Celebrating WAY’s Trustees on Trustees’ Week

November 2026

This Trustees’ Week, we hear from one of our Trustees about what inspired her to give back to the charity that was such a lifeline for her when she was widowed young…

Trustees’ Week (9-13 November) is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the people who give their time, skills and experience to help charities like WAY Widowed and Young to thrive. It’s also a chance to reflect on the contributions of those who have helped shape our charity over the years, and to inspire others to consider becoming a Trustee themselves.

Most of our Trustees are members of our charity themselves, bringing not only their own experiences of widowhood, but also a wide range of skills, knowledge and perspectives. Working collaboratively as a Board, as well as contributing their individual expertise, they play a vital role in shaping WAY’s direction, supporting its development and ensuring it remains a strong, well-governed charity that can continue to make a difference.

This Trustees’ Week, we want to say a huge thank you to all our current and former Trustees. Much of their work happens quietly behind the scenes, but its impact is felt throughout the charity and by the members we support. We are incredibly grateful for the time, commitment and passion they have given – and continue to give – to WAY.

“Since joining WAY in early 2016, I’ve discovered an invaluable community that has supported me through the darkest times of my life. My journey with WAY began after losing my partner, Andy, in a cycling accident in France in 2015. The unexpected nature of his death left me in shock, and during this period, I found WAY Widowed and Young, a charity dedicated to supporting those who have lost a partner. The support I received from WAY was nothing short of a lifeline, which naturally led me to volunteer for the organisation.

 

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In 2019, I became a Trustee on WAY’s Board, a role I have held with great pride and dedication. Volunteering for WAY was my way of giving back to the charity that was so crucial to my healing process. As a Trustee, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a dedicated Board to guide and shape the future of the charity. Our mission is to support the growth of the organisation, its members, and to reach out to those who may need our support but are unaware of WAY’s existence. I was unaware of the charity during the initial six months of my bereavement, which highlights the importance of our outreach efforts.

My role as a Trustee involves attending Board meetings five times a year and supporting events such as the Annual General Meeting. Over the past six years, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting numerous members and organising and attending various events. I’ve used my professional skills to deliver training and guidance to members, particularly on staying alert to romance scams and ensuring online safety. As WAY’s Safeguarding lead, I undergo regular training and am prepared to support the staff team and members should any safeguarding issues arise.

As I begin my final three-year term as a Trustee, I reflect on the achievements of the past years. We’ve successfully implemented a five-year strategic plan, adapted to the challenges posed by the pandemic, and celebrated WAY’s 25th birthday. I’ve also supported the recruitment of our fantastic CEO, Stephanie Patrick, and welcomed new Trustees to the Board. Celebrating the achievements of our amazing members has been a highlight of my time with WAY.

While WAY is often described as the club no one wants to join, the community we’ve built is truly remarkable. The people, staff and fellow Trustees make WAY a special place, and I am grateful to have been a part of it.”