From Support Worker to CEO: New Chief Executive Sian Aldridge began career helping rough sleepers
Sian Aldridge’s 18-year career began by supporting people on the streets. Now, Wales’s largest homelessness charity, The Wallich, has appointed her as their new CEO.
“When I set out on my first ‘breakfast run’ in Bridgend all those years ago, I met the people I would be supporting who are homeless. And as I offered a coffee and a friendly ear, I made a commitment to do everything in my ability to facilitate a better life for those experiencing homelessness.” said, Sian.
Sian’s career at The Wallich began in 2008, beginning on the frontline in its Bridgend rough sleeper team, going out to see people every morning and help them off the streets. From there, she developed innovative homelessness services and co-production through roles such as Head of Participation and Progression, Director of Operations and Interim CEO in her 18-years at the charity.
As Chief Executive, Sian will oversee the charity to continue supporting more than 7,000 people and deliver more than 100 different homelessness-related services across the whole of Wales.
Sian continued, “Since the announcement to our staff, I’ve been so overwhelmed by kind messages, support and encouragement from the hard-working people of The Wallich. Like me, there are many people who believe in what we do and have been part of our community for a significant number of years. I genuinely appreciate every message and every good wish because I believe what makes this organisation special is the people who show up every day with compassion, commitment and determination to make a difference.”
According to the latest Welsh Government statistics, 162 people sleep rough across Wales and 10,282 people live in temporary accommodation (hostels or B&Bs) – that includes 2,219 children.
On her programme of work going forward, Sian said
“We’ve got a new Prime Minister who wants to end rough sleeping, a new Welsh Government who wants tackle cost of living – and as the new CEO of The Wallich, I will be holding them accountable to make that happen. Let’s get on with it.
“I will be leading The Wallich’s Making Homelessness History strategy, which has renewed focus on people we support and breaking the cycle of homelessness. And as we gallop towards the organisation’s 50th year in 2028, we will be shouting about what we know needs to be done to end homelessness in Wales.”
Following Sian’s appointment, Oliver Townsend, Chair of The Wallich’s Board of Trustees, said
“Sian comes with huge experience delivering homelessness services and support. She knows what we do inside out, and there is no better guardian of our values than she is. Her commitment to partnership working, quality of service, demonstrating impact on people we support and organisational sustainability are a clear indicator that she will propel The Wallich into an exciting new era.”
Outside of The Wallich, Sian is a proud member of Cymorth Cymru’s Board of Trustees. She works alongside other passionate and experienced individuals from the sector to help govern the important influencing work undertaken by the team at Cymorth.
Who is Sian Aldridge – The Wallich’s new CEO?
Sian’s background was not initially in the third sector. For eight years, she worked for a solicitor with a Business Management degree. After having children, Sian made a conscious decision to leave her job in the corporate sector and put her skills to use helping people instead. She never looked back.
Sian’s career at The Wallich blossomed from delivering sharp end support on the streets. In October 2013, Sian managed The Wallich’s service user volunteer programme across Wales. Her role continued to expand into co-production and creating opportunities for clients, including developing innovative ways to engage and involve people who’ve experienced homelessness.
She later pioneered a new role; Head of Participation and Progression. There she oversaw all projects related to skills, employability and wellbeing. She is passionate about helping people to engage in their communities through heritage, arts, culture and sport.
Sian was appointed as Deputy Director of Operations in 2019, where she continued to lead on creative and innovative service delivery. A year later, she became the Director of Operations, overseeing all charity operations across Wales.
Over her 18 years at The Wallich, Sian has been a force in driving The Wallich’s journey into becoming a trauma-informed organisation and PIE (Psychologically Informed Environments). She’s also led the charge on work relating to harm reduction from drug and alcohol use, health inclusion and mobile outreach vehicles.
Sian has pioneered partnerships to bring exciting projects to Wales such as Choir With No Name, Who Decides exhibition with Amgueddfa Cymru Museum Cardiff and the Homeless World Cup hosted in Cardiff in 2019.
She’s undertook the role of Interim CEO for The Wallich over two periods of time and now steps into the role permanently.
The Wallich launched its winter fundraising campaign on World Homelessness Day