A retired priest has spoken of her “hugely rewarding” role with a charity which funds vital work in support of vulnerable people.
For the past 10 years, the Revd Canon Christine Brown has served as a trustee of St Hilda’s Trust, which works within the geographic boundaries of Newcastle Diocese.
The trust provides funding to churches and other organisations, in aid of their work with disadvantaged groups including children, young people, families and vulnerable adults.
But after two five-year terms as a trustee, Christine is preparing to step down and the trust is seeking a clergy colleague in active ministry to take up the place. There is also a vacancy for a new trustee from a social service or care sector background.
A former Area Dean for Newcastle West and Associate Priest in the Parish of Ponteland, Christine's decision follows her retirement from ministry last summer.
“It has been a great privilege to serve,” she said. “We have funded some truly remarkable projects and as a trustee, I was able to visit some of them to see the difference to people’s lives that our grants are making.
“It has been hugely rewarding to play a part in helping to meet the needs of vulnerable people within the area of our diocese. Over the years we have broadened the range of projects that we support.
“There has always been an inclination to support initiatives for children and young people and in recent years we have expanded that. For example, we’ve awarded grants in support of seafarers, refugees and older people.”
Christine said she will leave St Hilda’s at an exciting time as the charity continues to explore new initiatives which reflect changes in society.
“We’re always open to new ideas,” explained Christine. “Projects change over time due to advances in technology and other factors. We take a great interest in the applications we receive and the initiatives behind them.
“I also hope it’s encouraging and affirming for the people on the ground doing the work that we take such a keen interest in what they do.”
Christine hopes her role on the board of trustees will appeal to potential candidates, and she is keen to stress that it is not an overly time consuming commitment.
She added: “There are four main meetings per year, as well as visits to some projects which I think is a very important part of the role.”
Originally from the Black Country, Christine moved to the North East in the mid-1980s and was ordained in 2004. She has a background in health and social care and senior management within the NHS. Although retired, Christine has permission to officiate (PTO) within the diocese.
Follow the links below to explore the two vacancies with St Hilda's Trust.
Licensed Clergy Co-Opt Trustee (St Hilda's Trust)
Newcastle Diocesan Board of Finance (NDBF) Trustee (St Hilda's Trust)