New chief executive of Wellingborough's Daylight Centre talks about her new challenging but exciting role

Starting a new job is never easy, but the new chief executive of Wellingborough's Daylight Centre Fellowship did just that in the midst of a pandemic.

Carina Fisher arrived as chief executive of Wellingborough’s Daylight Centre Fellowship last September and after four months at the helm, she is relishing her new role.

For more than 26 years the Daylight Centre has been serving homeless people and those with complex social needs, including the vulnerable, lonely or those with addictions.

But despite being only a few months into the new role, Carina has spoken to the Northamptonshire Telegraph about why she’s so passionate about the work of the Daylight Centre Fellowship.

She said: "During the interview process I met some of the board members and I was so inspired by their passion and the vision for the Daylight Centre Fellowship, it was quite contagious.

"I also visited the service as part of the process and, just driving into the car park, I instinctively felt that this was the place for me. I had no doubts whatsoever.

"All organisations have their challenges at times, but I think that when you have shared values, a clear vision and are passionate about what you do, it gives you the determination you need to overcome them."

Many charities have faced additional pressures due to the pandemic, especially those like the Daylight Centre whose services are often stretched.

Carina said: "The impact of Covid has had devastating effects on a community that was already disadvantaged in various ways.

"For example, our clients who were isolated became increasingly so, while individuals and families on low incomes suffered even greater poverty.

"These types of issues all have an impact on people’s mental and overall well-being.

"So, the challenge was to meet the growing need in our community but with reduced staffing, with some being furloughed at the onset whilst we grappled with the ‘new norm’ and what it meant for us.

"While we also have a large volunteer base, initially we had reduced capacity as some of our volunteers are in vulnerable groups and had to self-isolate.

"Funding was another issue.

"The revenue from our Daylight charity shop was affected by retail closures and the necessity for reduced operating hours, with the result that there has been a deficit in our unrestricted operational funds, at a critical time of increased need.

"We had to secure alternative sources of funding, and that is a process that can take time, which was something we simply didn’t have."

So how has the work of the Fellowship changed and adapted over recent months?

Carina said: "When we had the first national lockdown, Covid regulations and restrictions meant that people were not permitted to meet in groups.

"Up till then, the centre had been a real hive of activity, providing about 30 hot meals and 50 food parcels from there every single day.

"Sadly, the centre had to close almost overnight and we had to think really quick on our feet to change our operational model.

"With support from several local organisations and our incredible team of volunteers we were able to adapt to a delivery service instead.

"Since then, we have delivered over 3,000 food parcels, nearly 8,000 hot meals and snack packs to vulnerably housed individuals and again almost 8,000 meals to families in difficult financial circumstances.

"From the centre itself, we have provided takeaway hot snacks and drinks as well as showers for homeless individuals.

"We also give other support whenever we can, as sometimes our clients will just call us because they need some emotional support and reassurance.

"That they have the opportunity to connect with someone they know and trust is a real lifeline for them and that should never be underestimated.

"So, for this reason we will continue to be there for our clients throughout this pandemic, in whatever small ways we can."

While the pandemic has meant reduced fundraising opportunities, Carina has praised the Wellingborough community for its 'incredible generosity and solidarity throughout.'

She said: "Many local businesses and organisations have supported us both financially and practically, for example in providing all the equipment we needed to prepare meals and setting up various food collection points.

"Individuals, trusts, churches, schools and pubs have all donated so generously, while we are blessed to also have an incredibly committed, hardworking team of volunteers that have given tirelessly of their time and energy.

"Through this pandemic, come rain or shine, they have been there to collect, assemble, prepare, and deliver food.

"When they could, they have also opened our Daylight shop to bring in much needed revenue.

"Such kindness was no more apparent than at Christmas when The Rotary Club, Stanair, Wellingborough Ladies Golf Club and others provided over 150 individuals and families with Santa sacks overflowing with Christmas presents and treats.

"We had four rooms literally brimming with gifts, all thoughtfully packaged, some home sewn sacks with home sewn labels – the type of Christmas sack that would be any child’s delight.

"For some recipients, the gifts were the total sum of what they had for Christmas.

"Unless you have been in that position, I don’t think you can fully grasp the emotional impact that this had.

"It really has been a heart-warming experience and this spirit of generosity is what I will remember most about this pandemic.

"So, to all of our supporters and our volunteers, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you, you are simply amazing."

Looking at recent achievements and plans for the future, Carina said: "We have completed some refurbishment of the centre but there is still a lot of work to do and indeed in the coming months we will be fundraising to improve the shower facilities and complete a much-needed kitchen upgrade.

"We want the centre to be a real community hub, where individuals and community groups can meet, hold functions and various activities.

"We also want to work in partnership with a range of local statutory, voluntary and community organisations to provide specialist support and expert advice to our clients.

"We have begun initial discussions with strategic partners, but we will be focusing on progressing these further."

With the Daylight Centre Fellowship coming close to shutting its doors many times over the years owing to lack of funding, how can people get involved and help stop this happening again?

Carina said: "There are several ways that people can continue to support our work.

"The Daylight shop brings in much needed revenue so any donations of good quality items for resale will be most welcome.

"We also sell online, but these are typically higher value items or designer items, so if people have these goods lying around, taking up space, but are loathed to part with them, giving them to a good cause may soften the blow.

"People can also join our team by volunteering their time, sharing their skills or even simply their knowledge with us.

"We have several volunteering positions including befriending and hosting, kitchen assistants, chefs, charity shop assistants, warehouse operatives, collection and delivery drivers.

"Volunteering can be a positive and rewarding experience, giving people the opportunity to really connect with their local community and learn new skills.

"Our foodbank relies on donations from the community, our corporate partners as well as grants and funding and support for that can be provided by either donating food products or through monetary donations.

"There are a number of food donation points throughout the Wellingborough and surrounding areas, so people can keep an eye out for these or contact the Daylight Centre.

"There is also an option to donate to Daylight through our website or through online giving platforms such as Localgiving and Give as you Live.

"These donations are an unrestricted source of funding which means it can be contributed towards our charity running costs.

"The foodbank warehouse, Day Centre and shop have costs attached which are not easy to fundraise for and such costs do not attract funding through the usual sources.

"Whilst these are critical resources for us as a charity, there is nothing interesting about funding buildings, staff or utility bills, so these types of donations are a vital source of income."

Once the pandemic is over, Carina can't wait to finally start implementing their plans for the Daylight Centre Fellowship.

But she added: "I just hope that the world does not forget that the needs that existed in our communities before Covid have not suddenly and mysteriously disappeared.

"As we recover, I believe we will begin to see more and more of the hidden costs of this pandemic - higher levels of unemployment and debt, increased mental and physical health difficulties and greater risks of homelessness, to name but a few.

"Sadly, the end of the pandemic will not be a time for complacency or rest, rather a prompt to mobilise quickly and work harder than ever to meet those needs."

For more information about the Daylight Centre Fellowship, including becoming a volunteer, call 01933 446490, or to make an online donation, click here.