Celebrating Trustees Week!
Trustees’ Week is a special opportunity to shine a spotlight on our amazing Trustees here at Brathay!
These dedicated folk bring their energy, insights and passion to help guide us, keep us on track and push us forward to make a difference for young people.
We asked some of our Trustees to share what it's really like to be part of Brathay's mission.
What does it mean to you to be a Brathay Trustee?
"It's a serious responsibility. I regard the role as being one of the custodians of this very special organisation - ensuring that it is appropriately governed, but also contributing to its strategy and plans to enable Brathay to flourish into the future." - Andy Watson
"My contribution helps to ensure that Brathay Trust continues to support young people to build their brighter future." - Lucie Smith
"Being a Trustee allows me a chance to deliver on Francis Scott's amazing legacy and his vision to give young people inspirational experiences in an inspirational environment. What a man he was and what a legacy he left!" - Paul Johnson (Chair of Trustees)
"I’m delighted to be a trustee of Brathay which is a really great charity making a real difference to the lives of the young people it works with. I’m a charity CEO myself and I know how lonely it can be at the top, so I’m glad I can be a support to Teresa, Brathay’s brilliant CEO, as she delivers her inspiring vision for the charity." - Julie Randles
"It is a privilege to be a trustee for an organisation like Brathay. I feel lucky to be part of something that makes a real difference, but also feel a responsibility to make sure I use my skills to contribute, and ensure Brathay has a strong future. So it can be a little anxiety inducing!" - Jennifer MacDuff
"It is an honour and privilege!" - Nigel Aitchinson
Why did you choose to become a Brathay Trustee?
"Mental health in young people is a particular interest of mine and having learned of the Trust's operations and the importance of its property in delivering its services I saw an opportunity for my experience to provide a useful contribution." - David Roberts
"I feel I have developed a specific set of skills over the years in leadership strategy and working with young people, [being a Trustee] gives me a chance to share them and learn" - Paul Johnson (Chair of Trustees)
"I was part of a senior leadership team away day in 2022. The experience of the place (Ambleside site) and the people facilitating the day really resonated with me. When I heard there was a Trustee vacancy requiring my skill set, I immediately applied." - Lucie Smith
What's a key moment or memory you have as a Brathay Trustee that made you feel good about the work we are doing?
"Hearing the laughter as they scramble up a Stickle Ghyll or jump off the tall pole. Its just pure excitement!" - Nigel Aitchinson
"We held a dinner in the Houses of Parliament to promote Brathay, and raise some funds. We were helped by two recent graduates of the ALP programme, which includes, amongst other things, residentials at Brathay. Hearing directly from these two young people about the impact that Brathay had had on them - widening their horizons, massively increasing their confidence, putting fire in their bellies to go and achieve - both captivated our important and very senior guests at the dinner, and made me feel very proud to be associated in some small way with Brathay." - Andy Watson
"Every time we on the Board hear directly from staff on how they engage with young people. The informed analysis of needs and the numerous ways in which those needs are then accommodated to maximise positive outcomes is truly inspirational." - David Roberts
"At each quarterly meeting we hear from members of the Brathay team who share experiences and outcomes from projects within their area. These first hand accounts of the positive impact Brathay work has on young people's lives, is very emotive and reinforces the importance of being a Trustee." - Lucie Smith
"I was invited to a session early on as part of my induction at Brathay with a group of young people. This group of young women have been subject to extremely traumatic experiences in their young lives. Over the programme they developed their self-esteem, their own perceived value and their confidence. Brathay turned their lives round. So they taught me, no matter what happens there is always hope with the right people surrounding you." - Paul Johnson (Chair of Trustees)
What hopes do you have for the future of Brathay and its impact on young lives?
"Brathay has been around for 75+ years, and was established with an ethos and objectives that were visionary at the time, yet remain relevant today. I hope Brathay flourishes for at least another 75 years, always staying true to that original ethos and objectives, but adapting and modernising so as to always be relevant, and to challenge itself to positively influence the lives of even more young people." - Andy Watson
"Personally, I hope to contribute in some way to the Children and Young People Team growing and flourishing." - Jennifer MacDuff
"That it continues to provide the support it already does and expand that support further to more young people for another 75 years." - Nigel Aitchinson
"That we see growth in the numbers of individuals and families receiving positive impacts from the Trust's work." - David Roberts
"Young people are facing some of the biggest challenges ever. They need resilience, the ability to see the truth and interpersonal skills that match the challenges of the future. In my view for Brathay in the future will be more young people gain the experience and knowledge that they need to thrive." - Paul Johnson (Chair of Trustees)
