How long have you been a trustee?
Since 2020.

What made you want to become a trustee?
I was interested in doing some charity work and a friend introduced me to Druglink.

Why did you want to support a substance misuse charity?
I understand that substance misuse and mental ill-health go hand in hand.  Mental health care in the UK is woefully underfunded and people with substance misuse problems are often subject to unfair treatment because of stigmatisation.  Women who come to Druglink are particularly vulnerable because they're often victims of abuse of some sort and they need safe spaces to recover.  I'm passionate about women's issues and the work our women's team do makes me very proud.  

Did you know much about this charitable cause before you became involved as a trustee?
A fair bit because my friend worked for Druglink.

What do you feel trusteeship adds to your personal and professional development?
It gives me the opportunity to use my skillset outside of my paid work and it's exposed me to a wider view of the struggles and support that our clients need.  I work in the NHS and had some insight but really no idea until I started working with Druglink.

What value have you been able to add to your charity with your personal and professional experience?
My medical knowledge from 38 years in healthcare allows me to bring insight to the team and my considerable experience of leading and coaching teams in the pharmaceutical industry has enabled me to work with the SMT and bring ideas to them.  I also understand how the NHS works with patients in acute crisis and this is useful.

What do you think is the biggest challenge currently facing charities?
The state of the economy after the recent crashes has eroded public services everywhere and this impacts on the most vulnerable in society and makes our work even more important and difficult.  The squeeze on public funds is considerable and for Druglink,  energy price rises etc have a big impact.  

What would you say are the important attributes a trustee should have?
Time, enthusiasm and an open mind. 

If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about becoming a trustee what would it be?
Find a charity that resonates with you in some way and see what help you can usefully provide.  Not every trustee needs to carve out a large amount of time, collaborative working is key.