WTP to close

A testament to the impact WTP have made over the past 13 years can be seen in the heartwarming, hilarious and sorrowful messages below. We have edited out names so don’t worry if you were one of the people who sent us a rant, wail or barrage of expletives. And thank you all for your kind words of support you have cheered us up no end:

I was so very sad to learn that WTP was going to be closing – what a huge loss to the community and voluntary sector and to adult learning more widely. It’s always been such a pleasure working with you both – your integrity and honest brokering has always been reassuring and much appreciated.”

 

What shocking news and what a huge loss.  Your work has been outstanding and trail blazing state of the art community development and support.”

 

This is a big shock. How sad to say farewell to such a worthwhile project.”

 

So sorry to hear that news it must be a huge blow to you all and as others have said it is scary out there at the moment when the good and valued organisations are struggling for survival! I hope you find a way to stay in the sector as your approach to partnership working is a rare gift!”

 

This is SOOOOOO sad. I loved your work and support through capacity building of the local community and voluntary sector. I have gained from your input. What next? Meet at the protester’s camps?”

 

I read your email with real sadness; the project has achieved so much over the years and you have gained respect throughout the sector over a very wide field. On a personal note – of all the organisations and companies I have worked with since going freelance 15 years ago, WTP has been my absolute favourite working partnership. You have given me the opportunity to take on new challenges and through you I have met the most fantastic community groups. You will be much missed. However, I love the tone of your ‘farewell email’ in that life goes on and it’s good to celebrate the successes.”

 

I was shocked and sorry to get your email announcing the closure of WTP.  It has been a Brighton institution for so many years and the closure will leave a huge gap. Personally, I owe a lot to WTP having been involved in the Mentoring/Leadership programme. I really enjoyed the mentoring course in the summer of 2007 and my subsequent mentoring partnerships.”

 

Just want to say It is such a shame WTP are closing. The project has been so useful to my personal and professional development over many years and from the perspective of many organisations and services I have worked in. Staff and volunteers from these projects have also benefited so much from the hard work WTP has done. It is a great loss for the city at a time when the workforce needs so much.”

 

So sorry to hear the sad news about WTP – it will be sorely missed.  I’m sure you’ve all done everything possible to secure its future, but as you say, the needs of the sector are indeed falling on deaf ears at present. “

 

This is terrible news, I thought I had got inextricably involved with a force for good in this world, only to find out that our caring Govt have cut you off. I feel for you all, whatever you do in the future you have changed the lives and futures of so many; and I have only been engaged with your great team and work for so little a time. You have been truly professional and supportive to work with; I will make time to visit in the New Year. Sad news indeed, thank you all for letting me into something special.”

 

So sorry to hear of WTP demise. through several years of attending courses. I have nothing but praise for the efficient management co-ordination, helpfulness admin staff and quality of training and trainers. Its been a real pleasure and privilege to attend and helped my personal development immensely and that of the organisations in which I’m involved. thank you all so much”

 

It’s such sad news for the voluntary sector in Brighton that WTP will be folding.  Your amazing project though will leave a lasting legacy for Brighton& Hove & Sussex – Kind of like 6 degrees of separation, only less degrees of separation and not so much Kevin Bacon.  For years to come so many people locally will be able to trace their personal and community development back to their  connection with you.  THANK YOU!”

 

I’m bowled over and very, very sad to hear of WTP’s closure.  What a massive loss to the sector.  Is there anything (we) can do, even at this late stage?”

 

I am very sad to see that you are closing down next year. You have provided fantastic training courses over the years.”

 

This is the price of the ‘big society’.  It will leave a big void in the voluntary sector and one would hope that maybe things, even now, can be turned around.”

 

shocking news. we are so so sorry. you are a brilliant and fundamental organisation. We have benefited so much from your existence….”

 

I am shocked!  And very saddened to hear this news – I can’t imagine the sector without The Working Together Project.  It really is the end of an era and a huge loss – you have done some fantastic training over the years, making a real difference to so many people, so I hope you feel very proud of all you have achieved.  It’s also been brilliant working with you… over the years and I’ll miss that.”

