The Make A Difference Trust Puts UK and Global Poverty Centre Stage

As the public braces itself for huge spending cuts and governments worldwide tighten their belts, the entertainment industry is not immune to hardship caused by ill-health and economic woes. Indeed, more and more people within the entertainment industry are falling on hard times and with this in mind, West End charity, The Make A Difference Trust has announced a renewed push to tackle poverty in the UK and internationally.

The organisation was originally established in 1988 under the name "West End Cares" and prior to its current brand was also known as "Theatrecares". During its time, the charity has raised over 2 million pounds to support thousands of individuals in desperate need both in the UK and internationally.

The Make A Difference Trust is here to bring a vital cash lifeline to those in need, due to chronic illness, who've worked in the entertainment industry, as well as funding community based theatre and education projects to help beat HIV in some of the worst affected parts of Southern Africa.

Today, the Trust announced a fresh strategy with the appointment of a new Charity Director, who comes with more than 20 years' experience in managing innovative programmes aimed at overcoming challenges brought about by HIV and AIDS.

Steven Inman, 42, has been a passionate grant maker for more than a decade and has enjoyEd Strong working links with well-respected agencies from DfID and the Global Fund, to the Terrence Higgins Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation and Action Aid.

Steven said: "The Make A Difference Trust is out there pulling the entertainment industry in to make a real difference to so many people affected by HIV and AIDS in the UK and overseas. I have been lucky enough to see first-hand the difference this charity has made to real people's lives and I am both excited and proud to accept the post as Charity Director. As we move into 2011, we, like so many charities, are faced with new challenges and developments alike. I look forward to leading The Make A Difference Trust as it enters the next phase of its growth and would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the many stakeholders in The Make A Difference Trust for their continued support."

David Pendlebury, Chair of the Board of Trustees at The Make A Difference Trust says: "I speak on behalf of the Board when I say we are proud to welcome Steven as the new Charity Director of The Make A Difference Trust. We are excited about our successes and the direction the Trust is going in and join with the many performers, volunteers and supporters who make our work possible in welcoming him as the new Charity Director of The Make A Difference Trust."

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