2-8 November 2015 was Trustees’ Week.
Trustees are ‘the people in charge of a charity. They play a vital role, volunteering their time and working together to make important decisions about the charity’s work. Trustees’ Week is an annual event to showcase the great work that trustees do and highlight opportunities for people from all walks of life to get involved and make a difference.’
To celebrate we asked our Executive Committee why they chose to be Trustees and what it means to them.
1 What made you wish to join East Kent Mencap’s board of trustees?
Amy Rutland: ‘I was really impressed by what the charity was achieving in the area, and thought: “I want to empower local people with a learning disability.”’
Claire Goldfinch: ‘Through having siblings and children with learning disabilities, I understand how services such as this can provide a lifeline to families like mine.’
2 What do you bring to the board?
Angela Stuart: ‘We have lived in Thanet for 20 years and know the area well. Having a son with autism and learning disabilities, I can also provide insight into the issues facing those with learning disabilities.’
Paul Pinder: ‘I have a learning disability and can speak on behalf of others if they find this difficult.’
3 Through being a trustee, how would you like to support East Kent Mencap in future?
Keith Smith: ‘I’ve been a trustee since 2002 and I believe that it is now time to seek a replacement Treasurer; I’m in my middle to late 60’s and a new trustee joining the committee, who can fit the Treasurer’s role, makes good sense as they should bring new energy and drive to the post.’
Dora Smith: ‘I discuss East Kent Mencap with many of my acquaintances, which has encouraged them to volunteer for the organisation. In future, I hope to continue networking on behalf of East Kent Mencap.’
4 Why is being a trustee a worthwhile thing to do?
Audrey Emmett: ‘Ultimately, we’re enabling people with learning disabilities to live as independently as possible; this makes being a trustee worthwhile.’
Doreen Leach: ‘Seeing the way in which the decisions we make change the lives of people with learning disabilities for the better makes being a trustee worthwhile.’
[Siobhan Rose O’Gorman]
