To celebrate Trustees’ Week, we wanted to introduce one of our newest trustees, Frank Cunnane. With a distinguished career in IT and roles on the boards of the Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust and Salisbury Hospice Care Trust, Frank brings invaluable expertise and dedication to supporting those in crisis.
Why did you become a trustee for The Listening Place?
I was introduced to TLP by a close friend; prior to that, I had no idea of its existence or the valuable services it provides to the community. I was intrigued and wanted to learn more about the charity’s objectives and services. It held particular interest for me personally, as I have experienced and witnessed several losses to suicide, including close family members, relatives, and friends over the years. Mental health and wellbeing have long been close to my heart.
As I came to understand more about the charity—its focus and the fantastic people providing these life-sustaining services—I was truly in awe. I wanted to contribute in some small way to the larger cause, and that is why I became a trustee.
What makes a good trustee?
There are, of course, many perspectives on this, but I would say a good trustee is someone who feels a direct connection with the charity’s purpose, someone for whom the mission resonates deeply on a personal level. A good trustee also strives to understand the services provided by the charity, the processes, and the people it supports, which helps them identify how they can best contribute to the charity’s board with their skills and expertise, improving the organisation in meaningful ways. The most valuable thing a trustee can give is their time and energy to the charity they support.
How else does Frank support TLP?
As precious as his time and energy is, Frank is also actively fundraising for TLP. He recently completed a 16k remote version of the Great South Run due to the event’s cancellation, and on 30 November, he’ll be taking on the New Forest Trail Half Marathon—all to raise vital funds and awareness for The Listening Place and everyone across London who is struggling with suicidal feelings. If you want to support Frank’s fundraiser please follow the link here.
We wan to take this opportunity to thank Frank and all the trustees that dedicate their time to TLP, and help ensure we can continue providing face-to-face support and seek to expand further so no one is alone when they feel life is no longer worth living.
