Getting to know Amelia Riviere, HIWCF's new Chair of Trustees
We are delighted to welcome Amelia Riviere to HIWCF in her new role as Chair of Trustees. Amelia has a wealth of experience in business, the criminal justice system and working with small charities in our region, and is passionate about the unique support they bring to their communities. We had the pleasure of getting to know Amelia better this year when she served as High Sheriff of Hampshire and we hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as we have.
What attracted you to HIWCF?
In my year as High Sheriff I met so many stunning small charities, often led and driven by inspiring individuals changing the prospects for their community. I also had the opportunity to work with HIWCF during this time, so I got an even deeper insight into the groups they support and the ways in which they collaborate with philanthropists and businesses. I could see just how effective their approach is to tackling systemic inequality and I wanted to be a part of their future plans to build on their connections with people who want to give locally to communities and causes they care about.
What is your experience of working with small charities and community groups?
I have the great privilege of working with a number of community-oriented organisations across our region and I have come to admire their ability to be fleet of foot and make a significant impact. I am currently a Trustee for Trinity Winchester, working with the homeless, and Allegra’s Ambition, supporting vulnerable young people to access sport and outdoor activities, and with The Hampton Trust, supporting the rehabilitation of domestic abuse offenders.
What do you love about volunteering your time as a Trustee?
Through my involvement with small charities and now working closely with HIWCF, I get to see ordinary people doing extraordinary things for their community. When I see the desperate news headlines, I remember that on a local level so much good is being done, and I love that HIWCF enables groups to continue offering such meaningful and vital support.
What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges ahead for the charity sector?
We know that community-based groups are providing lifelines for those living in isolation and deprivation. Small charities are telling us that they are not only supporting more and more people each year, but also that their clients’ needs are becoming increasingly complex. While the cost of providing their services increase all the time. This means they need more resources to fund specialist support. Funding to secure qualified experts is a sector wide issue to consider.
How do you hope to support HIWCF and the wider charity sector?
I’m lucky to have made many meaningful connections through my varied work, both professionally and as a volunteer. I hope to bring people together and help forge meaningful partnerships with like-minded people who are passionate about making an impact with whatever support they can give, whether that is with their money, their time or expertise.
