The Canaan Trust, Est. 1995.
Since 1995, the Canaan Trust (an independent homeless charity) has supported the homeless and those threatened with becoming homeless from across our Local Communities. The Trust looks to provide person-centred support, specifically tailored to the needs of each unique individual who seeks our help.
Statement of Faith
The Canaan Trust places the Christian faith at the heart of its values.
The motivations of our organisation emanate from this central ethos and define the committed approach to the services we offer.
The Trust’s faith base is simply the source of its motivation and is only apparent to clients through the care they are offered, which is without favour regardless of race, creed, or gender.
Here to Help
If you are homeless or feel you are in danger of becoming homeless – call us!
If you, or your family, have little or no food to eat – call us!
If you are having issues with your benefits, rent arrears, or debts – call us!
If you are suffering from any form of domestic abuse – call us!
If you need help but no other source of help is available – call us!
Trustees
What do the Trustees do?
Being a Trustee means leading the organisation. It’s a vital and stimulating role, ensuring the charity is not only reaching its goals, but is forward-thinking and running as efficiently as possible.
Providing support to the Project Manager and a dedicated team that are making a real difference to individuals and families in crisis and in need across our local communities.
Contributing our skills and expertise to a cause that is important to each of us – homelessness and the prevention of homelessness. The reason the Trust came into being back in 1995.
Play a fundamental role in the strategic development of the organisation; deciding the charity’s priorities and plans – for example the purchase and development of the new Female House.
As Trustees it is our responsibility to make sure that the Trust has the money it needs; spends that money responsibly on the activities it was raised for; follows the law; and does not break its own rules.
Would you consider becoming a Trustee?
There is no doubt that being a Trustee is one of the most powerful ways in which each of us can contribute to our local community through a cause that we really care about. As a Trustee, we play an integral part in the good Governance of the Charity, not only ensuring that the organisation remains viable and sustainable but also ensuring that it adheres closely to its Mission and works in the interests of its beneficiaries.
The Board of Trustees at Canaan meet formally once a month to review the finances, receive reports from the manager and discuss current issues.
The Board publish an Annual Report, which sets out the previous year’s accounts and plans. These are presented at the AGM, usually in November and are lodged with the Charity Commission.
Being a Christian based charity Trustees also meet regularly in person, or via Zoom, to pray for the needs of the Trust, its clients and staff.
These days, corporations of all sizes are taking voluntary and community-enriching activities much more seriously with Trusteeship considered one of the most effective methods of professional development and community engagement available to employees.
If you wish to find out more about becoming a Trustee at the Canaan Trust then please email David Gee, our Chair of Trustees. Email: davidg@canaan-trust.co.uk
Who are the Trustees?
Chair of Trustees
I moved to Long Eaton in 1992 to take up the headship of English Martyrs Primary School. I was a member of St Francis RC Church.
I took the traditional career path from Probationary Teacher to Head Teacher. When I left the Headship, my niece was setting up a Building Maintenance Company so I became both a Customer Relations Link and an Engineer’s Assistant. You may also have seen me as a Greeter in Asda Long Eaton!
I always considered teaching as a vocation rather than a job so when I left me felt there was a void somewhere in living out my Faith. When I was approached and asked if I would consider becoming a Trustee of Canaan, I had no hesitation in agreeing.
The role can be demanding but it also gives great satisfaction when we hear of clients who have been helped to ‘Re-build their Lives’, to address the issues which have contributed to their becoming homeless or trapped them in being homeless, secure employment and positively move on into their own properties and independent living.
Trustee
I recently retired after 40 years in Banking and Finance.
A Trustee of Canaan Trust for 8 years I have been pleased to share in the Trust’s development reaching out to support any individual or family in need from across the Community.
I am excited about the prospect of expanding the Trust’s reach to provide accommodation for females for the first time.
On a personal note, I enjoy cricket and travel. I worship at New Harvest Community Church in Long Eaton.
Trustee
I feel a responsibility to reach out and serve those struggling in our local community and the Canaan Trust enables me to fulfil that calling. I have particularly been interested in developing and supporting Canaan’s Community Support Programme.
I spent 45 years of my career in local government, the majority as Principal Officer in the Chief Executive/County Secretary’s Department at Nottinghamshire County Council. I also had responsibility for the County Home Office Services involving the appointment and management of 140 staff and service delivery.
Following early retirement, I established and ran a Governance Consultancy operating in the secondary education sector. For 6 years, I was also General Secretary of the Lay Witness Movement, a natural Christian Charity. I am active Christian as a member of New Harvest Community Church.
Treasurer & Trustee
I have been a Canaan Trustee since 2010 and Treasurer for most of that time.
I looked after the books of the family computer consultancy for over 25 years. I have seen the Trust grow over my years as a Trustee and experienced God’s hand in its work in many ways.
With the purchase of the property next door to Jordan House the time now seems right to expand the Trust’s work enabling the Trust to provide safe, secure supported accommodation to females many of whom who have experienced abuse and sexual violence.
The new Female House fulfils the vision of the Founding Trustees when Jordan House, No.14 Main Street, was purchased back in 2004.
I am a member of Christ Church, Chilwell.
Trustee
My professional background includes management accounting and project management. I have been an active member of St Helen’s Church in Stapleford since moving into the area in 1983. Early retirement has allowed more time to devote to voluntary activities.
Acting as a Trustee of the Canaan Trust for since 2016 has provided a fascinating insight into the work of the Trust during a time of real challenge for those who are homeless or threatened with becoming homeless. Witnessing the need across our local communities has drawn me to want to be part of the solution.
Through the covid pandemic, the number of females seeking the support of the Trust has been challenging so the purchase of the new property will fulfil the Trust’s desire to provide a holistic and person centred to both female and male homeless.
Trustee
I have lived in Long Eaton for 50+ years and trained in administration when Pitman’s shorthand and touch typing was the thing! My main role as a Trustee is to produce Agendas and take Minutes at Trust Board Meetings.
As well as my work with the Trust, I am joint Secretary and Treasurer at the United Reformed Church at the Green, Treasurer for the Long Eaton Churches Fellowship and I help at the Hope, Petersham Breakfast Club, so my life is never dull!
It is such a privilege to work with the Trust, both with the other Trustees and the staff and volunteers whose skill and dedication never cease to amaze me.
The new female project is very exciting but a little daunting as we make important decisions and all ‘step up’ to raise the extra funds needed to refurbish the new property. However, God has answered our prayers by bringing us thus far and we know he is with us going forward.