Northumberland charity celebrates community achievements and calls for new trustees
A north Northumberland charity which supports more than 1,000 people a year is using Trustees’ Week to celebrate its achievements and encourage new people to help shape its future.
Bell View, based in Belford, has published its annual report for 2025/26, highlighting the contribution made by its staff and volunteers across more than 300 square miles of rural North Northumberland.
Over the past year, the charity welcomed an estimated 1,000 to 1,200 people through its doors, provided more than 2,000 community transport journeys covering 20,000 miles, and served 3,700 meals.
More than 1,000 sessions were delivered across 60 groups and activities, while 90 volunteers contributed over 6,000 hours of their time, worth approximately £90,000.
Established in 1998, Bell View recently celebrated 20 years since the opening of its purpose built Resource Centre in Belford, which has become an important community hub serving local villages.
The charity provides community activities, transport, advice and practical support, helping tackle social isolation and ensuring people remain connected to their communities.
Bell View has also undertaken a programme of modernisation, strengthening its governance, financial management and organisational structure, while developing plans to expand community transport and take more services into rural villages.
Now, during Trustees’ Week, the charity is encouraging people from all backgrounds to consider joining its Board of Trustees.
Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, who has served as a Bell View trustee for ten years, said: “Having been involved with Bell View for the past decade, I’ve seen first-hand just how much of a difference it makes to people across North Northumberland.
“In rural communities like ours, where public transport is limited and services can be miles away, organisations like Bell View are absolutely invaluable. Our staff and volunteers do an incredible job, whether that’s helping someone get to a medical appointment, providing a hot meal or simply giving people somewhere to meet and enjoy some company.
“We’ve achieved a great deal over the years, but we’re also looking to the future, and Trustees’ Week is a perfect opportunity to encourage more people to get involved.”
Bell View is particularly keen to hear from people who may never have considered becoming a trustee before, including younger people and those with experience in business, finance, community organisations or other sectors.