Advance and KeyRing merge

Advance and KeyRing join forces to create a new future

National housing, support and employment provider Advance and KeyRing, the national organisation which develops and supports local networks for people with learning disabilities and mental health problems, are merging this month (April).

Tim Cooper, chief executive of Advance, said:

“This is an exciting opportunity for both organisations to develop our work and offer a wider range of support to our customers. We want to improve the life chances of people with learning disabilities and those with mental health problems.”

Karyn Kirkpatrick, chief executive of KeyRing, added:

“Our strong common purpose and similar values will give us a louder voice in the national arena and ensure the people we support achieve their ambitions.”

The new organisation will keep both the KeyRing and Advance names and structures, and ensure current and future customers and members have access to the services and expertise across the new organisation.

The new organisation expects to see an increase in the number of customers and members; a growth in volunteering opportunities and volunteer networks; and the development of new services.

Ends

For more information, contact John Kay on John.Kay@advanceuk.org or 01993 866412 or Marie-Claire Berreen on Marie-Claire.Berreen@advanceuk.org or 07860 408813.

Notes to editors:

Advance (www.advanceuk.org.uk) provides housing, employment and other support to more than 5000 people across England.

KeyRing (www.keyring.org) runs more than 100 community networks across England and Wales which support more than 1000 people.