Thursday 20th January 2022
Meet the Trustee... Genefer Espejo
As we recruit new Trustees to our Board (apply here), we caught up with existing Trustee Genefer Espejo to find out more about why it’s such a rewarding way to serve
How did you first hear about Pilgrims’ Friend Society?
I think I’d heard the name for a long time, but my first real involvement came when my mother moved into Milward House in Tunbridge Wells. My father, who was a Baptist minister, died in 2006 and my mother was developing dementia. My two sisters and I wanted to find a care home for her that was Christian and Milward House felt right. She originally went in for respite care in 2008 and later moved in permanently. The care Mum received there was wonderful. In the time she was there until 2016 when she went to glory, I got to know the staff and those living there really well.
Why did you decide to apply to be a Trustee?
I saw a notice calling for Trustees in the Cheam Baptist church bulletin and immediately I was interested. As children, the importance of caring for older Christians was impressed upon us. My father had a great love for older folk. So I thought and prayed about it and decided to apply. There is a risk that older people are tucked away in care homes and forgotten. Yet death is one of the biggest steps any of us will ever face. It’s understandable that older Christians can wobble and so it’s important to provide places where their faith can be affirmed and I was keen to support that.
What skills do you draw on from your professional life that you use in your role as a Trustee?
I had a long career in secondary education, including 17 years as a head teacher. Through this I developed skills in leadership and management, as well as pastoral care. I’d say I’m a good risk taker – I know how to encourage a group to think widely about new opportunities and then take very carefully assessed risks.
What skills and qualities is the Board looking for in a new Trustee?
In particular, we are looking for someone with legal knowledge, but we welcome applications from those with other specialisms too. It’s important for anyone joining the Board to be a team-player and have a real love for older people. I’d say it’s essential for our Trustees to be keen to go out and visit our homes and schemes. Obviously, that has been tricky during the pandemic but hopefully it will be more possible soon. It's through seeing the work in action that you get a deep understanding of its importance.
What excites you most about the future for Pilgrims’ Friend Society?
We currently working on our Renewal Plan to launch six brand new care homes within a ten-year period. The first of these, Middlefields House in Chippenham, opened last year. As an organisation, some of our care home properties are aging and we have the opportunity to create brand-new places where older Christians can live. I’m so excited by this, as there are relatively few places offering care in a Christian environment. Of course, there are many challenges too, and we’re staying dependent on the Lord in prayer.
How big a time commitment is being a Trustee?
We have quarterly meetings which take place in the afternoon. We are all also on sub-committees that meet less often – I am on the sub-committee for organisational development and for Strathclyde House. Aside from that, there is some paperwork. Honestly, it’s such a pleasure to be part of. It’s worth every minute.
If you think you could be a Trustee with Pilgrims’ Friend Society, we’d love to receive your application. For all the details, see here
South Coast Project
Phase two of the Renewal Programme will take place on the South Coast of England. Plans to develop a new home in the region are underway, with a suitable location being sought.
Middlefields House, Chippenham
Our brand-new care home Middlefields House offers excellent care and support to 48 people, living in four households of 12
Life in our homes
We believe that care is something that we do together, creating space and opportunity for a peaceful but stimulating life in the safety and security of a Christian community.