CAREER Support South Lakes welcomes a new trustee to its board, businessman and hotelier James Alexander.
He brings a wealth of experience and contacts that will help move the charity forward at a critical time says its chairman Paul Johnston.
Carer Support South Lakes is an independent charity based in Kendal providing services and support to 1,250 unpaid carers of all ages in South Lakeland.
A carer is anyone who volunteers to look after friends or family who are ill, struggle with disability or addiction and who cannot cope without their support. There are 12,000 unpaid carers across the county, many give up their income, education, employment prospects or pension rights to care for a loved one, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The board of trustees plays a vital role in making sure that the charity is run in the best interests of unpaid carers. It sets the strategic direction, manages performance and has overall responsibility for the governance of the success of the organisation.
Commenting on his appointment, James Alexander said: “After many years of owning and managing hotels, both in the South Lakes and in Manchester, I am now taking a side-ways step and letting others take the reins. It means I have time aplenty and whilst I have hobbies, I love travelling and spending time in London with our grandchildren, that’s not enough for a once busy person.
“Over the years I’ve been involved with Cumbria Tourist Board, our hotel consortium, Kendal College and Rugby Club, amongst others. When I was asked to take an interest in Carer Support South Lakes my reaction was, ‘let’s give it a go, it’s helping local people’.
“Early last year I was invited to sit in as an observer at a board meeting, and I could see that I could in driving this essential local provider to achieve their goals,” explained James.
The appointment means James is now part of a group of seven volunteer non-executive trustees, headed up by chairman Paul Johnston, who bring a wealth of experience and community links.
“I have joined CSSL, or the Carer’s Carer, at a time when the economy is in freefall,” explained James.
“Charities are struggling, and local council sponsorship is diminishing. Everything possible needs to be done to ensure our work continues. With my commercial background and my knowledge of local networks, I hope to move mountains by influencing movers and shakers to help.
“Our big challenge is to keep our local profile in the public domain and by doing this both funding and donations will continue,” said James Alexander.”
Chair of the charity Paul Johnston said: “The energy, knowledge and creativity James bring will help ensure we achieve our bold vision for the future. His skills complement and strengthen an effective and committed board who want to make sure local carers, who quietly and tirelessly look after others unpaid, are also looked after.”
For more information about Carer Support South Lakes visit https://carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk/.
