Why it matters: The Mix provides vital free services to young people in Stowmarket and surrounding areas, including mentoring, employment support, and educational assistance. This leadership appointment comes at a crucial time as the charity builds on its decade of community work.
The details: Airey brings significant leadership experience from multiple sectors:
Former Director of Bellerbys Colleges, supporting international students
Previous Chief Executive of the Inspiring Futures Foundation, focused on youth career guidance
Background in teaching mathematics at Kings College, Guildford
Held leadership roles at global engineering firms and Bain & Company
Holds an MBA from INSEAD and a Master's in Engineering Science from Oxford University
What they're saying: "I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chair at The Mix," Airey said. "I have been incredibly impressed by the passion and commitment of all the staff I have met so far and by the impact the organisation has had over the last decade in Stowmarket and the surrounding area. I've enjoyed returning to my roots since moving back to Suffolk, and I'm very excited to be getting involved in The Mix and the important work it does in support of young people locally."
Malcolm Goodwin, CEO of The Mix, said: "Our previous Chair helped steer The Mix for over a decade, and Andy will help us build on strong foundations. His experience, insight, and commitment to young people's futures will help in our vital support for young people."
How to get involved: The Mix's current services include:
Two cafés: Cabbages & Kings and Duck & Teapot at Needham Lake
Multiple youth support programmes, including one-to-one mentoring
Holiday activities and school-based support
Specialist services, including violence against women and girls groups
SEN support programmes
The bottom line: The Mix continues to rely on community support through donations, its monthly lottery, and fundraising activities to maintain its free youth services. You can find out more on their website.
