EDP has proudly supported people in the South West since 1984, and as a subsidiary of Humankind since April 2020. Our two charities have worked closely together, with EDP drawing on Humankind’s national scale and expertise. As closely aligned charities, EDP will now take the next step in integration by merging fully into its parent charity on 1 July of this year.
Uniting the organisations will make us stronger and more sustainable. EDP’s Reach Dorset, Together Devon and wider services will become Humankind’s South West operational region, enabling us to serve the people of the South West even better, reaching a greater amount of people. There is no anticipated reduction in the overall number of roles.
As a national provider of support Humankind has services across England. We are proud to have supported over 90,000 people last year and that all our Care Quality Commission inspected services are assessed as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’. The new South West operational region will be supported by Humankind’s core functions and will be able to draw on good practice, new models and resources from our other operational regions.
Paul Townsley, CEO of Humankind, said: “After three years of close partnership work, I’m delighted that Humankind will be welcoming EDP staff and services in July. I know both charities pride themselves on their partnership approach as well as their focus on, and belief in, the people they serve. We will ensure these values continue as part of EDP’s proud legacy in the South West.”
Penny Blackmore, CEO of EDP, said “Working with Humankind as a subsidiary over the last three years has brought many benefits to EDP, so taking this next step feels very natural. Being able to deliver life changing recovery services with our trademark care and professionalism to more people in the South West is an exciting prospect, and one that we are now ready to take.”