Throughout Trustees’ Week, we’ve been celebrating the people who give their time, skills and experience to help charities and community organisations thrive.
At York CVS, supporting the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector is at the heart of what we do. But for some of our colleagues, that commitment doesn’t stop when the working day ends.
Alongside their roles at York CVS, several members of our team also volunteer as trustees for other charities and community organisations.
This week, we’ve been finding out a little more about their experiences, what inspired them to get involved and what the role means to them
Meet Ashley Watson:
What’s your name and your role at York CVS?
Ashley Watson – Wellbeing Lead for The Good Mental Health Project.
Which charity or organisation are you a trustee for, and what does it do?
Kyra Women’s Project – a York-based charity that provides a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space for women to connect, build confidence and make positive changes in their lives.
How long have you been a trustee?
One year.
Your trustee journey
What inspired you to become a trustee?
Kyra supported me when I needed it most, and that experience inspired me to become a trustee. I wanted to give something back to an organisation that had such a positive impact on my life, while helping to ensure it continues to thrive and reach even more women in the future.
What does your role involve?
As a trustee, I help provide strategic oversight and support the long-term sustainability of Kyra. I sit on the marketing and fundraising team, where I help to develop and promote fundraising initiatives, raise awareness of Kyra’s work, and engage with the wider community.
Recently, I have helped create and deliver several winter fundraising campaigns, working alongside staff, volunteers and local businesses to generate support and funds that enable more women to access Kyra’s life-changing services.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a trustee?
The most rewarding part is knowing that the work we do helps ensure more women can access the support that can genuinely change lives.
Having benefited from Kyra’s services myself, it is especially meaningful to contribute to the organisation’s future, whether through fundraising, awareness raising, or helping to shape its development.
Seeing the generosity of the local community and the positive impact Kyra has on women every day makes the role incredibly rewarding.
Making a difference
What are you most proud of achieving or being part of?
I am most proud of my own journey with Kyra. There was a time when I sat around the same table feeling like tomorrow was too hard and that I couldn’t cope with another day.
Today, I sit at that same table as a trustee, helping to support and empower other women and contributing to positive change.
Being able to turn my own experiences into something that helps others is incredibly meaningful, and it reminds me just how life-changing Kyra’s work can be.
What have you learnt from the experience?
Being a trustee has taught me a great deal about charity governance, leadership and the importance of strategic thinking. It has also shown me the power of collaboration and how much can be achieved when people with different backgrounds, skills and experiences come together around a shared purpose.
On a personal level, it has given me greater confidence in my own abilities and reinforced my belief that lived experience can be a valuable asset in shaping services and driving positive change.
Has your experience as a trustee influenced your work at York CVS, or vice versa?
Absolutely. The two roles complement each other really well.
Through my role at York CVS, I am fortunate to be well connected within the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector across York. This enables me to share knowledge about local initiatives, funding opportunities, partnerships and community developments that can benefit Kyra and the women it supports.
I have also been able to build and strengthen positive professional relationships that help connect people, organisations and opportunities.
In return, my experience as a trustee has deepened my understanding of charity governance, fundraising and strategic leadership, which I can bring back into my work at York CVS.
Both roles have reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration and the difference that can be made when organisations work together to support communities.
Encouraging others
What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a trustee but isn’t sure if it’s for them?
Just give it a go! The beauty of becoming a trustee is that you’ll never know whether it’s right for you until you take the leap.
If you have the capacity, a willingness to learn, and a passion for a cause, you can make a real difference. You don’t need to have all the answers or be an expert.
Every trustee brings their own experiences, skills and perspective, and together those contributions can achieve amazing things.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about being a trustee?
I wish more people knew that trustees come from all walks of life. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet people with different skills, experiences and perspectives, all united by a shared commitment to a cause.
I’ve learned so much from fellow trustees and staff, and it’s incredibly rewarding to work alongside people who have so much knowledge, passion and insight to share.
It’s not just an opportunity to give back; it’s also a chance to grow personally and professionally.
And finally…
Sum up your experience in three words!
“Community, Compassion, Self-belief.”