This week The Creighton Centre said a very fond farewell to two people who have made an extraordinary contribution to our charity and the community we serve.

Between them, Jess Lawn and Lee Smith have given 22 years of service to The Creighton Centre, helping to shape our work, strengthen our charity and improve the lives of hundreds of people across Hammersmith & Fulham.

Jess Lawn joined The Creighton Centre more than eight years ago and, as our Older People’s Services Manager, led and developed our Homeline and Keep Active services.

Under Jess’s leadership, Homeline grew into a vital source of friendship and support for older people in Hammersmith & Fulham. Today, more than 360 older people receive a regular friendly phone call or visit at home, helping people to stay connected and reducing loneliness and isolation supported by an incredible team of volunteers.

Jess also developed a wide range of social activities, creating opportunities for older people to meet others, stay active, learn new skills and remain part of their community.

Our Keep Active service now supports 89 people each year to regain their strength and independence following a serious illness, hospital stay or fall.

Over her eight years with us, Jess’s commitment, compassion and leadership have touched the lives of hundreds of local people. She leaves behind services that are stronger because of her and a legacy of helping older people live healthier, happier and more connected lives.

We also say goodbye, and an enormous thank you, to Lee Smith, who steps down after 14 years of voluntary service to The Creighton Centre.

Lee served as a Trustee for four years before becoming Chair of our Board, a role he held for a remarkable 10 years.

During that time, Lee gave generously of his time, experience and expertise, helping to guide the charity through periods of change, opportunity and significant challenge.

His leadership was particularly important during the Covid-19 pandemic, when The Creighton Centre had to adapt rapidly to continue supporting local people at a time when our services were needed more than ever.

Throughout his time with us, Lee brought commitment, sound judgement and integrity to the role. Fourteen years of voluntary service is an exceptional contribution, and we are enormously grateful for everything he has given to The Creighton Centre.

Jamie Ward-Smith, TCC’s CEO said:

“Jess and Lee have each made an extraordinary contribution to The Creighton Centre, and between them have given us 22 years of dedicated service. Jess’s passion for supporting older people has helped hundreds of local residents stay connected, active and independent. Lee has given 14 years of his time voluntarily, providing thoughtful and committed leadership and helping steer our charity through some of the most challenging periods in its history.

Both have cared deeply about this charity, the people we support and the community we are here to serve. They leave The Creighton Centre stronger, and they leave behind an incredible legacy.

On behalf of everyone at The Creighton Centre, our trustees, staff, volunteers and the people we support, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Jess and Lee for everything they have given us. We wish them both every happiness and success for the future.”

As one chapter closes, another begins. We are delighted to welcome Ali Angus as Interim Older People’s Services Manager and Pat Samuel CBE as our new Chair of Trustees.