A Cumbrian charity is offering the opportunity for people to make a real, positive difference to the lives of more than 54,000 people in the county.
Carer Support Cumbria (CSC), who provide support and advice for unpaid Carers across Cumbria, are seeking trustees for their boards.
Dani Leslie, CEO of Carer Support Eden explained: “Trustees are the people in charge of a charity. They play a very important role by making sure the charity is run in the interests of the people it is there to support.
“Our Trustees ensure we have a clear strategy, and that the work we do will help us achieve our vision.”
Carers Support Cumbria delivers the Cumbria All Age Carers Contract on behalf of Cumbria County Council, working with Carer Support Eden, West Cumbria Carers, Carers Support South Lakes, Furness Carers and Carlisle Carers to do so.
The carer organisations across Cumbria are all looking for new Trustees to add to the existing members.
Angela Longrigg, CEO of West Cumbrian Carers said: “At West Cumbria Carers we are very lucky to have a Board who are passionate about and committed to the work that we do.
“They meet regularly throughout the year to review current services as well as planning for the future. They also keep up to date with our finances, governance and safeguarding issues.
“Every member of our board is invaluable to the organisation. Without them generously volunteering their time we would not be able to support and improve the quality of life of Carers in West Cumbria.“
Trustees work as part of a team, using their unique skills and experience to make important decisions about the management and administration of the organisation.
CSC is looking for trustees who have experience or skills in understanding the type of work carried out by unpaid Carers. They are also looking for people with financial management, human resources, employment law and business skills.
Craig Backhouse, CEO of Furness Carers added: “Someone with experience of being an unpaid Carer would be a great asset to our board, as would those with marketing, fundraising or equality and diversity skills.”
Local carer organisations are also looking for volunteers for other roles, from just an hour a month, there is are ways you can help support people in your community.
Debi Marsden, CEO of Carer Support South Lakes said: “If you don’t feel being a Trustee is the role for you, there are many other ways you can help unpaid Carers in your community.
“Supporting Carers, who give so much themselves, is extremely rewarding. The difference volunteers make to their lives is very apparent and much appreciated.
“Our volunteering roles are designed to help volunteers use the skills and knowledge they have and to develop new ones.
“Knowledge or experience of caring is useful, but certainly not essential to the roles; a caring personality and the ability to listen and communicate well are of most value.
“If you are thinking of volunteering in order to enhance your career prospects, then we can help give you the experience you need. Indeed, several of our volunteers have gone on to paid employment as a direct result of their volunteering role with us – some of them within the organisation.
“Volunteering can give you the chance to meet new people:. We organise social events throughout the year so that volunteers have the opportunity to meet new people, develop friendships and share their experiences.
“If you can spare us some of your time, then we can find a role to suit your experience and interests, for example as an administrator, Counsellors, or Sitting Service volunteer.”
If you think you could be a Trustee or volunteer for other roles, contact your local carer organisation by emailing or calling their office:
- Carer Support South Lakes, Email: admin@carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk Tel: 01539 815970
- Carlisle Carers Email: admin@carlislecarers.co.uk Tel: 01228 542156
- Carer Support Eden Email: enquiries@edencarers.co.uk Tel: 01768 890280
- Furness Carers Email: admin@furnesscarers.co.uk Tel: 01229 822822
- West Cumbria Carers Email: general@westcumbriacarers.co.uk, Tel 01900 821976
