As Zetetick looks to expand to other regions there is growth anticipated in the not-so-distant future, meaning more tenants will benefit from Zetetick’s services. – Natasha, Zetetick trustee
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Introduction
Some of the most important volunteers in any charity are on the board. The role of the trustee is an essential one, and everyone is a volunteer. To learn more about what it means to be a trustee, find out more on GOV.UK.
Please can you tell us a bit about yourself before you became a trustee?
Hi, my name is Natasha. I originally wanted to be a journalist, but my family told me it was too dangerous – so I decided on a law degree.
My career is centred around all things legal and governance and although this may be shocking to some, I do enjoy it. I’m very close with my friends and family and love spending time with them. I love travelling, reading, and I’m a massive foodie! I’m very creative and I love to design and decorate things – I pride myself on recreating things on a budget!
What is it about Zetetick that made you want to be a trustee?
Two of my younger siblings are autistic and they see the world so differently. I’ve learned so much from them and the opportunity to be involved in helping others with similarly special minds was of great interest to me.
I love that Zetetick takes the time to understand its tenants, their needs and their way of thinking, then uses this to provide tailored services to support them in living on their own. Some of our tenant stories are remarkable, with some tenants having never been able to live independently until they received Zetetick’s support and I’m very proud to play a small part in enabling this.
What do you bring to the role of trustee?
As well as an understanding of autism on a personal level, in a professional capacity I have experience in governance, company secretarial and general legal matters. I assist Zetetick’s senior management team with drafting policy, policy reviews, and general governance matters. I have a good understanding of the Board meeting process, the relationship dynamic between directors/trustees and this insight works well in my role as Chair of the Remuneration and Nominations committee.
What do you see as the most important issues surrounding the support and care of marginalised individuals and housing at the moment?
If a child with special needs qualifies for it, an education, health and care plan set out their special educational needs and the requisite support they require. They will receive a tailored support programme, including occupational, speech and language and cognitive-behaviour therapies. Upon reaching 18 if they do not continue to further education, or once they complete further education, the support provided comes to an end.
There is not enough specialist support for marginalised individuals once they reach adulthood.
Not only are they hindered from ongoing and essential development, but marginalised individuals are also more likely to experience mental health issues that are largely driven by a lack of social inclusion. Zetetick’s services and those of similar organisations can only stretch so far and I feel very strongly that a wider campaign and strategy is required to ensure that adults with special needs receive appropriate levels of support.
What do you think the future holds for ZHC?
As Zetetick looks to expand to other regions there is growth anticipated in the not-so-distant future, meaning more tenants will benefit from Zetetick’s services. Zetetick also continues to build upon its tenant engagement and social activity programme, with more initiatives planned for 2024 and beyond.
Please can you tell us an unusual fact about yourself?
I’m really good at memorising things – long names, phone numbers, large pieces of text. I can read them once or twice and I’ll know them off by heart.
Favourite tea and biscuit combination?
Chocolate chip cookies and a very strong tea
Volunteer with us
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Get in touch with [email protected] and we’ll take things from there!
