THE FOUNDER of a self advocacy group for people with learning disabilities in the Wokingham borough has joined one of Wokingham’s oldest charities as a trustee.
Wokingham United Charities (WUC) welcomed Debs Morrison to the board of trustees, where she will help the organisation to achieve its aims.
She said: “I have been helping Wokingham United Charities with its finance and strategy.
“I knew they were looking for more people to volunteer as trustees and it feels like the time is right to do that.
“I was keen to give something back to the organisation because they have always been very supportive of CLASP events, not just with funding, but by turning up to our events in person.
“They’ve helped to fund office equipment when we have needed it, and enabled us to install a data management system.
“They have always been very open with us, keen to help, and engaging.
“I’m really looking forward to working with them.”
Ms Morrison brings to Wokingham United Charities her knowledge of the charity sector, and her industry experience in leading big teams.
One of her roles will be to meet monthly with the residents of WUC’s Westende Almshouses in Wokingham, where she will check in with them to see if any repairs or issues need to be addressed.
She will also assist the charity to manage its series of grant programmes.
WUC manager Amy Garstang, said: ” We’re delighted to welcome Debs as she joins our trustee board.
“With her background in the local charity sector spanning several years, she brings a wealth of invaluable knowledge and hands-on experience to our team.
“Her insights and expertise will play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of Wokingham United Charities as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.
“We look forward to collaborating closely with her, harnessing her passion and expertise to continue our journey creating meaningful change and fostering a brighter future for all.”
Wokingham United Charities is a grant-giving body dedicated to alleviating poverty and improving the lives of people in the borough.
It provides accommodation for older people in need at its Westende Almshouses on London Road.
It also gives out grants to people in need through its Essential Item Grants, Relief In Need Grants to support charities serving people in hardship, and its Brighter Futures Fund which enables young people to participate in extracurricular activities.
CLASP is a user-led organisation run by its members, employing people with learning disabilities, and offering voluntary opportunities.
Members receive one to one support, information, advice and signposting.
It also runs a disability awareness training group, Listen To Us, and a campaigning group called Take Notice.
For more information, visit: wokinghamunitedcharities.org.uk, and: www.claspwokingham.org
