Impact reports
Annual Review 2020
This year has been a year like no other in recent memory. COVID-19 has had a profound impact on all our lives, and at times it feels difficult to remember life before March 2020.
We make no apology for this year’s Annual Review focusing on the many achievements of people across the organisation over the past months. At such a time, people have continued to impress, inspire and keep going. Now more than ever, the Certitude traits that make our organisation what it is – loving, brave, unconventional and London – have never felt so strong.
In the months prior to the pandemic, Certitude strengthened its position as the leading not-for-profit support provider in London. We have continued to increase our support to people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs across the capital and are delighted to now be supporting people in Camden, Croydon and through our merger with Yarrow, further extending our reach in London. Our work in the Fulfilling Lives programme is making a significant difference to people by challenging traditional support methods and instead building, through genuine co-production, alternative approaches to support.
Without doubt, technology has played a more important role in all our lives in recent months. In this year’s review, you will read how people have learned new skills and stayed connected. Ultimately though, it’s people who make Certitude what it is. People we support, staff, families and volunteers. People who have this year shown their mettle and not only made the best of a hugely difficult worldwide crisis, but in so many cases learned new skills, boosted others on wobbly days, found new ways to stay in touch and keep each other going.
Very sadly, people we have supported and colleagues we have worked alongside, in some cases for decades, died this year in the early months of the pandemic. Each person we knew well, and loved and admired them for the impact they had on others’ lives. We wanted to share a little bit about each person, why they were so great to know, be with and have in our lives. They are, and will continue to be, missed and our thoughts remain with their families and friends.
Our sincere thanks to staff, volunteers, supporters and Board members for their ongoing commitment and determination to ensure that, even in the most difficult of times, people live the life they want!
Eleri Ebenezer
Chair of the Certitude Board
Aisling Duffy
Chief Executive
Over 1,500
people were supported by Certitude during the past year
88%
of our services are rated Good/Outstanding by the CQC as at October 2020
100
people on average attended our virtual Connect & Do workshops each week
90
learning disability awareness sessions were delivered by Treat Me Right!
We are loving
We are proud to lead from our hearts and to work with love, affection, care and respect.
We are London
Now more than ever we are proud to live and work in London. The capital’s energy, diversity, tenacity and openness are reflected in everything we do. London is in our DNA.
We are unconventional
We find strength in doing things differently, and this means we can adapt quickly and creatively. We will not be hindered by convention; if it works for people, we do it.
We are brave
We have shown ourselves to be resilient. We aren’t afraid to lead, to challenge the status quo and to stand up for what’s right. Not what’s right for the system, but what’s right for the person.
