Departing boss says charity remains in safe hands

A woman who has grown a grassroots charity into an organisation supporting thousands of women every year has said the time is right to step down as its leader.

Hannah Shead has been the chief executive officer (CEO) at Trevi for 13 years but said she was leaving the charity in "safe hands".

Ms Shead has helped grow the charity from a single service supporting about 30 women per year to an organisation with four centres and two outreach programmes.

The charity said Ms Shead had also been a committed campaigner for the women's sector and "the fight to end male violence against women and girls".

Ms Shead said it had been a difficult decision to leave her role.

"It's a charity that I love and have just enjoyed being part of for 13 years," said Ms Shead.

"I have reached a point where I'm ready for something different and the charity is in a strong place and is ready for a new season and for some new leadership."

She said the women working at Trevi helped others with "tenacity, courage, and compassion".

"The woman that work in the organisation walk alongside the women who have been through such trauma and are going through challenges," she said.

The charity said during Ms Shead's tenure, Trevi has received numerous accolades, including the GSK Impact Award in 2020 and the Westcountry Women's Award for Combatting Violence Against Women and Girls.

The charity said: "These achievements are a testament to her unwavering commitment and visionary leadership."

Ms Shead added: "I believe Trevi has been part of raising awareness about the needs of women.

"It is something we try and amplify the voices of those who can't speak out or don't get heard and I feel we have done that in the city and beyond and I'm really proud of the women who have been part of that.

"I feel Trevi is in safe hands, and I guess letting go will be difficult, but I feel excited to see what's next.

"I will be cheering on the side lines."

Amanda Greenwood has been appointed as Trevi's new CEO.

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].