A BOURNEMOUTH homeless charity is seeking new trustees to help bring expertise and passion to the organisation.

Hope Housing Training and Support Ltd was founded 15 years ago by Julie Berti and her father David Botterill to help the number of homeless people in the area.

Over the last decade and a half it has helped 2,700 homeless people get access to safe accommodation, education, training, and independent living.

There has been a 168% rise in applications for help in the last two years and the charity wants people to help steer its future success.  Chair of trustees Garth Underhill, who became a Trustee for Hope HTS 10 years ago, said: "My wife and I, through Freemasonry, were looking for a local homeless charity to receive some of our provinces’ fundraising.

"I was so impressed by what Hope was achieving that they received both our donation and my offer to get involved.

"A short time later I agreed to become a trustee, and it’s become a rewarding part of my life.”

“Demand for Hope’s services and expertise continues to grow, and as such our trustees’ governance and strategic direction has become even more vital in shaping and driving the charity.”

Voluntary Trusteeships with Hope involve just four 1.5-hour local meetings a year, plus an AGM at the charity’s HQ in St Swithuns Road South.

“The physical effort is small, but the effects are considerable,” continued Garth.

 “Not only do trustees add incredible value to charities like this, but they also present the individual with opportunities to develop, both personally and professionally.

"I have learned so much and gain great satisfaction from collaborating with our existing trustees who hail from private, corporate and public service organisations including the NHS.”

 Hope HTS is specifically seeking trustees from the legal, financial, mental health and business development sectors. But the charity would like to hear from anyone who feels they have valuable skills or experience to bring.

 Julie Berti, CEO of Hope said: “BCP as a community is buzzing with talented people and we want to harness more of that expertise, creativity, and passion so we can support even more people out of homelessness.

 “I’d love a no-obligation chat with anyone who feels they could spare a very small amount of time and become part of a team benefitting some of the most disadvantaged people in our community. Please get in touch.”

 Julie Berti can be contacted at: julie@hopehts.com