The Cairns team, trustees, staff and volunteers are committed to Cairns\’ work to help and support people at times of difficulty and vulnerability.
CHAIRMAN\’S REPORT :
FULL 2018-19 Cairns Counselling annual report – DOWNLOAD HERE
It is a great honour have been asked to take over as Chairman of Cairns counselling in this the year of their 25th anniversary. I must thank Rev Kenneth Petrie, and indeed the chairs that have preceded him for developing the agency into one that is recognised as one of the foremost counselling services in the region, with a reputation for its quality of service. All those associated with Cairns are very proud of the work it does. Cairns Counselling is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) and as such welcomes, as members of the organisation, anyone interested in supporting, and being associated with, the work of Cairns
Counselling. If you, or anyone you know, would like to become a member of Cairns Counselling please contact the Secretary – Pat Moir. This can be done through the office in Huntly Street.
The Trustee Board has remained stable this year, and I am grateful for their support and guidance in this my first year as chair. As noted in previous annual reports, in 2017 we were notified of a sizable legacy that had been generously left to Cairns. This has allowed us to push ahead with expansion plans, to allow us to cope with increasing demand, and maintain service quality into the future, as well as relieving pressure on a growing waiting list. We are in the process of identifying new premises. This will allow us to engage more volunteers and employ a part-time office manager, increasing appointment availability and improving access, exciting
times! We are engaged in discussions with the Integrated Joint Board as to the funding of this expanded service going forward and are seeking other partners to financially support this exciting development. We continue to be very grateful to our regular funders whose financial support of the service is very much appreciated. In the 2018/19 financial year funding from new applications once again exceeded budget. This success is due, in no small measure, to the hard work of our part-time Funding Co-ordinator and Service Manager.
The high level of client satisfaction reflects the dedication and commitment of our core staff, volunteer counsellors, and the volunteers who help, on an occasional basis, to cover reception and other duties as required. Many of our students and volunteers stay with us for many years.
This speaks highly of the experience Cairns offers them and of their commitment to the service and its ethos. I would like to take this opportunity to offer my personal thanks to all those, staff, volunteers, trustees, members, involved in the life of Cairns. Without their dedication, commitment and support we could not continue to provide the level of care which we offer to those who come to Cairns at some of the most difficult times in their lives. On behalf of the Trustees I would like to express our grateful thanks to all whose support of Cairns Counselling makes our work possible.
Dr J. Repper
Chairman of the Trustees