Fond farewell to our Julie

Sophie Glinka (R) thanks Julie Farley on behalf of the Bureau staff and volunteer.

Staff, volunteers and partners bid a fond farewell to Julie Farley, chief officer at Glossop-based community self-help charity, The Bureau.

Julie joined the charity two and a half years ago and under her leadership she has seen it through a number of significant achievements and new developments, including battling for the organisations very existence when threatened with funding cuts, setting up new services, and overseeing the name change from Volunteer Centre Glossop to ‘The Bureau’ with a new look to match the new name.

When ask about her proudest achievements, Julie felt that it had been ensuring the continued provision of services to people who are socially isolated in Glossopdale and the creation of highly regarded social prescribing self-care service called Community Navigation.

Julie Farley said:

“I am honoured to have worked with the amazing and talented staff and volunteers at The Bureau and with people and groups across the community – I have never been part of a more dedicated and committed team. I am thankful for their support over the last few years.”

Julie also stressed:

“It is thanks to the hard work of all the staff and volunteers that The Bureau has secured funding from Tameside and Glossop Care Together to enable the organisation to grow and thrive.” Adding that “The Bureau has used this funding to provide local services as well as pass on over  £35,000 in grants to support 10 other local projects and groups working to support people across Glossopdale – including the WRVS, Glossopdale Visually Impaired Group, BeWell, Glossop Arts Project, Whitfield’s Community Café Breeze to name a few.”

Sophie Glinka, who has been job-sharing the role for the last 6 months, will now become full time Chief Officer. Sophie said

“Julie has been a respected and extremely valued member of our team. I have big shoes to fill. I am proud to build on the amazing work Julie has done to place The Bureau’s work at the heart of the community in Glossopdale, and I look forward to taking the organisation through the next chapter as we move to new premises in Henry Street in April.”

John Harris, chair of the board of trustees, said

Julie Farley plans to continue working with community groups in Glossopdale alongside other roles in the region’s wellbeing and health sector.