Celebrating a Remarkable Contribution to The Livewell Foundation.
After many years of dedicated service, The Livewell Foundation is saying a heartfelt thank you and farewell to trustee Morris Watts, who is stepping down from the Board as he moves into retirement.
Morris was instrumental in establishing the Foundation in 2017, and has played an important role in helping to shape our work and ensure that we remain focused on improving health, wellbeing and community connection across Plymouth and South West Devon. His experience, insight and steady commitment have been invaluable during the Foundation’s early years of growth.
Before joining the Foundation, Morris had already built an extraordinary career in public service. He completed 31 years with Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, rising through the ranks to become Chief Superintendent. During this time he held a number of senior leadership roles, including serving as Plymouth’s Senior Police Officer. In that role he helped establish the City Strategic Partnership, contributing to a shared vision for building safe, strong communities across the city.
Following his policing career, Morris continued his commitment to protecting and supporting vulnerable people by becoming Plymouth’s Domestic Abuse Partnership Manager. In this role he led the development of a city-wide strategy and action plan to improve support for survivors of domestic abuse and their families. One of his most notable achievements was working with survivors to establish SEEDS, a forum that gave people with lived experience a stronger voice in shaping services. This initiative went on to receive national recognition for its innovative approach to the engagement of people with lived experience in the development of services for survivors and their families.
Alongside this work, Morris also served as a Trustee with Harbour, a leading charity supporting people with drug and alcohol addiction and also as a Non-Executive Director for Livewell Southwest CIC from 2011 until 2021, where he was a passionate advocate for issues affecting older people, carers and the wider wellbeing of local communities, with a strong emphasis on working in partnership with grass roots community groups.
Throughout his time as a trustee of The Livewell Foundation, Morris has brought this same deep commitment to community wellbeing. His knowledge of local partnerships, his understanding of the challenges facing vulnerable people, and his thoughtful approach to governance have helped guide the Foundation as it has grown its grant programmes and supported organisations working to reduce social isolation, improve wellbeing and prevent ill-health.
As Morris steps down, everyone at The Livewell Foundation would like to express their sincere gratitude for his years of service, wisdom and dedication. Trustees, staff and partners alike have benefited from his calm leadership and his genuine passion for making a difference in people’s lives.
While we will miss his presence on the Board, we wish Morris a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.
Thank you, Morris, for everything you have given to the Foundation and to the communities we serve.