A letter from our CEO Adam Dodd – Thank you Volunteers!
1 June 2023
National Volunteers’ Week falls on 1-7 June 2023, celebrating the theme ‘Volunteering weaves us together’
Dear all,
The theme for National Volunteers’ Week 2023 is ‘Volunteering weaves us together’, highlighting the role volunteering plays in strengthening our communities through supporting one another.
Each and every volunteer’s experience, skills and talent add to our collective ability to grow and thrive not just within Minstead Trust, but also to create positive change in wider society. We are incredibly grateful to the 125 people who donate their time with such energy and enthusiasm.
The diversity of ways in which volunteers contribute their time strengthens the fabric of our community, enabling people with a learning disability to achieve more and learning enjoy fulfilling lives of their own choosing.
This year we have created new volunteer roles, for example, people who have joined The Real Jam & Chutney social enterprise, helping to both make and deliver products. These roles develop the skills of people we support, engendering real pride in their work and helping to promote our work through product distribution and sales.
We are also exploring ways to engage volunteers in other new roles, such as Researchers, Financial Advisors, Digital Support and Family Liaison; all opportunities to enhance life skills and influence
society.
Minstead Trust is steered by a volunteer board of trustees, who typically serve two three-year terms. We are always on the hunt for new trustees whose skills and experience – no matter how far removed they may seem on the surface from what we do– can be put to excellent use overseeing the strategy of the organisation and providing governance.
Olly Trumble, one of our newest and youngest trustees, said:
‘Being a trustee is an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only can you contribute by sharing knowledge, skills and experience from your day job, but you will also be learning something new (and you might even get to help out potting primulas in the nursery). Core to the Trust’s ethos is that everyone has something valuable to contribute. You might be surprised at the variety of different skills that could help the work of the Trust. So, if you are thinking about how you might be able to help – don’t hesitate to find out more about being a Trustee!’
By getting involved in various ways, we find friendship, develop trust, and link our relationships. We are inviting current and new volunteers to consider a becoming a Trustee. For an informal discussion and to find out more, please contact HR@minsteadtrust.org.uk.
Thank you never seems enough for the amazing work you do, but I do want you to know your continued kindness, generosity and commitment is valued year round.
With best wishes,
Adam Dodd,
CEO, Minstead Trust