely Christmas break—whatever you celebrate—and I look forward to meeting more of you at our next “Meet the Board” event in the new year.
Warm regards,
Kaila Yates
Chair, The Exchange