Meet Simon - the Trustee who Loves the Diversity of his Role

When Reverend Simon Witcombe saw a University Chaplain job advertised, he went for it and has never looked back.

“I was delighted to be involved with something with an international flavour,” he explains, “The University of Gloucestershire is much more diverse than my previous rural parishes.”

For four and a half years, Simon has been part of a team which works hard to give international students a real welcome to student life in Gloucestershire by organising trips and a global café. They also host an annual picnic of Syrian families at the University’s Park Campus in partnership with Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees.

“They brought along Syrian music one year,” says Simon. “I had so much fun joining in with the dancing.”

His passion for all things international and previous experience of working with other charities made him the perfect candidate for Trustee when Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees became a charity. The Trustees act as a link between CWR and The Charity Commission, ensuring that its objectives are fulfilled and fed back. Simon’s favourite part of being a Trustee is hearing from CWR’s core group about all the wonderful day-to-day work of the charity.

“I used to think it was like being a critical friend,” explains Simon, “But it’s more like being a reflective supporter. We have some responsibility to gently question why things are done in the way they are, and occasionally give suggestions.”

When asked about the best part of his role, Simon says:

“Going along to events, like the café. It’s great to meet refugee families and asylum seekers. It’s really encouraging and means I’m not just looking through heaps of papers.”

Simon’s enthusiasm for CWR is inspiring. He talks of volunteers’ amazing dedication and describes them as a group who pull people together. He’s keen for others to be involved too.

“Come and have a look, listen, and find out about what’s already being done,” he suggests.  “There’s a tendency for people to rush in to try to help by collecting lots of things, sending them away or whatever it might be. Organisations like CWR are already involved and have been for a long time. Come and find out what’s going on first and then work out where your gifts can best be used.”

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