Trustees
We’re always looking for people who are passionate about supporting individuals with autism and learning disabilities to join our Board of Trustees.
If you’re interested in discussing how to become a FiND Trustee and what’s involved, please get in touch at info@findcharity.org.uk or call 01482 870785.
Charles Hodgson
Chair of Trustees
Charles became involved in FiND after his daughter Lucy attended an activity scheme and had such a great time. At last Lucy had found an organisation that really met her needs.
He became a trustee in 2004, Company Secretary in 2005 and Chair of Trustees in 2010.
Charles brings his business background to the leadership of FiND and is passionate about ensuring the charity prospers and grows, providing quality services to an ever increasing number of people with SLD and autism.
Lesley Nicholson
I am a retired teacher and in 1999 I was one of a group of parents from St Anne’s Special School who formed a self-help group to provide suitable activities during the school holidays for our teenage children. We became FiND charity two years later and I was one of the founding trustees.
I have been involved in FiND’s development from its initial holiday activity scheme to the different services it offers today, including support to families facing the same challenges we faced all those years ago. I believe that the core values which were fundamental to the founding of FiND remain integral to its future.
Lynne Anstess
In the late 1990’s support during school and college holidays was rare for someone with learning disabilities and autism. With nothing appropriate I joined together with other parents to deliver our own activity days. This was the start of FiND.
As FiND grew, in 2001, it became a charity, Trustees were needed and I took on this new role. I am immensely proud of the progress FiND has made from the original holiday activities to providing all year round services in our own premises. The wonderful staff are truly committed to supporting everyone in a highly individual way, creating a warm environment in which to achieve and have fun.
Shirley Hart
Shirley is a retired Nurse; she did her Nurse Training at Cheltenham General Hospital and specialised in Intensive Care Nursing and Major Trauma, working in Plymouth, Birmingham, Northern Ireland and then finally moving to Hull in 1990 and working in the Intensive Care Unit of Castle Hill Hospital until her retirement.
Shirley is a also a Trustee and Coach, of the Beverley Riding for the Disabled Charity, it was through the RDA that Shirley first became involved with FiND. The positive impact the horses had on the students was truly wonderful and Shirley wanted to explore how horses could benefit young adults with autism. Having become involved with FiND first through the RDA, Shirley then became a Trustee.
Shirley strongly believes that you shouldn’t be defined by your disability. She believes that whatever your situation in life, you should be given the tools and opportunity to achieve in life and FiND does exactly that.
David Stokes
I joined FiND as a Trustee in 2023. Originally from the North East of England, I moved to Hull in around 2007 and have lived in the area ever since.
I work as a solicitor, specialising in Trusts and I have worked closely with individuals with disabilities and their families all of my career.
As soon as I became aware of FiND, I was incredibly keen to get involved in what I have found to be an amazing resource for its service users and hopefully support the charity as best I can.
When not working or attending Trustee meetings, you can usually find me walking my dog Ralph around Beverley.