I travel about 120 miles on a Saturday morning to sit in a room with half a dozen other people to talk 'business'. I am a trustee for Steps - a charity that campaigns for people with lower limb conditions.
I was born with clubfoot, but I only found out about Steps in 1997, when I was visiting a children's ward at Southampton Hospital. At the time, Steps was a charity for children only - there was no mention of adults who had grown up with these conditions.
I 'volunteered' to do some magic tricks at a family get-together and soon afterwards I was voted on to the board of trustees. My goal was to expand the charity to encompass young adults - and today it does. I feel that I have been involved in something incredibly worthwhile. Just knowing that Steps will be there to help future generations, whether as children or adults, is really pleasing.
As a 'young' man - I'm 30 - people often ask me why I work as a trustee.
Not only is it rewarding, but you also get to make a difference, add value and improve your skills. In addition, you get the experience of sitting on the board of a business and actually having something to say.
Many young people, with their enthusiasm, energy and fresh ideas, could have a huge impact on charities, and the experience is well worth putting at the top of a CV. The feel-good factor is very high, and it can help them develop new expertise.
Yes, it needs commitment - but it doesn't cost a thing. For a student, be it of nursing, business, language or chemistry, there is bound to be something you can bring to a charity, and you're guaranteed to get something back.
For young people, being a trustee is full of opportunities and extremely rewarding. It is not just work; it is an opening to a world of opportunities and joy - and the chance to make a real difference.