 

Blimey. That hit hard. I’m really sad to hear the news and please pass on best wishes to all, and shared sentiment around having enjoyed working with you all over the past couple of years ”

 

We are devastated to hear this news and the sector will be a far, far poorer place without the WTP. It’s a disgrace and a scandal that fantastic projects such as yours are not being financed by this ************ ************** *********** government/authority. I’ll miss you all on a personal and professional level x “

 

I’m extremely saddened to hear that WTP is closing, after your wonderful support to the sector over many years.  It seems impossible to believe, but of course it’s all too indicative of the current political climate.”

 

I’m so sorry! It just won’t be the same without you and your team.  I will really miss working with you.”

 

I  am so sorry to hear the news – the training provided by you over the years has been superb, so I personally thank you for that.”

 

Well that’s bollocks isn’t it, excuse my language but I’m very sorry to hear that. May I just say many thanks for that which you’ve contributed over the years, I’ve attended some excellent stuff that you’ve arranged which has certainly helped me along the way.”

 

Really awful news but thank you for being such a brilliant staff team and service to work with all of these years.”

 

I would like to say thank you all for the wonderful courses you have put on over the years I have been working in Brighton. They have always been fun, relevant, interesting and challenging and the sector will be poorer for you leaving.”

 

I am so sorry to hear this.  It really doesnt seem right.”

 

That is really bad news. I applaud you for your efforts over the last year and thank the Working Together Project from the bottom of my heart for the skills and experience I have received through my connection with you.  I have met some wonderful people through the project and it proved invaluable at a time when I was new to the area.”

 

really, really sorry to hear that you are having to close. What dreadful nightmare times we are living in. All the best to everyone there, congratulations on your achievements, and making such a difference to so many over the last few years.”

 

I was shocked and saddened to read this email – I had no idea that the wonderful work you do was coming to an end. You have all worked so very hard over the years for and with the voluntary sector, and I am so sorry that the present financial climate has forced WTP to close.”
A personal thanks for all the benefit that I have had.  I enjoyed (and learnt a lot) from mentoring, and the other training days I have attended – all of which have helped with my work with different charities I work with.”

 

Dear WTP – I am really saddened to hear that the WTP will be closing… staff… and volunteers have benefited from the range of courses you have run.”

 

What a very sad day this is WTP is one of the things that I for one expected to get the funding needed to carry on with the essential training etc that it has provided in the past.

 

I was very sad, angry (at a nation that allows this to happen to valuable community organisations), dismayed and shocked to hear your news and would like to thank you for the amazing service you have provided over the years. I have attended several of your training courses, the most memorable being the Community Leaders course, several years ago now. This course gave me great insight into leadership, matched me with a mentor, helped me get a new job…”

 

so sorry to hear that you’re closing. i didn’t know. I’ve benefited from your courses over the years and you’re very nice people to be working with. You will be missed”

 

Obviously I’m really sorry to hear about the decision the trustees have taken. It’s so sad in so many ways. It’s one of those situations that however much you anticipate it might happen you are still shocked when it does. WTP was one of the most fulfilling work experiences I’ve had and a special organisation to have been part of.”

 

sorry to hear that, you were a wonderful project that have benefited so many”

 

Man … I’m so so so upset. It’s like a Sucker punch – you know? The real shit is this is indicative of the disrespect and disregard that heralds the destruction of the vcs. If they are in this state with an amazing product that is so clearly very much needed – what hope is there? I went to their agm-come-wake last night and I was nearly beside myself. We celebrated the amazing work: 10000 units delivered to over 3000 different learners from over 1000 different organisations. We ate drank and had a pub quiz and the finale tiebreaker was to construct David Cameron out of play doh. You can just imagine”

 

I am so sorry to hear that The Working Together Project will close in March.  This is terrible news for the voluntary sector in Brighton and Hove.  How can such a fantastically well run, effective and highly regarded organisation come to an end?  Thank you for all your hard work over the years,  the WTP’s investment in the development of the community, local people and local organisations will remain.  Good luck in the future to everyone involved in the project.”

 

I am very, very sad to hear that the WTP are no longer able to continue the with their great work.  I have benefited from courses, that eventually helped me to achieve within employment and my own career as an artist/volunteer.”