Trustees' Week 2026: Young Women's Project and Throckley Community Hall

As part of Trustees' Week 2026, we asked local Trustees to share more about their experiences. In this blog, we hear from Tom Hill (Young Women's Project) and Ann Robinson (Throckley Community Hall). 

Tom Hill (Young Women's Project)

Why did you decide to join your organisation as a trustee? 

As a father of two girls myself, I was deeply moved by the organisation and wanted to do whatever I could to support it. Knowing that, should my daughters or any other young women ever need a place like this, it would continue to be there, thriving and growing stronger for future generations. 

What are you most proud of during your time as a trustee? 

I can’t take the credit. It’s been a real team effort, and I’m just a small part of it. But our recent rebrand has been nothing short of incredible. Our website and brand now truly reflects who we are, what we do, and, most importantly, why we do it. I couldn’t be prouder to play my part in supporting such an amazing charity, especially at a time when its work is needed more than ever. 

Above: Tom Hill, Trustee at the Young Women's Project

What is your favourite part of being a trustee? 

It may sound like a cliché, but my favourite part of being a trustee is knowing that the work of the Young Women's Project genuinely changes lives. Seeing the difference the charity makes to young women, often at some of the most challenging points in their lives, is both humbling and inspiring. As a father of two daughters, it also gives me the opportunity to lead by example, showing them the importance of supporting others, giving back to their community, and standing behind organisations that create meaningful and lasting change. 

What keeps you going? 

What keeps me going is the knowledge that the support provided by the organisation is needed, and that need continues to grow. While I would love to see a world where fewer young women require this kind of support, the reality is that many do. Knowing that the Young Women's Project is there to offer a safe space, guidance and opportunities to those who need them most is a constant source of motivation. If I can play even a small part in helping the organisation continue that work, then it's time very well spent. 

What is one piece of advice you would pass on to someone starting out as a trustee? 

Don't underestimate the difference you can make. Whatever your background, you bring experiences, insights and skills that can help an organisation grow, improve and ultimately have a greater impact on the people it serves. 

Ann Robinson (Throckley Community Hall)

Above: Volunteers hard at work at Throckley Community Hall

How long have you been a trustee?

For various organisations since 1992!

What are you most proud of during your time as a trustee?

Watching how the community centre is growing and how we are able to support the community in a variety of ways to ensure we are meeting everyone's needs and we ensure nobody is left behind.

What is your favourite part of being a trustee?

My favourite part is helping, getting out of bed in a morning to be here supporting this wonderful community, and the fabulous people in it.

What keeps you going?

There is plenty to do, helping people, new ideas to grow the centre with and improve the services we provide.

What is one piece of advice you would pass on to someone starting out as a trustee?

Get involved, it is invaluable and it keeps you busy, feeling young healthy and active. Always listen and never judge because there's always a story to everything.