Celebrating achievement and community: Kairos’ 2024 AGM
Last Tuesday (26th November), the Kairos community – residents, staff, friends, families, trustees and guests – came together at Linden Grove, for the 2024 Annual General Meeting. It was an evening filled with warmth, reflection and, once again, much to celebrate.
Against a backdrop of Kairos blue decorations and the buffet at its centre, Chair of Trustees Paul Carter opened proceedings. After welcoming everyone present, he began by reflecting on Kairos’ growth and sustainability. “We now have 30 houses, of which 22 are owned outright,” he shared, adding that this means any funds from rent are directly reinvested into continuing Kairos’ vital work for the future. Paul expressed thanks to the accountants and auditors, whose meticulous work ensures our continued transparency and accountability, as well as the Administration and Finance teams of Dorothy Woodward-Pynn, Judy McLellan, Oye Oke and Sahra Khatum. Attendees were reminded that Kairos’ financial reports are public documents available to view on the Charity Commission’s website and through Companies House.
This year, we were delighted to welcome Linden Grove’s Assistant Manager, Danny Cruse, as keynote speaker. Danny spoke powerfully about the transformative impact of Kairos: a place where compassion, community, and a genuine belief in change set the foundation for recovery and continue to make lasting impact in people’s lives. Danny recalled his first impression of Kairos’ services, of a place where “people were kind, and they didn’t want anything in return.” This sense of kindness and possibility lies at the centre of Kairos’ ethos and work.
Director Mossie Lyons then took to the floor, speaking from the heart about the people who make Kairos what it is. Special acknowledgements were given to Mary and Conor O’Sullivan and Helen Ryan, whose late loved ones John O’Sullivan and Paddy Ryan played a pivotal role in our history and who continue to inspire. He welcomed guests, including Kairos’ co-founder Fr. John Kitchen, and praised his contribution to this year’s annual report which, through its reflections and testimonials, captures the spirit of Kairos.
In reflecting on this year, Mossie highlighted that Kairos had opened two new houses, including a much-needed second women’s house. These houses provide not just accommodation but supported environments for safety and healing. Additionally, through the Clearing House scheme, Kairos has successfully moved twenty residents into permanent homes over the past two years – a huge achievement that is testament to the dedication of our Move-on team.
The Director praised the launch of the Linden Empowerment Community, a peer-led support network run by residents, and Kairos’ Recovery Communities programme, commissioned by the London Borough of Southwark. This initiative includes expansion of the Nunhead Psychotherapy Group, the provision of one-to-one counselling, and a new walking group open to both Kairos community and Southwark residents. These programmes have also created opportunities for the next generation of practitioners, with Kairos having welcomed twelve trainee counsellors from nine colleges over the past year.
Mossie also celebrated the invaluable contributions of our partners, including CRASH Charity, whose construction expertise and resources have been instrumental in supporting the charity over the years. In June, one of our properties was named Francesca Roberts House in honour of CRASH’s former CEO, whose dedication and support have left a lasting legacy at Kairos.
As the formalities drew to a close, the Director shared his vision for the coming year: consolidating Kairos’ four pillars of finance, buildings, programmes, and teams. “With these in place,” he stated, “we have something that is working – not just today, but for the future.”
Speeches complete, and with thanks to Vincent Mahe and all at Linden Grove, it was time to catch up with friends old and new over a delicious buffet dinner prepared by Sandra Ginnelly and her team, rounded off by a show-stopping trifle. It was a fitting close to another joyful celebration of achievement, community and collaboration.
- Our thanks to Dave Newman for photos of the event and speakers