To mark Trustees’ Week, we speak to our Chair of Trustees about what inspires her to volunteer, the difference trustees make and why providing more than just a roof over someone’s head is at the heart of The Winchester Beacon’s work.
Homelessness is about so much more than not having somewhere to live. Behind every person is an individual story, often involving significant challenges and difficult experiences.
For our Chair of Trustees, Vicky Hemmings, this understanding is at the heart of her commitment to The Winchester Beacon. Through volunteering her time, experience and skills, she helps to guide our charity, ensuring it can continue to support people experiencing homelessness and help them build a brighter future.
We caught up with Vicky to find out what motivates her, what she finds most rewarding about the role and how she believes the Beacon is transforming lives.
What inspired you to become Chair of the Board of Trustees at The Winchester Beacon?
I wanted to use my experience, skills and passion to support an organisation that makes a real difference to people when they need it most. Homelessness is about so much more than not having somewhere to live. Behind every person is a unique set of cirumstances and experiences.
As Chair of the Board, I feel a strong responsibility to provide the leadership, direction and oversight that enables The Beacon to deliver its purpose, while ensuring it remains a sustainable, effective and ambitious charity.
It is also important to me that we continue to challenge ourselves, look at how we can do things better and ensure that the people we support remain at the heart of every decision we make.
What do you find most rewarding about being Chair?
One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing the difference The Beacon makes to people’s lives and knowing that, as trustees, we play a part in enabling that work to happen.
I am incredibly proud of the commitment, compassion and dedication shown by our staff and volunteers. Their work goes far beyond providing accommodation; they build relationships, create trust and help people to recognise their own strengths and potential again.
As Chair, I particularly enjoy bringing people together, drawing on the different skills and experiences of our trustees, and helping to shape the strategic direction of the charity. There is a real sense of shared purpose, and it is rewarding to see ideas develop into meaningful improvements for the charity and the people we support.
I also find it rewarding to see the organisation grow in confidence and ambition, while never losing sight of what matters most: the individuals whose lives we are here to change.
How do you think The Winchester Beacon is transforming lives?
I think The Winchester Beacon transforms lives by seeing the person, not just their circumstances.
Homelessness can have a profound impact on someone’s confidence, health, wellbeing and sense of identity. Having a safe place to stay is an essential first step, but lasting change comes from the support, encouragement and opportunities that help someone move forward.
The Beacon provides more than a roof over someone’s head. It offers a safe and supportive environment where individuals can begin to rebuild their confidence, address the challenges they face, develop practical skills and work towards greater independence.
Transformation does not always happen overnight, and it does not look the same for everyone. For some, it is moving into their own home; for others, it might be rebuilding relationships, improving their wellbeing, gaining employment or simply finding the confidence to believe in themselves again.
For me, the real success of The Beacon is not just measured by how many people we accommodate, but by the positive and lasting difference we make to their lives. We want people to leave with more than somewhere to live; we want them to have renewed confidence, hope and the opportunity to build a future for themselves.
That is what makes The Beacon so special, and why I am so proud to be its Chair.
If you think you would like to be part of the positive difference we are creating we would love to hear from you, we are currently looking to expand our Board of Trustees. Please email ceo@winchesterbeacon.org.uk for an informal chat.
