We warmly welcome Catherine Rustomji, Becky Fitzpatrick, Andy Makin and Clare Hedges to our board of trustees this month. Our board supports our Leadership Team in making decisions which guide our organisation, and bring specialist knowledge from their respective industries.

“Our charity supports people right North Yorkshire, including those living in rural locations. As a Thirsk local, I look forward to bringing the perspective of Hambleton and Richmondshire residents to Just ‘B’s board of trustees.”

“Having advised and acted for charities for over 20 years, I am pleased to bring experience in governance helping with queries around legal duties and responsibilities. At the same time, I’m excited to learn lots from  the other great people on the board.”

Catherine Rustomji, Partner and Head of Charities and Not-for-profit at Shakespeare Martineau LLP.

“I feel very privileged to be a trustee after my mum was cared for by Saint Michael’s Hospice. But the charity does much more than what people might expect including as part of Just ‘B’s emotional wellbeing services.

“I’m so passionate- I’m looking forward to helping raise awareness and supporting with fundraising.”

Becky Fitzpatrick, Managing Director at PPS

“Just ‘B’ is playing such an important role in providing support to people with their mental health, right across North Yorkshire. It has grown and grown, and the services are making a difference to those with unmet need.

“It is really special to be able to marry together my personal experience and business experience to understand how important the charity is in the local community.

“I am astounded by the breadth of experience that goes into running all areas of the charity.

“Now joining as a trustee, I see myself as a critical friend who can support the management team. Having run a large organisation myself, I hope I can help ask questions and make suggestions which add value.

“I’m local forward to hearing the rounded opinion from all the different specialists on our board of trustees- from clinical and legal experts to business owners of different sizes.”

Andy Makin, Managing Director at Envirovent

We’ll be chatting to Clare soon- check back on this page!