Trustee week 2025

Trustees Week 2025: Celebrating the Heart Behind Jigsaw South East

This Trustees Week, we’re taking a moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks to the incredible people who help steer Jigsaw South East with wisdom, care and unwavering commitment.

Our trustees are volunteers — but what they give is truly priceless.

They bring their professional knowledge, lived experience and, above all, a deep belief in our mission: to support children and young people through the death of a loved one. Their leadership ensures that Jigsaw continues to grow in integrity, compassion and impact.

What is a trustee?

Trustees are the guardians of a charity. They don’t just attend meetings or sign off on budgets – they help shape the future of our organisation. They make sure we stay true to our values, meet our responsibilities, and always put the needs of bereaved children and families at the centre of what we do.

In short: without them, there would be no Jigsaw South East.

Why do they do it?

We asked a few of our trustees to share why they choose to give their time and energy to Jigsaw South East. Here’s what they had to say:

“I am so proud to be part of Jigsaw South East. I know we make a positive difference to children and families when facing difficult times. I enjoy the challenge of ensuring we can get sufficient funds in and helping to shape the way we deliver our support services to children who are affected by the death of a loved one.” Cecilia

“Being able to contribute in a small way to an organisation that is valuable to so many people at one of the most difficult times and knowing it will make a difference to their lives going forwards.” Michelle

“Having suffered bereavement as a child I care passionately that all children are provided with the highest quality support to help them thrive as they become adults. We can and should support children and their families to cope in such tragic circumstances.” John 

“I fully understand how bereavement affects the whole family and how help given at this tragic time is hugely beneficial. I am really enjoying being involved with a local charity supporting grieving families, it means a lot to me. I am always so happy to visit the office and help out as the team are happy and full of enthusiasm.” Teresa

“I love everything about this wonderful charity, from the dedicated team and the amazing work the charity does. To know that Jigsaw South East makes a difference to all the families that access our services just fills my heart with gratitude.” Debbie

“I love getting to help children and young people across Surrey and Sussex who are going through something I experienced at their age and helping in many diverse ways from strategy to in person events.” Emma

Each trustee brings something unique to the table – whether it’s financial acumen, safeguarding expertise, a background in heath care or a deep understanding of the charity sector. But what unites them all is their belief that no child should face grief alone.

Trustees with some of the team on Sparkle Day!

Quiet work with a big impact

The work of a trustee often happens behind the scenes. You might not see it on social media or hear about it in a newsletter – but its impact is everywhere.

From the delivery of our service and the partnerships we build across the community right through to every safe space we create for grieving families.

Our trustees guide us – not for recognition, but because they care deeply about the children and young people we support.

To every trustee, past and present: thank you