Originally set up during the pandemic, Give is an award-winning charity in Surrey, improving mental health & well-being through community support. We are now growing our activities and are looking for additional trustees.
Give is a Surrey based volunteer-led charity dedicated to supporting people who may be struggling with their mental health and overall well-being. We believe that early intervention is key to preventing mental health issues from escalating and becoming more serious, and we are committed to providing a safe and supportive space for anyone in our community who may be in need of help.
Established originally when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, and known at that time as the Knaphill, St John's and Brookwood Volunteers Support Group, a dedicated group of volunteers rose to the occasion. The impact of the Knaphill St John's and Brookwood Volunteers Support Group was significant. They provided crucial support to hundreds of residents, completed thousands of tasks and made thousands of phone calls during the darkest days of the pandemic, instilling hope and alleviating feelings of vulnerability and isolation. Their dedication earned them several accolades and awards, including the Make a difference BBC Community Group Award and recognition for the founder, Sonal Sher, from the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey for community service in 2022.
The volunteer group has now adapted its support and formed into a registered charity, GIVE. The charity continues to provide a range of services to the local community. We offer a range of services to help individuals who may be struggling with their mental health and overall well-being. These include: Counselling and therapy, Support groups, Educational programs and Referrals.
Give are now seeking additional trustees to add to our committed Board of four trustees. We are particularly seeking trustees who can bring the following skills, but are open to discuss the role with anyone who has a commitment to support our work in the Surrey community:
We are keen that our trustees represent a diverse mix of members from our community, and would be happy to discuss the role with anyone interested in supporting our work.
The trustees currently meet for 12 short meetings a year (one hour), through a mix of in person / on zoom.
We are particularly seeking trustees who can bring the following skills, but are open to discuss the role with anyone who has a commitment to support our work in the Surrey community:
We are keen that our trustees represent a diverse mix of members from our community, and would be happy to discuss the role with anyone interested in supporting our work.
As a small charity we need trustee candidates who have some time to be more hands on than trustee roles in established larger charities may be, to help with activities such as writing fundraising applications, or policy documents. A couple of hours a month in addition to trustee meetings is all that is needed, but obviously those with more time to give would also be welcomed.
As a newly established, wholly volunteer-led charity, our trustees have significant impact on their local community, shaping the services on offer. Together, we can create a community where everyone feels supported and empowered to take control of their mental health and overall well-being.
We have already supported hundreds of local residents and our impact and activities have been widely acknowledged and appreciated by the community. The remarkable work and community initiatives delivered have received attention in the news media, with local newspapers and the BBC covering our efforts, highlighting the selflessness and resilience of the volunteers.
Give is a shining example of how communities can come together to support one another during difficult times. Our work has made a real difference in the lives of so many people, and we continue to inspire others to volunteer and give back to their communities.
Being a trustee also provides a great way of volunteering, and excellent personal and professional development.
Please feel free to get in touch if you have any queries. All prospective trustees will have the opportunity to meet with two other trustees for a discussion about the role and will be invited to attend a trustee meeting as an observer before committing to join the Board.