Cher Smith MBE - A Message of Thanks and Farewell

Press Release:

"Dear Colleagues, Volunteers and Supporters

As I retire from my role at Swindon Food Collective, I wanted to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to each of you for the support, dedication and kindness you have shown throughout my time with the charity.

It has been an immense privilege to serve this organisation for eight years and to work alongside such committed and compassionate people. The impact we have achieved together—supporting individuals and families across Swindon with dignity, respect and practical help—has only been possible because of your unwavering commitment. Whether you have volunteered your time, supported our operations, contributed financially, or championed our work in the community, you have played a vital role in strengthening the charity and ensuring that no one in our town faces food insecurity alone.

I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to our Chief Executive Officer and Operations Manager. Supporting them as they settled into their roles has been a genuine pleasure, and I have every confidence that their leadership will guide the charity into its next chapter with vision, stability and ambition. Swindon Food Collective is in very capable hands with the Senior Management Team, and I look forward to seeing the organisation continue to grow and reach new horizons.

As I step back, please know that I do so with immense pride in what we have achieved together and deep gratitude for the relationships, teamwork and shared purpose that have defined my time here. The strength of this charity has always been its people, and I am honoured to have been part of such an extraordinary community.

Thank you for your dedication, your generosity, and your belief in the work we do. I will carry the memories of my time here with great fondness.

With warmest regards and sincere appreciation,

Cher Smith MBE".

Matt Jones - CEO in response said:

"It is with sadness that today you are formally leaving Swindon Food Collective following an amazing eight years. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication over the last eight years supporting your local community to fight food poverty and helping make Swindon Food Collective a success. Colleagues, volunteers and external agencies alike wish you all the very best for the future."

Thank you.

Matt Jones, CEO