As I write these words, the country is taking tentative steps towards what we hope will be the end of the pandemic. Pubs and shops are open, the morning commute is markedly busier, and people are going about their business with increasing levels of confidence and cheer.
In some ways, the dark days of lockdown already seem a distant memory. But my colleagues and I at John Lyon’s Charity know that the long-term consequences of this dreadful period are only just starting to be felt. As joyful as it is to be able to make grants for summer holiday activities (as we have been doing in considerable numbers in recent weeks), we know that it will take many more rounds of sustained grant-giving to begin to repair the damage that Covid-19 has done to the lives of young people in our Beneficial Area.
It has been a remarkable time to take over as the Chair of the Grants Committee, and an eye-opening first year in post. As harrowing as it has been to learn of the deprivations caused by the pandemic, it has been a privilege to read reports of the remarkable work done by the organisations whom we have been able to assist, and a source of pride to witness the speed and intelligence with which the team at John Lyon’s Charity has tackled the unprecedented challenges they have faced.
The energy and resilience of those on both sides of the grant-giving process leave me with a real sense of hope that John Lyon’s Charity can make a substantial difference to the lives of those most in need. Over the next year and beyond, my colleagues and I on the Grants Committee will be striving to play our part in that process.