Trustees shoutout

Nat: Having worked in the charity sector for nearly 20 years I wanted to become a trustee and use my knowledge, experience and insight to support organisations who make so much impact often with very little, but it had to be for a cause that I really cared about and a charity I really liked. I had worked with Lewisham Music on projects for many years and seen first-hand the way it provides a space and a platform for local young people to truly be heard, be celebrated and be empowered to strive higher than they would have otherwise. The project Sonic Minds looking at music, creativity and mental health really spoke to my wider interests in wellbeing and working with vulnerable groups.  I think the work they are doing in schools and the community, and the way they let young people lead makes every project exciting and representative of the area. 

Thomas: As a Lewisham resident and accountant, I’ve always wanted to use my skills to support the local community, so the treasurer role felt like a perfect fit. I’m passionate about organisations that help young people develop their potential and find their path, just as programs like Young Enterprise did for me when I was at comprehensive school.

Audrey: The Inspiration for becoming a Trustee at Lewisham Music came from understanding first-hand how music can shape your life, and have a positive impact on the lives of young people. Born and raised in the Borough of Lewisham, I was once one of those ‘young people’, encouraged to embrace and play music, and I will always be very grateful for all of the fantastic experiences that I have had as a result!

Rob: Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Brixton and started out playing cello through the Centre for Young Musicians, which gave me my first real taste of musical structure and discipline. Later, I discovered music production and composition, which became a serious creative venture alongside my professional career. Lewisham Music’s mission really struck a chord with me because it reflects the same opportunities that helped shape who I am – giving young people access to creativity, confidence, and self-expression regardless of background. Becoming a trustee felt like a way to give back, but also to help the organisation grow strategically and sustainably.

Audrey: Radio Lewisham and all of the work around youth-led projects like Sonic Minds, is really exciting. It’s a great way for young people to really express what is important to them and get their voices heard. 

It would be great to raise more awareness and support for Radio Lewisham; help it to grow and positively influence as many young people as possible (in the Borough and beyond!).

Rob: What excites me most is how Lewisham Music is redefining what music education looks like today – it’s not just about instruments and performance, but about creativity, technology, and self-expression. That’s exactly how I discovered music: through experimentation and blending genres. With my background in production and composition, I want to help the organisation continue to embrace modern ways of making music and reach young people who might not connect with traditional pathways.

From a professional standpoint, working as a consultant in technology and data has given me a strategic lens on growth and sustainability. I want to help Lewisham Music position itself strongly within the creative and charitable landscape – building the right partnerships, attracting corporate support, and telling our story in a way that connects with funders and communities alike.

Nat: I think projects that are being led and shaped by young people are always exciting. The hub-like energy at the Fellowship during the Rootftop Summer Sessions was brilliant, Radio Lewisham feels fresh and real and speaks to honest lived experiences. I bring experience of working within the charity arts sector and working with vulnerable young people on creative activity. I hope that I can support LM to develop more partnerships across sectors, continue to raise the profile of the brilliant work being done and in turn reach more underrepresented young people. I really hope that our shared understanding of just how difficult it is to be a charity at the moment encourages them to acknowledge that they are doing a great job! 

Thomas: I’m excited by how Lewisham Music opens doors for young people, whether they’re performing, developing technical skills, or simply connecting with music as audience members. I hope to help ensure the organisation is financially sustainable so it can reach even more young people and support them in discovering their ambitions, whatever form that takes.

Thomas: While I don’t have musical skills myself, I’m a huge music fan-particularly trip hop-and I appreciate how music brings people together and enriches life in so many ways. Music has always been part of my life as a listener and I value how it can inspire, connect and energize people.

Nat: Music is my safe space and my mood lifter. I have go to songs for when I am stressed, annoyed, emotionally exhausted, joyful and even just when I need a spark to get me up and out the house. It’s rare that I don’t have some music in my head or be singing/humming along at all times and often when I can’t find the words to sum up where I am at, music can. 

Audrey: Music is everything! It has, and continues to have such an important impact in my life. I will always be excited about music and the joy it can bring.

Rob: For me, music has always been a language – one that goes beyond words. It’s shaped the way I think, collaborate, and create. Producing music has taught me patience and attention to detail; composing for film has deepened my understanding of emotion and storytelling. It’s also taught me that creativity and discipline can coexist – a lesson that spills over into everything I do, including my professional life. Music constantly reminds me of the power of connection and the importance of giving people the space to express who they are.

Nat: Supporting the team and championing the great work being done and impact that is being made as much as I can, to whoever I can. 

Thomas: I’m looking forward to working with the team to strengthen the organisation’s foundations and seeing first-hand the impact on young people in our community. It’s exciting to be part of something that creates opportunities for young people to be ambitious and discover their potential.

Rob: I’m really looking forward to connecting with the young people and seeing the impact of the work up close. It’s one thing to talk strategy, but it’s another to see how music is actually changing lives – that’s what keeps it real. I’m also excited about helping to shape how Lewisham Music grows in the next few years – thinking about how we use technology, storytelling, and partnerships to strengthen our presence and attract the right kind of funding. For me, it’s about bridging creativity and strategy so the organisation can keep thriving long-term. 

Jen: Trustees contribute so much to the life of a charity.  Anyone considering becoming a Trustee should try to find an organisation that they find affinity with.  Having a personal interest in the work of the charity typically means that you will have ideas to contribute, may be able to think outside of the box and bring unique perspectives and will be keen to keep up with the initiatives of the charity.

I was blessed to be a Strategic Board member for another of the South East London Music Hub partners, for four years prior to joining Lewisham Music as a Trustee.  This experience of attending regular meetings, listening attentively, hearing about the work, observing the role of an excellent Chair and contributing ideas all led me to having the relevant experience to step into the role of Chair of Trustees at Lewisham Music.  Unknowingly, I had prepared myself and broadened my knowledge of this important voluntary work.  I would suggest that anyone who has the desire to take on a Chair position trust in their ability, seek to build lots of experience and apply with confidence!  You may just be what a charity is looking for!

Rob: I’d say – bring your experience and your energy. You don’t need to fit a certain mould to be a good trustee; what matters is that you care about the cause and are willing to contribute your perspective. For me, being a trustee is about using both my creative background and professional skills to support something meaningful. It’s a great way to grow personally, give back, and play a small part in helping an organisation make a lasting impact.

Audrey: I would say ‘go for it’! If you are passionate about the work a charity does, it’s a brilliant thing to do and very rewarding.

Thomas: Think about how your skills can genuinely support an organisation you care about-you don’t need to be an expert in everything they do. Find a cause that connects with your values and your community, and be ready to learn and contribute in meaningful ways.

Nat: Do it with heart. Don’t do it cos it might look good on a CV or for profile or thanks or because you just want to turn up for the fun bits. It takes up too much time and energy (for the trustee and for the company staff) to go in half-hearted, so choose a cause/organisation that really speaks to the change you want to see and then give it the time and effort you can. 

Nat: Lewisham has this incredible energy; a coming together of diverse people and experiences, combined with a shared fighting spirit and community, and I think that feeds into its creativity and musical styles. There is such pride in the borough. People are proud to represent Lewisham, and you hear it said all the time, especially by young people. I think that pride and knowing that the Lewisham community has your back gets channelled into creatives making music that is more direct, ‘risky’, confident and truly honest.

Audrey: The people, the passion, the environment, the community, the talent…the list goes on…