17 April 2024
When Mike Browning joined Camrose as a volunteer ‘washer-upper’ in 2014, he didn’t imagine that two years later he would be leading the charity as Chair of Trustees.
Since then, Mike has overseen many changes at Camrose. From the expansion of the service from two days a week to four days, Camrose becoming a charity in its own right in 2020 (after being under the umbrella of BVA), growing support from two to six part time employees and 30 volunteers. The Camrose Centre has become a pillar of support to homeless and vulnerably housed people in and around Basingstoke and Mike has very much helped shape and guide the service that it offers today. More recently Mike and the leadership team have been reviewing Camrose’s aims and future strategy to be able to continue to meet them.
However, Mike has decided that the time has arrived to take a step back, although he will remain on the Camrose board to act as an ambassador. He will also be working with other Basingstoke Social Inclusion Partnership members to explore the possibility of creating a hub to collocate services for homeless people in the town centre.
Camrose recently welcomed Matt Sheerin to the Board of trustees and Matt is taking over the Chairing responsibilities from Mike on the board. According to Matt, following in Mike’s footsteps is an honour and a privilege as is working with a talented and committed board of trustees. Having Mike remain in an ambassadorial role and as a font of all knowledge is significant, matched only by his deep conviction to supporting vulnerable local people in their hour of need.
Matt says “As a member of the local business community providing a range of employment services for ex-armed forces personnel, I am delighted to be joining the board of trustees at the Camrose Centre. The charity is one of the single most important organisations in the borough supporting people whose circumstances are so difficult they are without homes or adequate shelter.”
“Several years ago, I visited Glebe Hall and since then, I have admired the work the charity does and the values which underpin why it has such a positive impact on vulnerable people.”
“It made me realise how much more awareness was needed to understand more about homelessness and its causes. That is why I am delighted to apply my skills, expertise, and energy towards The Camrose Centre as a trustee and be part of the team that steers it towards even greater success.”
The photo shows Mike ‘handing over the keys’ to Matt. Please join us in wishing Matt all the best in his new role!
Any questions for the Matt or the team please get in touch info@thecamrosecentre.org
You can also find Matt on LinkedIn here.
