As we approach the midpoint of another year, we’re in that melancholic position of waving farewell, while looking forward. Two of our longstanding trustees, with nearly 20 years’ experience on the board between them, are sadly stepping down.
Both Margaret Phillips, and Bridget Holmstrom, have been instrumental in the way our charity, and community have developed over the last decade. While trustees are rarely in the limelight, their contribution to how organisations run is fundamental nonetheless.
Reflecting on outstanding progress
Margaret Phillips said, of her long period on the board: “It’s been really interesting meeting a lot of the people who were using the service – but were involved in progressing it for the wider community as well. That’s what I’ve really enjoyed. I was there from the start, invited by someone who had taken up the role of starting the charity.”
“Seeing the charity progress, from a daily local organisation, to something much bigger, with great ambitions, has been very pleasing,” added Bridget Holmstrom. “It did go through a very unstable period when I first joined. I think it always does when you move from a local organisation that’s run by volunteers, to a much more professional organisation. This sort of change creates an impact on the people who are working in it.”
Both departing trustees agreed, however, that taking up a trustee position is worth the time and effort you put in.
“You need to put yourself out and be available to do what you can. Take part and be interested,” said Margaret.
“If you want to see something exciting, and moving forward, then they should join and become a trustee. It’s expanding across the North and Tees Valley, and it’s certainly something to put on your CV,” added Bridget.
Looking ahead to moving forward
Ruth Hicks, Chair of Trustees, retains high hopes that the outgoing trustees have created an opportunity for others to take their place, get involved, and be equally as effective, going forward.
She said: “it’s keeping hold of the vision and the commitment, and enabling more and more people into recovery. And demonstrating that actually, people have huge skills and abilities and can take charge. The fact that [the charity has] got such a huge percentage of staff in recovery themselves is very unusual, but a real plus point.”
On the potential of new trustees joining the charity, she reinforced the need to develop a deeper understanding of how lived experience recovery organisations work: “You’ve got to be committed and they’ve at least got to be prepared to understand it. Because most of the population don’t, do they?”
So, if you feel that perhaps you would like to know more about lived experience recovery, and have the sort of mindset and skills that would make a great trustee – we might have an opportunity (or two) for you right now!
