“For something new and rewarding, becoming a trustee of a charity could be an ideal choice”

A trustee of a local mental health and wellbeing charity has encouraged those looking for “something new and rewarding” to consider taking on a similar role.

Rick Bedson first got involved with Advance Brighter Futures (ABF) in 2018, after his friend and colleague of 17 years, Tony Richards, died by suicide.

Rick, who works for Coleg Cambria as the Head of Estates & Facilities, said: “Tony’s action was completely out of the blue and without warning.

“It had a major impact on myself and the team. The team decided to undertake fund raising in Tony’s name and donate it to a mental health charity.

“While selecting a charity we become aware of Advance Brighter Futures; a small, local charity supporting those with mental health concerns.

“It was agreed by the team that we would donate to ABF and work with the charity in the future in Tony’s memory.”

Rick continued to get more involved with the charity from this point, which eventually led to him becoming a trustee in January 2020.

Rick added: “From what I had learnt I believed aspects of my experience, knowledge and expertise could be useful to the charity and assist ABF develop further.

“I was pleased to be given the opportunity to contribute to such a worthwhile cause and develop the link between ABF and the college’s Wrexham estates team.”

Advance Brighter Futures say that having Rick on board has been “invaluable to the charity”, particularly with all the challenges that have come from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lorrisa Roberts, chief officer at ABF, said: “Rick’s skills have been really important to us since he joined our board of trustees.

“In recent months having to become Covid-secure has put extra emphasis on health and safety for us, so having someone with great experience in this field has been so helpful.

“He’s played a big part in making our building at 3 Belmont Road Covid-secure and developing procedures to re-open the premises.”

Lorrisa continued: “Rick is so well liked as he has really thrown himself into being a trustee with us.

“He always takes part in the meetings and is available to help wherever he can. That’s the biggest thing for us really, having another person who really wants to help and add to what we do here.”

Rick is keen to stress the benefits of being a trustee at a charity, saying: “If you want to help others, have the time, and are looking for something new and rewarding, becoming a trustee of a charity could be an ideal choice.

“It’s been very enjoyable. I’m part of an enthusiastic team, focused upon meeting the needs of those using our services, and I can contribute my knowledge and skills to assist others.

“I would recommend it to others, absolutely.”

Lorrisa added: “We’re always on the lookout for new trustees to help us.

“If you have time and skills you can bring to the table, we’d love to hear from you. Our trustees play a big part in the great work we do at ABF.”

If you are interested in becoming a trustee at Advance Brighter Futures, please contact the charity by calling 01978 364777 or email [email protected] for an informal chat.

*Rick Bedson, third from right, on a fundraising walk in memory of his friend and colleague Tony