As Trustees’ Week 2025 gets underway (3-7 November), we’re shining a light on the people who guide, support and strengthen local charities across North Yorkshire – the trustees.

Trustees are the heartbeat of every charity. They’re the ones who set the direction, make big decisions, and help organisations stay true to their mission. This year, the national theme focuses on good governance and lived experience, and few groups embody that more than Coastline Sight & Hearing in Scarborough.

Guided by experience
Founded by Tony Mollica, Coastline Sight & Hearing supports people with sight and hearing loss across the coast and surrounding areas. What makes the charity unique is that every trustee has lived experience of sensory loss – something Tony says makes the group stronger and more understanding of the people they support.

“All our trustees have sight or hearing loss. That’s what makes us unique – we know first-hand what people are going through.”
– Tony Mollica, Founder and Trustee

The group runs a project called From our Garden to our Table, where members grow their own produce on local allotments, then meet to cook and share meals together. It’s more than just gardening and cooking – it’s about community, confidence and connection.

A Trustee’s journey
Trustee Dave Tayne has been involved with the group since it started, but only recently became an official trustee. Living with sight loss since childhood, Dave says being part of the charity gives him a sense of belonging – and a way to give back.

“I wish I’d done it sooner. It’s such an outlet – it builds confidence, brings people together, and helps you realise what’s possible.”
– Dave Tayne, Trustee

Supported to grow
Community First Yorkshire has supported the charity along the way – helping with funding applications, accounting advice, and guidance to strengthen governance. Project Coordinator Sally Sutton says that support has been invaluable:

“Community First Yorkshire helped us make sure we were doing everything right – from managing grants to promoting the project. It’s given us confidence and clarity.”
Sally adds that the trustees’ leadership and lived experience shape everything the charity does:

“Our trustees bring real insight into the challenges people face with sight or hearing loss. That helps us make the group welcoming and accessible for everyone.”

Celebrating trustees everywhere
During Trustees’ Week, we celebrate all those who step up to make a difference – people like Tony, Dave, and their fellow trustees who give their time, skills and lived experience to strengthen their communities.

If you’re thinking of becoming a trustee, now’s the perfect time to explore how you could get involved. Trusteeship is rewarding, builds confidence, and helps you make a lasting impact on the causes you care about.

👉 Learn more and find resources on our Trustees’ Week page:
www.communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk/trustees-week-2025

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