Two new trustees step up to Beat the Cold
Beat the Cold, a charitable organisation tackling fuel poverty in Staffordshire, has welcomed two new Trustees to its Executive Board.
Andrew Wilshaw and Stuart Allen bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the organisation, which works to combat the health risks associated with living in a cold home.
They join fellow Trustees Graham Stow and Kathryn Wileman, and Chairperson, Lesley Bentley, to spearhead Beat the Cold’s pioneering work, alongside Chief Executive, Fiona Miller.
Lesley said: “We are constantly working with our partners to further enhance our health and housing referral service, to support people living in fuel poverty, or who are vulnerable and living in a cold home.
“I am delighted to welcome Stuart and Andrew to the Board of Trustees as I know their expertise and experience will be invaluable in ensuring the team continue to be on hand for people across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire who could benefit from reduced energy bills and warmer living conditions.”
Beat the Cold is commissioned by local authorities and works in partnership with health boards across the county to provide a single-point-of-contact health and housing referral service. It was an expert witness in the development of National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE) Guideline, NG6, which sets out how to reduce the health risks, including preventable deaths, associated with living in a cold home.
Andrew, Accounts Advisory Partner at Dains Accountants, has joined Beat the Cold as a Trustee and is also taking up the role of Treasurer. He said: “I look forward to supporting the work of the charitable association in my new role as Treasurer and Trustee.”
Stuart has a background working in banking and building societies, as well as retail, including at Managing Director and CEO level. He said: “I’m hopeful my wide-ranging experience will be useful to the team at Beat the Cold and I’m glad to have the opportunity to play a role in an organisation that provides essential help, advice and support to people across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.”
The team of Trustees and the leadership team at Beat the Cold also paid tribute to long-standing volunteer and Trustee, Michaela Fyson – whose connections with combatting the health impacts of cold homes in Staffordshire stretch back to the 1980s.
Michaela retained links with Beat the Cold after her professional retirement in 2005 by volunteering for the charity and was appointed a Trustee in 2010. Lesley added: “As a charity Beat the Cold has benefitted hugely from the wealth of experience and knowledge that Michaela has shared over the years.
“She has been a true stalwart of the work we do, and we are grateful for the years of hard work, dedication and compassion she has provided to people facing the challenges of living in a cold home.”
To find out more visit beatcold.org.uk or call 01782 914915.
