Chair’s Message This has been a year that will be etched in the memory of us all, as we have been impacted in ways that we never imagined.
The restrictions that changed how we lived and engaged with our loved ones, brought on by a global pandemic, left us questioning how this could have happened, yet accepting that we needed to protect public health and each other. We adapted, we coped, and we supported loved ones, friends, and neighbours, but from a distance. The pandemic turned the spotlight from much of society’s misplaced values towards how dependent we are on each other - and why there is nothing more important than being together. Being isolated and restricted in our freedoms were conditions we struggled with and longed to be free from. All of this led me to reflect more deeply on the day-to-day challenges which Extern’s service users face. Life can so easily take a turn for the worse and plunge families and children, young people, and individuals into the most difficult of situations that can often spiral out of control. The impact of the Covid pandemic was most acutely felt by people who were already vulnerable, such as the young people and families who need additional vital supports from our service teams. The ways in which we adapted to the enormous logistical – and emotional – challenges created by the pandemic has been testimony to the professionalism and dedication of our teams at all levels within Extern. The stories shared in this year’s annual report speak to Extern’s values, demonstrating how we put our service users at the centre of every decision by ‘reaching in’ to provide innovative and practical solutions. I have been incredibly proud to witness the proactive actions taken by Extern’s frontline staff to respond to service users’ needs. That they did so in a typically calm, caring, and professional manner as they took on the responsibility of ensuring our services remained open during the most challenging of times can only be applauded. In 2020-21 we were significantly tested, and I believe we are more robust for it. We will continue to become stronger, confident that our work in transforming lives for the better will flourish and grow in the years ahead. In closing, I would like to thank my fellow Trustees, the Strategic Leadership Team, our staff and our volunteers for their unwavering dedication and commitment to our service users, to each other and to Extern. Particular thanks are due to our outgoing Chair, Gerard Campbell, who gave many years of service as a Trustee and led the NI and Group Boards with distinction and much wise guidance. Allen McCartney Chair, Extern Group * Mr McCartney was elected Extern Group Chair on 2 December 2021.
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EXTERN GROUP ANNUAL REPORT // 2020-21