A local charity which works to improve the quality of life for visually impaired adults and children is seeking new trustees.
Professionals in Derbyshire are being encouraged to broaden their experience by joining Sight Support Derbyshire, to ensure that the charity is being run effectively and efficiently.
Trustees are volunteers who are required to attend six two-hour meetings a year. They are also asked to contribute to areas where they have particular expertise, and are encouraged to take part in some of Sight Support Derbyshire’s fundraising activities and events for volunteers.
Mick Connell is one of the more recent trustees to join Sight Support Derbyshire and has a background in adult social care. He said: “I joined because I have a commitment to helping people lead full and independent lives.
“Being a trustee keeps me in touch with the demands placed on voluntary organisations, which are many in the current financial climate, and also the issues faced by people with a visual impairment. It gives me the opportunity to keep up to date and the chance to give something back.”
Mick also spends time volunteering for the charity, as he feels it’s also important to have a practical input, and visits the organisation’s Information Days, which are like a market place for equipment, help and advice for people experiencing sight loss. He also spends time with staff to get an idea of what their jobs involve.
He added: “Sight Support Derbyshire is a well-run organisation, with very committed staff and trustees. But it would benefit from more trustees from different backgrounds, offering a wider range of experience.
“It’s not just worthwhile, it’s also interesting and at times good fun with some of the volunteering activities. There’s support in becoming a trustee and we work well together as a group and enjoy our role as well.”
Claire Winfield, Sight Support Derbyshire’s Chief Executive, said: “We always welcome new trustees from all walks of life, but currently we would particularly welcome interest from professionals with a background in legal work, marketing, IT and fundraising.
“It’s a responsible role which goes far beyond attending six meetings a year, and we recognise that it is demanding. Becoming a trustee involves an informal visit or meeting before we start the formal application process as we want to ensure that the charity is right for the trustee, and the trustee is right for the charity.
“It is not only the voluntary sector which benefits hugely from the experience of people who’ve worked in the private or public sectors. Becoming a trustee provides the opportunity to build your own skills and knowledge.”
Anyone interested in becoming a trustee can contact Sight Support Derbyshire on 01332 292262 or email enquiries@sightsupportderbyshire.org.uk.