New appointment helps tackle social isolation in Doncaster

Kate Bell, aged 39, from Moorends, is the new programme manager for the Social Isolation and Loneliness Alliance (SIA). Kate returned to the borough earlier this year after

moving to Port Elizabeth, South Africa in 2007.

With an undergraduate degree from the University of Hull and PGCE from Manchester Metropolitan University, Kate also brings with her a wealth of international experience,

having worked at the Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth as an English Programme Coordinator and programme coordinator for the German language course.

Kate’s CV also includes roles such as American Corner Coordinator, among other positions during her time at the university, working in collaboration with the university and the

Public Affairs Department at the American Consulate in Cape Town to develop the strategic goals of the America Corner. This involved organising the events and programmes

offered through the space, and managing the physical space and programme budgets.

Kate said: “The role at DCLT really appealed to me because I have a passion for working with people, helping and seeing them develop, and improve themselves. After reading

about the work the SIA wants to achieve, I felt I could bring my skills and expertise to the role here in Doncaster.

“I was excited at the possibility of helping the Alliance grow and become sustainable in the long-term, being part of improving the communities in my hometown, raising advocacy

for the work that is being done to reach and benefit as many people as possible in the borough, and helping Doncaster achieve its goal of making it the least lonely place.”

The Social Isolation and Loneliness Alliance is a collaboration of partners from the public, voluntary, community and faith sectors working to support Doncaster communities,

coming together to eliminate social isolation and loneliness and offering opportunities to enable all people to develop positive, life-changing, life-long connections.

Kate is currently working on the VCFS Humanitarian grant applications, which is a fund for voluntary, community and faith-based sectors to apply to, which can assist with

community needs as a result of COVID-19. She is also working with the SIA members to approve the strategy, set up the SIA Consortium and subsequent Boards, which will see

the Alliance grow, provisions develop and raise support for the work the SIA is doing.

Added Kate: “The voluntary, community and faith-based sectors are doing fantastic innovative work throughout the borough to reduce social isolation and loneliness. I am looking

forward to meeting them and their clients, working with them, and assisting them to find ways to build capacity and sustain their work as well as working with the SIA members to

undertake benchmarking to identify gaps and develop new strategies.”

Jon Whiteley, DCLT deputy chief executive, said: “We’re proud to be welcoming Kate to the team, who has both extensive strategic knowledge and first-rate people skills, both of

which are crucial for this role. Her work for DCLT is essential for helping to tackle social isolation and loneliness in the area which is a very real issue.

“We’re looking forward to SIA bringing long-term positive impact within our community and Kate is an integral part of this moving forward.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.