Together Co, the leading charity tackling loneliness and social isolation, has confirmed the appointment of April Baker as new CEO. April joins Together Co from Southdown Housing and brings more than 10 years of senior leadership and business development experience in the charity sector, including specialism in innovation, partnerships and fundraising.

April Baker said:

“I have admired the work of Together Co for some time, with its significant impact across Brighton & Hove in connecting communities to change lives. It is a tremendous privilege to have been chosen for this role. I’m excited to be joining so many committed volunteers and staff. I also look forward to working in partnership with the local people and organisations who share our passion for addressing and responding to loneliness. Together we can all make a difference and create a society that everyone can be a part of.”

Natalie Orringe, Chair of Together Co added:

“We are delighted to welcome April Baker as the new CEO of Together Co. She brings exceptional experience along with real energy and a passion to have lasting impact in tackling loneliness and social isolation. April has a transformative approach to service delivery that will be a huge asset as we look to the future and how Together Co can achieve our strategic ambition for the future. ’

April will succeed Together Co’s Interim CEO Sofie Franzen who has been instrumental to the success of Together Co in recent years particularly in navigating the huge increase in demand for its services during the Covid-19 pandemic. Natalie Orringe said ‘We are hugely grateful to the contribution of our outgoing CEO Sofie Franzen and wish her the very best for the future.’