The trustee’s tale…
“I was just blown away by the exciting people and the amazing work they were doing…” We find out why one of our most recent trustees joined us.
We find out how one of our most recent trustees joined us… and why she’d recommend the role to anyone looking to put their life skills and experiences to good use.
Claire Smethurst had not long left her job as a GP, when she was doing what many new retirees do… keeping up her fitness playing a game of tennis. “My friend happened to be someone who had herself just retired from being a trustee for Bristol After Stroke. ‘What are you doing with all your spare time?’ she asked me…”
Claire was sufficiently intrigued by what she heard to attend the next Wellbeing Day. “I thought ‘Wow’. I was just blown away by the exciting people in the organisation and the enthusiasm for their work.
“I could see that my years in the medical world – training and mentoring medical students as well as being a GP – would be useful and that I could make a difference.”
That was in March of 2023 and, after undertaking some training on governance, Claire’s first task was to help with the annual staff and key stroke worker appraisals, which the previous trustee had undertaken.
“It was quite a baptism of fire, but I love that role. I get to know all the members of staff, to understand how the organisation works and what each individual does towards that. “Apart from that I help with fund raising and guiding the organisation.”
How has your perspective of BAS changed since you became a trustee?
“I certainly haven’t been disappointed,” says Claire. “My initial impression of the personalities who drive it, the passion…that hasn’t changed.
“I can see now the quality and enthusiasm of the people, how well they fit their roles and how everyone is a team player. You appreciate how hard everyone works too, but also how the shared culture and mutual respect makes it seem much less much like ‘hard work’!”
How much time do you have to commit to being a trustee?
“Doing the appraisals takes up about four days each year, and there are the trustee meetings every couple of months. But there are some months when I don’t spend any time at all – so I sometimes get involved in a group or café, or volunteer for some of the events and fund-raising activities.”
What would you say to someone you thought would make a good trustee?
“I would just tell them how enthusiastic I feel about the work BAS are doing and the support they are offering… how the charity has a real buzz around it, and how hugely appreciated they are by the people they are reaching. “It’s such a good team that you feel that anything you are contributing is worthwhile too. It’s really not onerous either…. and you get such a huge sense of fulfilment.
“BAS is such a great organisation to be involved with.”
Could YOU be a trustee with us?
We are currently looking for two people to complement the skills and experience of our really supportive team of trustees. If you would like to be an important part of our work, go to:
https://www.bristolafterstroke.org.uk/pages/32-volunteer-at-bristol-after-stroke
