A YOUNG trustee has talked about her experienced being involved in an Oxfordshire charity and how it ‘boosted her carer’.

Speaking ahead of National Trustees’ Week, which takes place from November 7 until November 11, Lucy Noble said becoming a trustee has been ‘really beneficial’.

She took on the role at Home-Start Oxford, a voluntary organisation providing free, confidential support for families with at least one child under the age of 5 in Oxford, about four years ago when she was in her 20s.

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Miss Noble became involved in the voluntary organisation through the Oxford Hub’s Young Trustee scheme after wanting to get involved in a local good cause. 

She said the skills she has learnt since have ‘boosted her career, grown her network and provided valuable insights’.

“From a professional and personal point of view it’s been really beneficial to get those additional skills,” she said.

“There’s a lot of appetite at the moment to support charities, especially smaller charities where you can see yourself making a difference, and I would urge people of all ages, backgrounds and skills to get involved.” 

Miss Noble was a ‘great match’ for Home-Start, as she had previously supported a little girl in foster care and has lots of charity experience particularly in marketing.

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When Miss Noble joined, she had a series of training sessions with peer support and other trustees to really learn what the role was all about.

She realised many people might feel they can’t be a trustee because of their age or skills.

However, Miss Noble added: “People don’t think they are old enough, good enough, brainy enough or have the right skills, but the truth is, the right skills are your voice and your lived experiences.

“There are so many people out there who will have passion and enthusiasm and can bring a different perspective to a trustee’s role.”  

Miss Noble now hopes she can inspire people to become a trustee as there are ‘so many organisations like Home-Start Oxford out there where help is needed’.

She hopes people will get involved in National Trustee’s Week which is an event that celebrates the achievements of nearly 1 million trustees across the UK.

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The theme this year is ‘making a difference in changing times’. Throughout the week people will have the chance to connect with other trustees, share experience and develop skills through a wide range of events, training and guidance.

For more information, follow @TrusteesWeek on Twitter for updates or visit trusteesweek.org

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Read more from this author

This story was written by Gee Harland. She joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Wallingford, Wantage and Didcot.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland

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