Post | November 2023 | 2 min read

Sara's story

Written by

Sara is a Trustee at the Milton Mount Foundation which awards bursaries for educational activities and school fees. She joined the organisation as she wanted to contribute her time and expertise to a cause that that she is passionate about; access to education.

This passion stems from her own feelings of not having reached her full potential at school. However, access to adult learning gave her a second chance to pursue her goals and aspirations. In this blog post, she explains how, by volunteering, she hopes to provide others with the chance to do the same.

“I welcomed the opportunity to invest my time and effort in to assisting children, youth, and adults in realising their educational aspirations and goals. The significance of how learning empowers us is of great personal importance to me.

“These personal experiences have instilled a strong desire to ‘pay it forward’ and ensure that others have the same chance for growth and self-improvement.

“Volunteering as a trustee allows me to channel this passion into action, making a tangible difference in the lives of those who may not have had the same access to education.

“It's an opportunity to be a part of an organisation's mission, helping to shape its direction and policies, and, in turn, the lives of the individuals it serves.

"Undertaking a role as a trustee is such a rewarding and valuable way to be able to give back to a charity whose vision and mission you care about and for your skills and gifts to be able to add value to this work.

"I now have a greater awareness of the vital role of trustees and the ways that charitable trusts and foundations can make such a difference to people's lives."

Derek Lindfield, Chair of Trustees at the Milton Mount Foundation comments:

"Sara joined our Board as a Trustee and representative from the Congregational Federation in Nov 2020; we are delighted that she has agreed to stay on the Board for a further term. She has been able to promote the Fund in all sorts of publications, as well as being a committed and diligent member. This has had a positive impact on the ways in which we can support families, children and adults with bursaries for educational needs."

To find out more about becoming a Trustee in Somerset, please click the link below.

I want to volunteer

Louise's story

"Trusteeship gives me a focus and a sense of achievement and has enabled me to meet loads of fantastic like-minded people.”

Grahame's Story

Grahame is Chair of Trustees at Spark Somerset and has a career spanning health and social care, education, consulting and financial services. He is a member of the Somerset Integrated Care Board and is passionate about the value of collaboration with the local VCSE. Here, he shares with us why volunteering is so important to him and how it led him to join the Spark Somerset Board. “My volunteering story began in health and social care. Whilst working at Weston General Hospital , I supported the volunteers there and soon realised that, in many areas, the hospital would grind to a halt without their smiling, can do approach . “This highlighted to me the range of voluntary roles in health and social care and so, when the pandemic hit, I volunteered at local vaccination centres for the Red Cross, NHS and Festival Medical Services, and became a Covid Community Champion with Spark Somerset. Through these roles I was able to assure, amuse, listen, inform and share with people who were unsure. “It's great to meet so many people, both volunteers and the public - to share a moment or a story which demonstrates how human we all are. “Subsequently, I have established a Good Neighbours scheme in my local community, working with a small band of volunteers to support people to go shopping, collect prescriptions, attend medical appointments and share a cup of coffee. “ Thinking of others reduces your own woes, helps you focus on the benefits you can give and share with others, and creates opportunities to meet other, like minded people." “Charities across Somerset are being asked to support more residents, often those who have particularly struggled with the impacts of the pandemic. As such, demand for Spark Somerset’s services has increased and the Spark Somerset team have excelled in getting to be at the negotiating table, especially around the health and social care agenda , and being listened to as they make the case for the work of our Somerset charities. “That has resulted in further activities being commissioned by the NHS and Somerset County Council which have been shared directly with the charities we have been able to represent.” Katherine Nolan, CEO of Spark Somerset, comments, “Grahame’s appointment is a perfect fit and will greatly support us and the sector as we work together to make sure the residents of Somerset get the support they need when they need it.” Grahame continues, “I hope my experience and expertise will help Katherine and her team as we amplify the voice of local voluntary community and social enterprise organisations. "I consider it a great privilege to work with the Spark Somerset board and staff team, for whom the local VCSE sector and the population it serves is at the heart of all they do." If Grahame's story has inspired you to get involved in volunteering, click on the link below.

Sue's Story

“If you are interested in becoming a Trustee, I would highly recommend it. You can pursue your interests and hobbies and make a real difference to a charity you care about!"

Post | November 2023 | 2 min read

Sara's story

Written by

Laura Bazley

“These personal experiences have instilled a strong desire to ‘pay it forward’ and ensure that others have the same chance for growth and self-improvement.

“Volunteering as a trustee allows me to channel this passion into action, making a tangible difference in the lives of those who may not have had the same access to education.

“It's an opportunity to be a part of an organisation's mission, helping to shape its direction and policies, and, in turn, the lives of the individuals it serves.

"I now have a greater awareness of the vital role of trustees and the ways that charitable trusts and foundations can make such a difference to people's lives."

Derek Lindfield, Chair of Trustees at the Milton Mount Foundation comments:

To find out more about becoming a Trustee in Somerset, please click the link below.

I want to volunteer