VOLUNTEER FOUNDING CHARITY BOARD WANTED!

FOUNDING TRUSTEES WANTED!

Help shape a brand‑new youth counselling & support service in Newham

6-10 hours per month

Something exciting is taking root in Newham — The NYCAS (Newham Youth Counselling and Advice Service), our temporary working name, is in development. We’re building a warm, welcoming, safe space where young people aged 11–25 can access FREE, confidential support: counselling, talking therapies, art therapies, information, advice, guidance, and much more.

We are now recruiting volunteers to join us as our Founding Board of Trustees — compassionate, committed people who want to help build something meaningful for young people in Newham.

If you believe every young person deserves somewhere safe to talk, heal, and be heard, this could be the perfect place to share your skills.

About the Role

As a Founding Trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping the vision, governance, and long‑term direction of NYCAS. You’ll help lay the foundations of a service that will support thousands of young people for years to come.

You will work closely with our Founder and early team to:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight as we establish the charity

• Ensure strong governance, safeguarding, and compliance

• Support the development of our mission, values, and long‑term strategy

• Guide the set‑up of key policies, systems, and structures

• Champion youth wellbeing and ensure young people’s voices shape our work

• Support with fundraising, partnerships, and community connections

• Bring your insight, experience, and passion to help NYCAS grow with integrity and purpose

This is a hands‑on, meaningful trustee role where you’ll see your contribution directly influence the creation of a life‑changing service.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome people from all backgrounds and lived experiences. You don’t need previous trustee experience — we will support you.

We are especially keen to hear from people who are:

• Passionate about youth mental health and wellbeing

• Committed to making Newham a better place for young people

• Thoughtful, reliable, and able to take a strategic view

• Comfortable contributing to decisions around governance, safeguarding, and charity development

• Collaborative, compassionate, and community‑minded

• Able to bring professional or lived experience that strengthens our Board

Experience in any of the following would be a real help and bonus (but not essential): Charity governance, youth work, mental health, safeguarding, finance, HR, legal, fundraising, community development, project management, or lived experience of the challenges young people face.

If you have passion, commitment, and a desire to help build something beautiful for young people — we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to shape a brand‑new youth support service from the ground up

• Experience as a charity trustee (full induction and support provided)

• New skills, confidence, and leadership experience

• A warm, supportive team

• The deep satisfaction of helping create a service that will help young people thrive

Time Commitment

Flexible — around 6–10 hours per month, including bi-monthly Board meetings, and working groups. Most activity can be done remotely, with some in‑person meetings in Newham, London.

Ready to help something beautiful grow?

We’d love to hear from you.

How to Apply

Please submit your up‑to‑date CV and a Covering Letter (no more than 2 pages) explaining:

• Your experience

• Why you’d like to volunteer as a Trustee

• What you feel you could bring to NYCAS

We will review applications on a rolling basis and invite shortlisted applicants to a short initial conversation as the first stage of the recruitment process.