Why I chose to become a charity trustee – Sue Learner

I recently became a trustee of Waste Not Want Not, a charity based in Chippenham that supports people across North Wiltshire while helping to reduce waste.

Becoming a trustee was something I wanted to do because I felt I had skills and experience that could make a difference to a local charity. I also wanted to give something back to my community and support a cause I genuinely believed in.

A charity that makes a real difference

What first attracted me to Waste Not Want Not was the fact that it helps both people and the environment.

The charity collects donated furniture and household items and makes them available at affordable prices, giving things that might otherwise be thrown away a new home.

But it was the charity's Fresh Start programme that particularly struck a chord with me.

Through Fresh Start, Waste Not Want Not provides free furniture and household essentials to people who have experienced homelessness, domestic abuse or other difficult circumstances, including refugees and people seeking asylum.

It's easy to take everyday things like having a bed to sleep in, a sofa to sit on or a table to eat at for granted. But for someone starting again with very little, these things can make an enormous difference.

I love the fact that something one person no longer needs can help another person rebuild their life.

Putting my skills to good use

I've spent much of my career working in journalism, content, communications and PR, and I wanted to use that experience to support a worthwhile cause.

Small charities do incredible work, often with limited resources, and I know how important it is to get their stories heard.

One of the things I'm particularly keen to do as a trustee is help raise awareness of Waste Not Want Not, the people it supports and the difference its staff and volunteers make.

Whether that's securing local media coverage, sharing stories on social media or encouraging more people to donate, volunteer or fundraise, I hope I can make a useful contribution.

It's also rewarding to use the skills I've developed professionally in a completely different setting, knowing they can help support people in my local community.

Learning something new

Although I joined the charity with experience I could offer, I also saw becoming a trustee as an opportunity to learn.

Being a trustee involves much more than supporting a charity's day-to-day activities. It's about helping to shape its future, making decisions, asking questions and ensuring it continues to achieve its aims.

I've enjoyed learning more about how a charity operates and the responsibilities that come with being part of a board of trustees.

It's also been lovely getting to know the people involved with Waste Not Want Not. The dedication of the staff and volunteers is inspiring, and it's clear how much they care about the work they do.

What I hope to achieve

My main hope is that I can help Waste Not Want Not reach more people, both those who need its support and those who might be able to help.

There are so many ways people can get involved, from donating unwanted furniture to volunteering their time or supporting fundraising activities.

I would love more people across North Wiltshire to know about the charity and understand just how much of a difference it makes.

I'm also looking forward to contributing to its future development and working alongside the other trustees to help ensure the charity continues to thrive.

Would I recommend becoming a trustee?

Absolutely. If you have skills or experience you think could benefit a charity, I'd encourage you to consider becoming a trustee.

You don't necessarily need previous experience in the charity sector. People from all sorts of professional and personal backgrounds can bring something valuable to a board.

It does come with responsibilities and requires a commitment of time, but it's also a chance to meet new people, learn new things and support something you really care about.

For me, becoming a trustee of Waste Not Want Not is an opportunity to give something back to my community, use my skills in a meaningful way and play a small part in making life better for others.

And that's something I'm very pleased to be part of.

Sue Learner
Trustee, Waste Not Want Not