Making a difference in changing times
“It has been a humbling and life-affirming experience providing support and challenge to the Leuchie team as a Trustee”
Dr Jacquelyn Chaplin
In 2013 I took up a position as a Trustee and Director of Leuchie House, the National Respite Centre. Since then I have been consistently impressed by the commitment and dedication of the team at Leuchie House who contribute so much to the lives of people with progressive neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease and Parkinsons.
As a retired nurse I know the value of respite breaks not only to the individual but also to the person’s family who are reassured that while they have a break their loved one is receiving high quality care from an experienced team in a happy and beautiful environment.
Over the last few years it has been wonderful to see how the team have been harnessing technological advances to not only enhance the care that Leuchies guests receive while visiting Leuchie but also to enable them to maximise their independence when they return home. This is a remarkable achievement at any time but even more so in the context of the challenges of the recent pandemic.
It has been a humbling and life-affirming experience providing support and challenge to the Leuchie team as a Trustee and I would urge you to consider what you might bring to such a role in order that the whole team at Leuchie can achieve its goal of benefitting more people in more ways over the next ten years.
“I can bring additional experience and expertise from the third sector and issues relating to carers”
Richard Meade
Being a Trustee at Leuchie is a privilege. I am passionate about ensuring that society supports all its people allowing them a rewarding and fulfilling life regardless of their circumstances. Leuchie encapsulate that ethos by supporting those with a range of neurological conditions and their carers to have a proper holiday and a break. Leuchie also offers substantial and growing expertise in the use of new technologies and innovations to support better independent living, which has been fantastic in cementing its position as Scotland’s national respite centre.
Having worked in public affairs and in health and social care organisations for most of my career I offer Leuchie an extra insight and analysis of the political environment in Scotland and can advise them on how they interact with Government and politicians. As a director of a national charity for carers I can bring additional experience and expertise from the third sector and issues relating to carers which is of relevance to Leuchie.
“I’ve worked as a doctor for more than 35 years, and I am passionate about the difference short breaks can make to people”
Dr Maria Duffy
I am Trustee and Director of Leuchie House, the National Respite Charity for people with complex neurological problems and their families.
The benefits to Health and wellbeing from Leuchie can be far-reaching.
I’ve worked as a doctor for more than 35years, the last 30 as a GP. I am passionate about the difference that short breaks and the opportunities that Leuchie offers can make to people. It is not only high-quality respite with expert in-house health care and technology teams but also the enhancements we expect from a holiday and more; beautiful rural setting in a country house, gardens, access to the nearby beach and outdoors, arts and entertainment.
As a Trustee I can bring expertise from my own experience of work and my connections which wouldn’t be available to the charity otherwise and I have enough distance from the day to day to offer strategic and Governance oversight.
I know Leuchie makes a meaningful difference to the lives of thousands of people and I too benefit - it feels great to play a small part in making sure that the team of trustees maintain excellent quality of service and use our joint expertise to benefit more people each year.
“We strive to keep Leuchie as a leading-edge respite centre while respecting its long history as a beautiful home “
Gordon Davies
As you approach Leuchie along the drive and turn the corner this beautiful 18th century building comes into view. I wonder how many people have enjoyed this first sight of Leuchie as they arrive for a respite holiday.
It is what happens inside the building that really matters, but one cannot help being caught up in the atmosphere of the building itself. The mind wanders, and wonders about the history of Leuchie and its generations of occupants, and this can be an uplifting experience.
While the care given to guests is second to none, we also take great care of Leuchie House itself to ensure that the physical environment is perfectly suited to guests’ needs. We strive to keep Leuchie as a leading-edge respite centre while respecting its long history as a beautiful home. A holiday here is a truly enriching experience.
