Relate charity in liquidation: Bosses of dissolved Shropshire branch have regrets
The patron and chairman of the trustees of a failed charity which went into liquidation have apologised and spoken of their sadness.
Ryan Jervis, who had been on the board of trustees of Relate Shropshire, Herefordshire and North Staffordshire for a number of years and took over the role of chairman following the death of Alan Cooper earlier this year, extended his 'deepest regret' to its clients.
And Margaret Thrower who was patron of the charity which had had a presence in the region for 20 years said she questioned the management of the charity.
In a statement Mr Jervis, former headteacher of the Lakelands at Ellesmere and Adcote School at Great Ness, said: "Our national organisation has insisted on dealing will all media enquiries but I do feel compelled to share my personal sentiments.
"I became chairman of our local Relate following the sudden death of my predecessor Alan Cooper earlier this year.
"I accepted the challenge believing we just might be able to rescue our organisation at a time when austerity in our public services especially was contributing significantly to a short fall in our revenue.
"Relate Shropshire, Herefordshire and North Staffordshire came about as result of the hard work and inspiration of a long list of trustees, committed employees and a visionary chief executive.
"The thought of undoing all of this when the need for family support and young people's counselling, for example, has never been greater was a decision my colleagues and I were reluctant even to contemplate.
"We were there to ensure our organisation flourished and not to destroy it.
"I apologise sincerely to all of our staff, they will struggle most of all through no fault of their own.
"They have somehow continued to act professionally despite the knowledge for some little time that our closure was imminent.
"I also wish to express my deepest regret to our clients, many of whom will have their access to Relates exemplary support services suddenly terminated, even if it is hopefully for only a short period of time.
"To say this has been the most difficult decision of my life is a huge understatement and I know my words will reflect those of all of my fellow trustees."
