After 13 years at the helm of Self Help UK [SHUK], Sarah Collis has decided to step down from her role as CEO.
Collis said in an emotional resignation statement that it was “the right time to make room for new leadership” to lead the organisation into “an exciting future”.
Collis has been at the helm of Self Help UK since 2008 and overseen its work promoting self-help and mutual aid as a high impact way for people to take ownership of their health and wellbeing.
Throughout the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Collis led the organisation as it developed new ways of working to reach as many groups as possible despite the difficulties imposed by social restrictions.
Some of the changes that have come about over the last two years have remained very much a part of Self Help UK’s ‘new normal’, with online training and networks having continued even when social restrictions were eventually relaxed.
In March this year, the organisation made the major breakthrough of successfully applying to the National Lottery Community Fund, realising its dream of being able to support groups everywhere across the country thanks to the cash boost.
The organisation now has three years of funding to expand its reach beyond its local Nottinghamshire region, and with that long-term support guaranteed, Collis felt the time was right to step aside.
Paying tribute to her colleagues for their efforts under her tenure, Collis said: “The pandemic has been hard on all of us, and I have been so humbled by the efforts many of you have made to keep your groups going and keep people connected.
“So it is with mixed emotions that I have to tell you that after 13 years as CEO, I have decided to step down and make room for new leadership to take Self Help UK into this exciting future.
“As CEO at Self Help, I have worked with so many people and seen hundreds of groups thrive, grow and do amazing things. I want to thank all of you for the difference you make in the world and to each other. I am so proud to have been able to be part of the Self Help journey and I believe I am leaving the organisation with a very bright future as we emerge from the pandemic.
“Keep doing what you do because together, you change lives.”
Collis will remain with Self Help UK following her resignation as CEO, moving into the role of project director.
