2022 will mark 12 years since the launch of Reaching Higher. In that time, RH has made enormous strides and overcome significant challenges to establish itself as a strong youth-led organisation, with an incredible team of staff, volunteers and supporters touching many lives.
When I left my full-time finance career 12 years ago to set up RH, I had no real idea of just how far it would go. We believed in young people and created an organisation that would support young people in seizing the opportunities that often pass them by.
Now, 12 years later, the progress has been truly humbling. Off the back of the efforts of so many staff, volunteers, supporters and young people, Reaching Higher stands tall as a respected organisation working alongside hundreds of young people every week, employing a large staff team and working in partnership with other like-minded fantastic organisations. And the truth is there is so much further to go. It's not a cliché to say this is only the beginning.
The trustees and I are responsible for ensuring the charity will have the tools it needs for the next stage in its journey, so that it continues to grow and thrive for generations to come, and this includes the time, skills and experience of a CEO who is full time.
It's been an incredible privilege for me to carry this baton in a part-time voluntary capacity, but as I start to move towards the point of passing it safely on, I do so with immense pride and excitement. Pride in the team's achievements and excitement, knowing that RH is too good to keep to ourselves. Great days lie ahead for RH and all those involved. Along with so many of you reading this, I will be cheering it on, championing its unique work and celebrating the extraordinary young people who enter its doors and become part of its story for many years to come.
Mark Hobbs
Chief Executive Officer