Tim bids a fond farewell to Shrewsbury Ark
He has been at the helm of Shrewsbury's Ark for a decade but now Tim Compton has decided it is time to move on.
The role of outreach manager at the Castle Foregate based shelter has not always been an easy one, but for Tim it has been more than a job - it has been a calling.
And his departure is one of the hardest decisions he has had to make.
The Ark offers help and support to people who find themselves in need and is a day centre for some of the most vulnerable members of the Shrewsbury community, offering them advice and support in a warm and welcoming environment.
They do not necessarily need to be homeless, although many of its clients are, but they all have one thing in common - they need a helping hand.
Tim said: "I think it is just the right time for me to have a change. It has been lovely to see over the years how the Ark has evolved.
"It was a very hard decision for me to make. I decided towards the end of last year and I realised there was another life out there and it just seemed to be the right time. It has been quite a task for the past 10 years. We have grown in profile in that time and the number of people we are supporting and their issues they are facing have changed too.
"The partnerships we have with other agencies in the town has also developed and that has been fantastic.
"I will miss the Ark and it will be very hard to step away and not feel responsible for it. It is quite consuming but I am ready for a new chapter."
Once news of his departure was made public last week, Tim has been inundated with messages of thanks from many of the hundreds of people he has helped over the last 10 years.
Karen Higgins, chair of trustees at the Ark said: "Meeting and working with Tim has been a privilege.
"I have learned a great deal from him but most of all I want to thank him publicly on behalf of everyone at the Shrewsbury Ark for his dedication, kindness and compassion for some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
"He has managed to carry out his role with such warmth and has never once complained even though I know his role has had some very tough days both emotionally and physically. Our charity is all the better for his time spent with us and I know he will remain a friend of the Ark for many years to come."
The Ark relies solely on the work of its dedicated volunteers and donations from the wider community.
