A DALE charity, which provides a lifeline service for older folk across Teesdale, has appointed a new manager to lead the hunt for more funding.
Andrea Hobbs has joined the team at Teesdale Day Clubs, which provides weekly lunches in villages across Teesdale, as a fundraising manager.
Ms Hobbs, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the charity management and development, will be based at the charity’s headquarters at Woodleigh, in Barnard Castle, and is relishing the challenge.
She said: “I’m really glad to be here and I’m excited about the next 12 months. I hope I can be of some service.
“I can’t wait to get out and take a look at the various day clubs as I feel this will assist in writing fund applications.”
Ms Hobbs’ appointment comes two months after chairman of the Association of Teesdale Day Clubs, Peter Wood, told the charity’s annual meeting new sources of funding had to be found.
She added: “I already know the lunch clubs are very well loved and the warmth of the welcome I have received by everyone has been amazing.
“Although I have worked in the charity sector for most of my career, I have to say I have a lot of admiration for the trustees as they are really forward thinking.
Prior to her appointment Ms Hobbs had been working for a charity based in Catterick Garrison but is delighted to be able be working closer to home.
Ms Hobbs, who lives in Lartington, said: “I reached a point in my career where I wanted to be working in the community where I lived and it feels like I am connected with Teesdale.
“My husband’s family have been in Baldersdale for four generations and although I don’t know Teesdale like the back of my hand, I do know the charity sector and I hope this experience will help Teesdale Day Clubs achieve the sustainability they need.”
She added: “Part of my job will be putting together a funding strategy and identifying how much money will be needed and where it can be obtained from.”
As well as targeting specific grants and funds, Ms Hobbs said she hopes, once she has settled in, to focus on local fundraising drives to involve the whole community.
