I don’t know exactly when, but I have confidence that it will come to end. Just as flares did in the 1970s and the Tamagotchi did in the 1990s and, on a more serious note, just as many crises have in the past … indeed, just as Trump and Boris did in the 2020s.
So, as you go into the Christmas festivities, cheer yourself up a bit, safe in the knowledge that one day when you really are a wise yet quite miserable old sod … you will be able to say to your kids/partners/grandchildren/people on the bus … “If you think this is bad, you should have lived through the 2020s. I did because we looked after one another …”
Your personal commitment is a powerful element in the success of P3. You are the men and women who make the world better just by being the kind of people you are.
You have and give the gifts of kindness, of courage, of loyalty, of integrity.
It matters very little whether you’re running a service for young people, working in Accounts, mending a tap or doing a million things while you’re bringing up a family.
The new future for P3 and your services is not and cannot be shaped by people who don’t really believe in a better future. P3 is full of these people and if you’re not one, I urge you to become that kind of person. Then life would be worth all the years of living and learning.
The people here today are the changemakers.
You are the people who will “renew and reinvent” P3 and keep the people we work alongside at the very heart of the organisation.
You are the leaders who will make sure that we don’t get lost along the way.
You are the kindness that people need to feel when they walk through our doors, when they are cold, are frightened, have lost hope.
You are P3: care, kindness and compassion.
Our future isn’t quite mapped out yet. We have a Government that, well, I’ll be generous and say, “is still finding its feet.”
But what we do know is we’re going to be busier than ever.
I’m sad and absolutely furious about it, but I’m not worried about having the right team to deal with the challenge.
The new P3, for 2023 and beyond, has this one huge amazing, diverse and talented (and a little bit eccentric) team that is ready for whatever comes, whenever it comes.
We know we can help people shape a better future for themselves. We are P3, a living, learning, ever evolving, changing, brave, passionate and bold organisation.
Thank you, every single one of you, for being you, your wonderful selves … and being part of P3.
Have a wonderful Christmas. Whether you’re celebrating or not, I send you love, peace and joy from our house to yours.
Merry Christmas.
Mark
