Meet Councillor Paul Baker – the trustee who’s blown away by the people of Cheltenham

Paul describes himself as “born and bred in Cheltenham.” He has three grown up children and chaired Cheltenham Town Football Club for 21 years. He became a Cheltenham Borough Councillor in St Paul’s at the age of 22 and is now a Councillor for Charlton Park and the County Councillor for Charlton Park & College. He also managed to find the time to act as a governor of Pittville School, is a Trustee of The Lido and has worked in the insurance industry for nearly all his life.

“I recognise how fortunate I’ve been in life,” he said, “So I try to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Paul is passionate about planning, our parks and gardens, providing affordable homes, addressing the climate emergency and ensuring that Cheltenham is a welcoming place for everyone. He is a passionate advocate for refugees who have come to our town.

“None of them wanted to make the journey,” he said. “Surely we have to do everything we possibly can when they get here to make that journey worthwhile and to help them get their lives back on an even keel. We really cannot imagine what traumas they must have suffered.”

All this makes him the perfect candidate for a trustee of Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees.

He was approached in 2018 and has since worked hard to provide support and direction for the charity. Paul also used his connections at the football club to help set up a football team for refugees, providing the equipment and tickets to watch Cheltenham Town. When asked about his favourite part of his role as a trustee, Paul said:

“Being blown away by some fantastic people that we have in our town, who are devoting so much time and energy to this cause. Everyone who’s involved are stars for making a difference, even if it’s in a small way.”

Paul urged people to get involved with Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees.

“Life’s too short not to act now,” he said. “Whatever you do will make a difference. The more people who are involved in spreading the word, the easier it will be and the bigger the difference we can make. Send an email, come to an event and go for it.”

Written by Megan Hastings

Find out about taking action for refugees and asylum seekers or get involved with CWR, by applying to volunteer.