Last week we held our CB Plus Annual General Meeting (AGM), bringing together members, partners and colleagues to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future. This year's AGM focused on a theme that runs through much of our work: wellbeing. 

Opening the meeting, Chair Tony Vardy reflected on what had been an important year for the organisation, including a leadership transition.

“This has been a very exciting year for CB Plus, but also a year of great change.”

Looking Ahead

In her first AGM as CEO, Katy Lewis spoke about her first months in the role and the strong foundations she has seen across the organisation.

“I wanted to start by acknowledging what a wonderful organisation I’ve come into.”

She reflected on the impact CB Plus has had over more than 40 years, supporting thousands of voluntary organisations and communities. Looking ahead, Katy highlighted that the next phase for the organisation will focus on stability and long-term sustainability.

Speakers at the AGM shared examples of how CB Plus supports wellbeing across different areas of work. 

Through Young People Thrive, the organisation supports young people to build resilience and confidence at a critical stage in their lives. 

"We work with young people at a very vulnerable age, building resilience, confidence and helping them feel less alone."
— Zoe Kattah 

Zoe also highlighted the growing need for mental health support, noting that nationally one in five young people now have a probable mental disorder. 

Emmanuel Ojo, CYP IAPT Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner for Young People Thrive, also shared case studies illustrating how practical support and a safe space to talk can help young people rebuild confidence and manage anxiety. 

The AGM heard from the Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) team, which works across Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest and Newham to ensure that families’ experiences help shape maternity and neonatal services.

Edvige Caci, North London Neonatal Lead, spoke about the challenges many families face during neonatal care.

“There is no neonatal family that has not experienced trauma, including separation, fear and emotional distress.”

Helena Morais, Waltham Forest MNVP Lead, also highlighted how difficult it can be for parents to speak up during the most challenging moments.

“When you are a bereaved parent, it is incredibly hard to give feedback.”

Through their work, the MNVP team helps ensure parents’ experiences are heard and used to improve maternity and neonatal services.

The AGM also highlighted CB Plus' work supporting adult wellbeing through community-based services. 

Director of Health and Care, Fehintola Kolawole spoke about the Barnet Wellbeing Service, an early intervention programme that helps people access support before their mental health reaches crisis point. 

She noted that one in four adults will experience a mental health problem, highlighting the importance of community support and prevention. 

The service connects people to local activities, support groups and services through social prescribing, helping residents improve their wellbeing and stay connected to their communities. 

The AGM also welcomed Ryan Bentley from the NHS Neighbourhood Health team, who highlighted the role organisations like CB Plus play in supporting communities. 

"People don't always need more medical appointments — they need a neighbourhood." 

The AGM was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our work, hear from our team and connect with our communities. We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this AGM possible.