The new Business Development Manager at a advocacy charity says she is looking forward to helping the organisation build a sustainable future for its vulnerable and disabled clients.

Oswestry-based Shropshire PCAS (Person Centred Advocacy and Support) is now planning for a successful year ahead after winning funding from various organisations since the appointment of Tarrah Lewis.

Shropshire PCAS supports clients, most of whom live alone and have no family support, through complex issues including housing problems, safeguarding concerns, social care access, energy bills, and health challenges.

Tarrah brings a wealth of experience to her role as Business Development Manager at Shropshire PCAS, having worked successfully with Brightstar Boxing and Lingen Davies – two organisations with strong Shropshire connections.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted to have secured this post at such a wonderful charity which provides a vital service to the community. It is an exciting challenge for me and I am looking forward to supporting the trustees, advocates and the internal team, including the manager Simon Arthur, in building a charity which is sustainable for the future.

“My role will focus on building the income, ensuring the charity is secure for years to come. I am looking forward to representing Shropshire PCAS in the community and at corporate networking events and developing a solid business plan with secure funding streams.

“Shropshire PCAS has been a lifeline to more than 11,000 disabled and vulnerable adults across Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin for more than 30 years with advocates and volunteers working with clients who often have no one else to turn to.

“Recently, the charity has struggled with funding – as indeed have so many others during tough economic times. But thanks to the generosity of the community and some successful funding bids, we are now looking forward to a bright future supporting disabled and vulnerable people across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

“The work of the charity is amazing and the implications of what would have happened to so many people who depend on it had it been forced to close really is unimaginable.

“It is a vital, much-needed service because our clients have no-one else to turn to in their darkest hours. The sort of help and support we provide just doesn’t fall under any other services. This can so easily mean people often falling through the cracks and missing out on the life-changing support offered by Shropshire PCAS.”

Founder of Shropshire PCAS, Simon Arthur, said: “We are delighted to welcome Tarrah to the team – she will be filling an invaluable role for the charity as we move into a new era of fundraising and development which will help us build a stronger financial future.

“Despite the life-changing support Shropshire PCAS provides, we receive no statutory funding for our core advocacy service and rely entirely on grants, donations and fundraising.

“Like many other charities, we have experienced funding difficulties this year but now face the future with renewed optimism and Tarrah will be playing an integral role in helping us ensure we are in the best possible position to continue the essential work we do with our clients.”

For more about Shropshire PCAS, visit https://shropshirepcas.co.uk/

Tarrah Lewis with Shropshire PCAS manager Simon Arthur.