Parallel Lines - Backup AGM 2024

Leading Backup regularly reminds me of managing tension between parallel lines which are our young residents and our colleagues. Both incredibly valuable and important. If we prioritise one group over the other, we fail. If we do not simultaneously prioritise both, we fail. With boundaries in place the lines remain parallel but very close. The term ‘parallel lines’ just reminds me of Blondies iconic 1978 album. And so that super tenuous link takes you to this year’s Annual Report cover. (see here Blondie version versus Backup.)

The annual report was revealed at the AGM which whilst we hold the formal and very legal requirement of an AGM – it is now a well-attended annual event with cake, celebrations and reflections on what we have collectively achieved. When I say ‘we’ I mean Backup; colleagues, young folk, trustees, guardians, supporters, commissioners, communities and multiple other agencies, businesses and friends.

10th October is WORLD HOMELESS DAY along with WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY. 2 issues that are at epidemic proportions now nationally and for obvious reasons, interlinked. We chose this day to have our annual event.

The event began with an absolutely jaw dropping speech from Gemma Aitchison who left the scheme 18 years ago (I’m not crying, you are.) where she reinforced several messages including:-

• Backup saved her. From rough sleeping. From harm or maybe even worse.
• Backup (in particular Beccs) was the first person to make her realise she mattered.
• She still uses skills learned there to this day, not cooking though.
• She has maintained friendships made there.
• Everything she has achieved (and it is a LOT) was inspired and ignited by Backup.

Not sure I agree with the last point because this determined and highly motivated woman was always going to be a trailblazer.

We had a video showcasing our colleagues work, experiences and commitment to Backup and everything it stands for.  Another video from 3 current and 1 former resident explaining what it’s really like to be homeless and supported by Backup. A very gritty and moving piece with honesty and courage glaringly evident in all the young women. (I said I am not crying, you are.)  View the video here

In between this there were presentations from the CEO and Director of Services with detail of the parallel journeys of clients and colleagues, successful outcomes, challenges, vision for the future. It was also our chance to give out a few awards to colleagues who deserved some special recognition with the annual Linda Paxton Award 2025. Congratulations to this years winners:

• Judith Kanyange
• Hannah Grogan
• Gail Hession
• Rachel Keegan
• Paulette Campbell
• Kath Battersby

The day also saw the launch of our 2025 Charity Calendar with a TV theme. Created by Julie Lomax Photography and Produced by Genesis Creative. These booby dazzlers show The Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton, The Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council, 2 MPs, our own CEO and friends of Backup as you haven’t seen them before. Just £10 on sale now. View our calendars here

It becomes apparent on days like these that there is always a risk of when dealing with what Backup deals with day and night we don’t see the enormity of what’s being done. After that AGM you can be sure we see it. We heard it. We celebrated it and we will keep doing it. Young people experiencing and trapped by homelessness deserve the very best. We aren’t perfect but we aspire for excellence as standard.

As one of the attendees told us as she left, “if Carslberg did AGMs……”

Thank you for your contribution. In Gemmas words, it all ‘matters’.