From Volunteer to Trustee: Why Youth Voice Matters in Social Care

By Dilip Gosall, Trustee at Maundy Relief

When I first walked through the doors of Maundy Relief as a volunteer, I could not have imagined that a few years later I would become one of its trustees. My former headmaster, who was a trustee at the time, spoke passionately about the charity and the difference it made in people’s lives. His words stayed with me and inspired me to get involved. I was 16, full of curiosity, questions, and a genuine desire to help. What began as a small act of volunteering soon became something much deeper; a journey that has shaped how I see people, community, and the meaning of service.

Maundy Relief is more than a charity; it is the beating heart of the community. When you walk through its doors, you are met with warmth and friendship, Teresa’s welcoming smile, Ann’s kind conversation, and the cheerful presence of Rosie and Bubbles, our beloved dogs. There’s always laughter from Steve and Gary, and an unmistakable sense of belonging. Our guests (because that is what we call the people we support), remind me every day that everyone has a story worth listening to.

“Faith in action is love, and love in action is service.”
St. Teresa of Calcutta

That sentiment captures what Maundy Relief has taught me: that behind every face, there is a story, and behind every story, there is dignity.

From Lived Experience to Leadership

Young people bring a unique and often overlooked perspective to the challenges our communities face. Across the UK, over 800,000 young people volunteer regularly, yet fewer than 3% of charity trustees are under 30. This imbalance matters. Issues such as mental health, social isolation, and the cost of living affect young people directly, but their voices are rarely heard in the rooms where decisions are made.

At Maundy Relief, trusteeship has shown me that governance is not about titles or authority, it is about empathy, relevance, and courage. It’s about asking questions that others might not think to ask. Being young doesn’t make you inexperienced in compassion; it gives you a fresh way of seeing the world, one rooted in the realities of the present and the hopes of the future.

The Power of Intergenerational Leadership

Serving alongside experienced trustees has been one of the greatest privileges of my journey. I have learned from people who have walked the paths of life, those with decades of wisdom, resilience, and grace. Our CEO, Lucy Hardwick, leads with compassion, strength, and vision. Her inspirational guidance, along with the dedication of the incredible board and team, has shaped not only Maundy Relief’s direction but also my own personal growth.

At Maundy, learning flows both ways. I have been encouraged to question, to contribute, and to grow. Our board reflects what I call intergenerational leadership, a model where every voice, young or old, matters equally. That blend of continuity and change allows us to stay true to our values while embracing new ways of working. The trustees’ shared commitment to the charity and the community it serves is deeply humbling, it is a reminder that leadership, at its best, is an act of service.

Lessons from the Heart

My time at Maundy Relief has shaped me profoundly, not just as a trustee, but as a person. It has grounded me and taught me empathy from an early age. It has helped me understand people and life in all their complexity. At 17, I faced a serious health setback, a reminder that life can change in an instant. It deepened my appreciation for the work we do. At Maundy, I saw that hardship does not define a person’s worth; resilience does. The people we support, and the volunteers who stand beside them, embody a quiet courage that continues to inspire me every day.

Now, as a medical student at the University of Cambridge, I find myself drawing constantly on what Maundy Relief taught me: empathy, active listening, and respect for every individual’s story. Medicine, like charity, is not just about science, it is about people. And it’s that human connection that makes the greatest difference.

Building the Next Generation of Trustees

If the voluntary sector is to remain strong, it must welcome young people into leadership. Initiatives such as the Young Trustees Movement and NCVO’s Trustee Week campaign are helping to shift the narrative, showing that boards with younger members are more adaptable, innovative, and reflective of the communities they serve.

Joining the board at 16 was both humbling and transformative. I was met with encouragement, trust, and belief, and that trust empowered me to grow. Through the guidance of my fellow trustees, I have learned that trusteeship is not about having all the answers; it is about asking the right questions and caring deeply enough to keep listening.

Looking Ahead

Maundy Relief has always stood for dignity, compassion, and equality. As a young trustee, I see my role as carrying those values forward, ensuring they continue to resonate with new generations. Youth voice matters, not because it replaces experience, but because it strengthens it. When young people are trusted with responsibility, they rise to it. They bring hope, creativity, and renewal to the organisations they serve.

As we celebrate Trustee Week, my message to young people is simple:

Your voice matters. Be brave enough to use it, kind enough to listen, and humble enough to learn.

And to charities, make space for those voices. The future of social care depends on them.