The CEO of Edward’s Trust, Clare Martin, leads a vital charity that supports children, young people and families facing loss and surviving bereavement across the West Midlands

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

I’ve been a part of Edward’s Trust for 12 years, going from volunteer, to patron, trustee and CEO. I’m a solicitor, although non-practising now, and was based in Birmingham for eight years before moving to Devon and then to Oxford. Despite relocation and a career break from law, I kept working with Edward’s Trust as I am passionate about their vital work in the West Midlands.

IT’S WHAT I DO

Edward’s Trust is a local charity that supports bereaved parents, children and young people from all over the West Midlands. We have 35 years of experience and provide qualified counselling and holistic support for complex or prolonged grief. We do not set time limits and our service is completely free. My role is to lead the exceptional team so they support as many bereaved individuals and families as possible, and to ensure we continue to raise vital funds to keep our service going.

BIGGEST SUCCESS

Professionally, I’ve always felt proudest of my work with bereaved people – I worked with grieving individuals as part of my private client legal work and now continue to help them, albeit in a different way. Offering help and hope to people in their darkest times is a real privilege. Personally, I am proud to be a disabled CEO. My career break was enforced after I was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. I hope that being in this position, while managing my disability, might mean I am able to change certain misconceptions around disability and chronic health conditions.

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED

It’s ok to not have all of the answers. We are all learning as we go and being vulnerable and asking for help is a sign of strength.

WHAT I’D LIKE TO SEE

Edward’s Trust just moved into a larger property in Edgbaston with more therapy rooms and a large group space. Our ambition is to widen our reach to more grieving families and find more supporters to help raise funds for us. We would love everyone in the West Midlands to know about Edward’s Trust.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BRUM

Brummies are such friendly people, and when someone calls me ‘bab’, I know I am home! Our city is rich in diversity and culture and I love everything about it.

DOWNTIME

I run a monthly virtual book club and I also draw and paint a little and enjoy taking photographs. Weekly film night with my husband, two daughters and our dog Oscar is one of my favourite things, too.

FINALLY…

I am always happy to chat with anyone who thinks they can help Edward’s Trust. Please do reach out if you can help or if you’d just like to know more.