Steps Programme Manager Alan Triggs reflects on his time at Strawberry Field

Alan Triggs, Steps at Strawberry Field Programme Manager, will be leaving Strawberry Field and The Salvation Army to embark on a new chapter. Alan has been a champion of every single young person who has stepped beyond our gates and onto one of our Steps at Strawberry Field programmes and has been instrumental in the programme's success. 

Alan Triggs says, reflecting on his time at Strawberry Field, "The last six and a half years have been a humbling and rewarding journey and one which I will treasure. I watched the centre being built and the commercial business develop as word spread about what a compelling tourist attraction we are, with bus-oads of tourist making their pilgrimage to visit the iconic site and take home memories of Strawberry Field. 

I worked with Adele Murphy to build the Steps to Work programme and lead on the delivery of 22 cohorts of Steps to Work trainees, unlocking their potential and seeing them realise their goals in the world of work. Layer developing the offer to support students and graduates with barriers to employment. 

I worked with Clare and Lynne Furlong to connect with local universities via a Learning Hub and witnessed how this has grown to add value, expertise, and helped Gavin Cliffe develop the volunteer offer to support our 70 volunteers , making them feel part of the team and having the skills and knowledge to provide a great customer experience.

I saw Recycles move homes (twice!) to now settle in Liverpool Valley Salvation Army, where they are part of the community and offer excellent bike repair and sales, as well as training volunteers to achieve a Level 2 cycle mechanics qualification. 

And, I witnessed "Faith in Action" through the Salvation Army delivering its mission by offering spiritual and pastoral support, providing a sense of belonging and purpose and more recently the Strawberry Field Community Church.

As well as being an iconic place Strawberry Field has some amazing people who throw their hearts and souls into the work we do. Some of the original members of the team are still with us and many others have joined who continue to make Strawberry Field a place of hope, opportunity, and sanctuary. It has been an honour to work alongside them all.

As I move on and new people step up to be the leaders of tomorrow, their dedication, creativity and sense of purpose which enrich the spirit of Strawberry Field and continue the reputation of a beacon of hope and love.

May you all "Shine on like the moon, stars and the sun" -  John Lennon, Instant Karma 1970

Strawberry Fields Forever!"

From everyone at Strawberry Field, we thank him for the last six years and wish him all the best for his next chapter.