Trustees’ Week runs from 4 to 8 November, and we’re appealing for new volunteers to join our hardworking team.
All charities have a Board of Trustees to ensure they are being run effectively and efficiently. Sight Support Derbyshire’s trustees attend six two-hour meetings a year and may be asked to contribute in areas where they have particular expertise. They are also encouraged to take part in events to raise funds and awareness, and some are also regular volunteers.
When Robert Gill lost his sight more than ten years ago he was able to continue working as an accountant thanks to support from the charity, which provides services to help local adults and children who are visually impaired to stay independent. He initially approached the charity as a volunteer, but soon became a trustee.
Robert says: “I wanted to give something back because of the help I received from Sight Support Derbyshire. When I lost my sight I thought my working life was over. Now I use my accountancy experience to help the charity as a trustee.
“Sight Support Derbyshire helped me and my family so much. They told me about the Government’s Access to Work scheme, and how to get the right size computer monitor and software that magnified the screen.
“I went from being in the depths of despair to having something to look forward to. As a trustee, I want to help to try and make sure life can carry on for people facing a similar situation to me.”
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.
“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.”
Find out more about our trustees by clicking on the button below. If you are interested in joining us, please contact us by calling 01332 292262 or email enquiries@sightsupportderbyshire.org.uk.