Sare Kent
Chief Charity Officer
In March 2016 my Daughter asked me if I would consider becoming a Trustee at the club where she had recently started working following completing
some voluntary work there as part of her degree. I was unsure whether or not to become involved as it was an area I had never given any thought or support to previously.
My Daughter assured me that they were looking for the contribution of my business mind etc I agreed to take part as I had seen how important the club was to my daughter
and I wanted to support her, as always. In April 2016 I attended the initial meeting to find out what the role was all about and to allow me to make an informed decision
whether or not it was something I could productively invest my time in. Within that meeting I met a fantastic small team of individuals who are clearly passionate about
everything they do. It was a great buzz and I immediately knew I could be a part of this team and that’s where I signed up to become a Trustee. Within any role I have
been in I have always taken myself to the “shop floor” to see everything in motion so I know what I need to get right. It was right there that I really did fall in love
with this club. Seeing the passionate staff and volunteers make such a difference to people’s lives. It really is quite an environment to find yourself in and again I
immediately knew that I needed to be a part of this. I continued to be a Trustee and volunteered every week at the evening clubs and night club events. In November 2016
I was made redundant from my then employment and found myself assessing where I saw my future going. Then, as if by fate or magic, or something in between Elaine Bell
announced that she was planning to retire from the club in the very near future. So I applied for the position of Support Worker & Development Officer.
It was very
much a “Development Officer by Day” & “Support Worker by Night” set up! My role was to develop the organisation into a sustainable position within the next five years.
Trish and Elaine have built a fantastic foundation and trusted network which means I have a brilliant opportunity to grow this into an even more successful and
sustainable organisation along with charitable status. This enables us to provide a much needed service within the community. There aren’t many jobs that you get to
see the full fruition of your hard work first hand. In the evenings I attended the social clubs. I was directly responsible for our Chesterfield Club on Wednesday
evenings but still attended each other’s’ priority clubs to offer full support worker presence. We play games, drink tea, go bowling, go to restaurants and generally
just enjoy socialising with a great bunch of people. I also took the role as organiser for our Chesterfield nightclub event at The Vibe which is always a great night
Now
In July this year I became Chief Operating Officer which is a whole new ball game!! It’s a very grown up job and I am delighted and humbled to be given this opportunity.
I make sure all the bills are paid and ensure we have enough money to keep going, are the crooks of it! Although my employment now doesn’t include attending the social
clubs I do still volunteer where I can as I am determined to keep a strong relationship with our members, the people who we do this for!! The people who rely on us
making this difference!
Outside of Work
I am a mum & Nana! We have 6 children and 4 Grandchildren, they all keep us busy between taxiing them to their social events and hobbies, university, teaching them to drive and babysitting! It’s all go go go in our home at all times, just how we like it! When we aren’t doing that we enjoy most motorsports, football and cricket.
Random Facts About Me
My ex-husband and I once decided to go on a trip on the motorbike which resulted in riding through 5 countries in one day!! I was in a marching jazz band, we gained 3rd place at the World Championships!! At the age of 9 I had completed all Ballroom Dancing grading.
