Trustee Spotlight: Christine Eyre: A Guardian Angel for Hull’s Nightlife
Christine Eyre, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Beverley Leisure Homes, serves as a dedicated trustee for City of Hull Street Angels, an organisation committed to providing crucial support to vulnerable individuals during Hull’s bustling nightlife.
A Calling to Serve
Her journey to becoming a trustee began with a casual conversation with the then-chair of City of Hull Street Angels. She learned about the organisation’s mission: every weekend, dedicated volunteers patrol Hull city centre, equipped with first aid kits, water, flip flops, and more. They assist those in need – whether it’s treating minor injuries, helping someone who has had too much to drink find safe transport home, or simply providing comfort to a lost student.
“I was in awe of the commitment of all volunteers and strongly believed in the service provided,” Christine explains. “It creates a safety net for our communities, reminding us that even in our most vulnerable moments, someone is there to help.” When the opportunity arose to become a trustee, it was an easy decision for her.
The Rewards of Being a Trustee
For Christine, the most rewarding aspect of being a trustee is witnessing the positive impact that volunteers have on those enjoying the nighttime economy. She finds it heartwarming to receive messages of thanks from individuals they’ve supported and relieved parents who know their children are safe.
“Knowing what a difference our volunteers make reinforces the need for our service,” she says. “The love the city centre has for them is evident, and it motivates us to continue our work.”
Personal and Professional Growth
Christine’s role as a trustee has positively impacted her professional life by providing her with a greater understanding of the challenges charities face. This experience has driven her desire to support her community through her company. On a personal level, as they recruit more trustees and take on additional responsibilities, she acknowledges that it can impact her time with family and friends. However, she believes that once they are back to full capacity, the rewards will far outweigh any challenges.
Making a Lasting Impact
Christine has made significant contributions to City of Hull Street Angels:
- Robust Reporting Processes: By bringing structure to their reporting processes, she has transformed how the organisation understands and demonstrates its impact. This improvement enables them to better serve their community and secure vital funding.
- Volunteer Recruitment Drive: She led a focused volunteer recruitment initiative that built reliable weekend teams, ensuring consistent service delivery.
- Comprehensive Volunteer Programme: Christine is finalising the development of a new volunteer offering that includes comprehensive training, clear role descriptions, handbooks, and more. This initiative not only attracts committed new volunteers but also supports retention rates among existing members.
“These changes have strengthened our charity’s foundation,” Christine notes. “They allow us to help more people while building a sustainable organisation that volunteers are proud to be part of.”
Valuable Lessons Learned
Throughout her time as a trustee, Christine has learned an important lesson: “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself or others.” She recognises that their charity is small and that all members are volunteers balancing jobs, families, and other commitments.
A Changed Perspective
Being a trustee has changed Christine’s perspective on the charity sector and community issues. She now appreciates the crucial role nonprofits play in addressing community needs. “Trustees witness firsthand the impact their organisation has,” she explains. “We also see the limitations we face due to resource constraints – whether paid or voluntary – funding challenges, regulatory requirements, and other systemic factors.”
A Call to Action
Christine’s story illustrates the profound impact individuals can have as charity trustees. This Trustees’ Week, consider how your skills and passion could support a cause close to your heart. The rewards – both personal and for your community – are immeasurable.