One of Bournemouth’s most successful homeless charities seeks new Trustees to bring their expertise and passion ‘to the table’

*National Trustees’ Week (November 4-8) - One of Bournemouth’s most successful homeless charities seeks new Trustees to bring their expertise and passion ‘to the table’.

Hope HTS was founded 15 years ago by Julie Berti and her father David Botterill to help the growing number of local people experiencing homelessness and has since supported 2700 homeless people into safe accommodation, education, training, and independent living.

With a 168% rise in applications for help in the past two years, the charity is now seeking additional trustees to help shape and steer its future success. Chair of Trustees Garth Underhill became a Trustee for Hope 10 years ago. He explained: “My wife Jean and I were Freemasons and were looking for a local homeless charity to receive some of our provinces’ fundraising. I was so impressed by what Hope was achieving that they received both our donation and my offer to getinvolved. A short time later I agreed to become a Trustee, and it’s become a rewarding part of my life.”

Garth continued: “Demand for Hope’s services and expertise continues to grow, and as such our trustees’ governance and strategic direction has become even more vital in shaping and driving the charity.” Trusteeships with Hope involve just four, 1.5-hour local meetings a year, plus an AGM at Hope’s HQ in St Swithuns Road South.

Garth is seen with Hope HTS resident Gary, who was supported out of homelessness by Hope and now works for its successful bicycle restoration enterprise, The Bike Project.

“The physical effort is small, but the effects are considerable,” continued Garth. “Not only do Trustees add incredible value to charities like this, but they also present the individual with opportunities to develop, both personally and professionally. I have learned so much and gain great satisfaction from collaborating with our existing trustees who hail from private, corporate and public service organisations including the NHS.”

Hope HTS is specifically seeking trustees from the legal, financial, mental health and business development sectors. But the charity would like to hear from anyone who feels they have valuable skills or experience to bring.

Julie Berti, CEO of Hope said: “BCP as a community is buzzing with talented people and we want to harness more of that expertise, creativity, and passion so we can support even more people out of homelessness.

“I’d love a no-obligation chat with anyone who feels they could spare a very small amount of time and become part of a team benefitting some of the most disadvantaged people in our community. Please get in touch.”

Julie Berti can be contacted at: julie@hopehts.com

www.hopehts.com

Additional information: 

*Trustees’ Week is an annual campaign which celebrates the achievements of nearly one million existing trustees across the UK and seeks to recruit more trustees to give their time and commitment to help charities thrive.

Hope HTS

Hope clients benefit not only from a safe and stable living environment, but they are also supported to break away from negative patterns and the uncertainties of their former lives. The charity supports them to make major improvements in their lives, such as reconnecting with families and dealing with addictions. They also learn healthier ways of living and Hope’s highly trained support workers and qualified counsellors are on hand to offer guidance, counselling, and encouragement, consulting with external agencies, as necessary. Hope also offers its clients opportunities to learn new skills through personal development workshops, accredited maths and English classes, Food & Hygiene courses, construction industry training, guitar lessons, cooking classes and cycle repair workshops.

Media information on this release from Debbie Granville at: hello@debbiegranvillepr.co.uk