Get to know our trustee team

Photo from left to right: Yolanda, David and James

Our current trustee team have been serving for a number of years, and have gradually joined the team as our founding trustees have retired. They work behind the scenes to ensure the work of the charity fulfils our charitable objectives, to manage risk and budget performance, to review service provision and impact, along with ensuring compliance with all the relevant legal and good governance frameworks for charities working with children. They also work with the staff team to provide strategic review and future direction for the charity and service provision.

Please find below an introduction to our current team of three trustees, who will shortly be joined by our Service Director and founder as she moves on from her current role in the charity this summer. Our current trustee team bring a variety of skills and expertise from their professional work and have all had direct experience of working with our children and families as part of the volunteer team.

Yolanda Musinguzi – I have been a volunteer with Alongside you for about 15 years now. I was drawn to the organisation because of their personal approach to working with families. I am teacher, and work in senior leadership in a local primary school, and I enjoy working with children.

My favourite bible verse is Philippians 1v6. ..being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

When I feel weary or discouraged to continue because of last minute cancellations to outings etc, this is the verse that keeps me going, knowing that’s it not me but Christ through me.

One of my best memories of my time as a volunteer is supporting a boy with cerebral palsy- we were playing in a local park when one of the other children asked him what was wrong – he smiled very widely and said "nothing is wrong with me, I only have cerebral palsy". I continued pushing him on the swings with tears in my eye. His zest for life is still infectious and he just carries on despite what life throws at him.

David Vincent - I work for Local Trust, which is a fund that provides grants to support local communities in the UK. My background is in grant management and in supporting charities and community groups.

(One of!) my favourite Bible passages is Psalm 143. It’s a wonderful prayer that reminds me of my own frailty and of God’s strength and faithfulness.

I was an outings volunteer with Alongside You before becoming a trustee. Perhaps my favourite moments whilst being involved with the organisation has been when attending the Christmas parties. Everyone always seems to have lots of fun and it’s great to be together and celebrate in that way.

James Eddo - I am currently employed in the computing industry, specialising in Artificial Intelligence and its applications for enhancing human well-being. Within my role, I bring valuable corporate experience to the board, particularly when addressing operational challenges and making decisions that impact the charity as a business entity. My journey with Alongside You began more than 15 years ago when Rowena delivered an inspiring talk at my church. This encounter motivated me to act and contribute in any way possible to support families in need. Throughout my walk with the Lord, Psalm 91:1-2 has remained a steadfast companion, providing solace and allowing me to find stillness and peace in His presence during difficult times. Numerous cherished memories have been etched into my heart, but one in particular resurfaces frequently. At the conclusion of a residential trip, as one of the boys was packing up to leave, he earnestly asked, "Do we really have to go home yet?" This moment left an indelible mark and will forever be cherished.