The benefits of volunteering have long been established and an opportunity has arisen for at least two Trustee positions with Flying Fish Artists, a local charity supporting mental health. Unveiling their mural at North Devon District Hospital last month Patron, Peter Heaton-Jones, commented "Flying Fish is all about promoting the therapeutic benefits of art – both its actual creation and the social aspect of the process . . . it's an honour to be Patron of Flying Fish and to see the brilliant work they do."
About the charity
Flying Fish Artists are now a registered charity who have existed in North Devon for some time, previously operating as an informal co-operative. Through the use of art as therapy their aim is to enhance and promote the mental health of people in the Devon area, and specifically support the resilience and recovery of those experiencing mental ill health. We also aim to challenge perceptions of mental ill health through the work that we do. We also welcome anyone who has been affected mentally or emotionally due to health issues, including those who have suffered from strokes.
Get involved
Speaking of vacancies, Toni Hasler says, "We urgently need new Trustees, including a Chairman and a Treasurer. One of our members stepped in as Acting Chair recently but she has since stepped down for health reasons, and our Treasurer, who has her own book-keeping business, has also resigned as she is so busy in her professional life.
I know that members are also really busy, but I am hoping at least two of your members may come forward to work with us in these really important roles. We hold Trustees meetings once a month, on a Thursday morning at 11 a.m. We hold it at that time so our members can participate in the meetings, though they do not make decisions. Our members meet every Thursday and we encourage their involvement and welcome their opinions and suggestions."
Ideally, the board of Trustees would prefer someone who has perhaps worked in the voluntary sector before, but would be happy to welcome any members who would like to work with a local mental health charity. They will provide all the information needed, and would welcome to contact Toni Hasler directly via email.
Flying Fish Artists are also holding a Vintage Tea Party at Abbotsham Village Hall on 14 July 2018, which is an excellent chance to go along and meet some of the people involved and find out more. You can read about it here.
To find out more about Flying Fish Artists you can also visit their website.