… leaving the RAF, she has worked within the NHS, the Royal Foundation and the military charity sector, with the main aim of using sport and adventurous activities to assist those who have been affected by injury and illness to find new purpose and aid their recovery journey. Knowing first-hand the importance of having good health and wellbeing, Naomi is committed to using her lived experience to positively impact individuals and organisations. As a keen sportswoman, Naomi has competed in multiple adaptive sports and, in 2018, she represented ‘Team UK’ at the Invictus Games in Sydney in wheelchair racing. She is now a qualified athletics coach.
“I’m excited about this new chapter within the Blue Light Card Foundation and understand the power of support to those who need it. By funding projects that support members of the community to improve their mental and physical wellbeing, we hope that they can continue to be there for us when we need them too.”
Throughout Sarah’s career, she has taken steps to provide the very best support to enhance the functionality of all organisations she has worked with.
With a background in the public sector, Sarah has supported establishing systems, engaged in administrative oversight and provided operational support within various teams, as well as taking responsibility for coordinating onboarding, training and events. Helping to remove the administrative barriers from stakeholders is key to enabling others in succeeding, resulting in positive outcomes for all. Supporting, enabling and enhancing others are part of Sarah’s core beliefs and she continues to aim to reach this each and every day.
“Coming from a family of front line workers, I am proud to be part of the Foundation and give back to those who need it. For those working in the Blue Light community, being able to access opportunities and seek support that empowers them is fundamental to their resilience and wellbeing.”
… in sales and PR led her to her mission of empowering businesses, organisations and individuals to drive societal change and make a difference, all whilst achieving their professional and personal goals. Magda has recently become a Mindfulness and Compassion teacher. She remains a keen Mindfulness practitioner and proud advocate for wellbeing. Her practice and focus on building mental resilience is a result of her own personal hardship.
“My motto has always been: ‘Don’t just do it, do it with passion and pride’. The true meaning of this statement was never more apparent than when I started working within the charity sector. I am very excited about my role at Blue Light Card Foundation and am proud to play my small part in making an impact on people’s lives. This is my way to give back to those who give most.”
… grant management and a passion for supporting impactful initiatives that promote mental health awareness and wellbeing.
Charlie’s experience includes overseeing successful projects and collaborating with diverse organisations ensuring that resources go towards projects that genuinely make a difference. She has also supported many individuals whilst employed in the Fire Service as a Community Educator and during this time, she gained a valuable insight into the unique challenges faced by the Blue Light community.
“I firmly believe that supported mental health and wellbeing are fundamental not only for individual resilience but also for the effective functioning of the Blue Light community as a whole. As someone who has experienced my own personal journey with mental health challenges, I have first hand knowledge of the impact it can have on individuals and their families, especially those working in high-risk and emotionally taxing professions. This experience has shaped my mission to advocate for improved mental health support and resources within the Blue Light community.”
… the work that they do. He played an integral part in making Blue Light Card what is it today and is now a crucial member of the Trustee team at the Blue Light Card Foundation, ensuring grants are made to people making a sustained, positive impact on the health and wellbeing of those within the services.
“Stress and burnout have always been a challenge for people, but we’ve noticed it’s getting worse. Thankfully, more people are speaking up about it, but getting support isn’t always straightforward – that’s where we can help, by funding projects that improve the working environment, physical and mental wellbeing of everyone in the Blue Light community. They deserve every bit of help we can provide, and I’m extremely proud to be a part of that.”
… to Tom that many businesses wanted to say thank you but were unable to due to gratuity. From there, Blue Light Card was born, and, 14 years on, the Blue Light Card Foundation was created.
“The Blue Light Card Foundation is a way to extend help for our community of members even further, to do more for them and to make their lives better. I am extremely proud to a Trustee for the Foundation and I know that it will do such amazing things for our members, helping to fund projects that will improve their physical and mental wellbeing.”
… Keresley RFC and has been instrumental in its growth over the last ten years. Throughout his career, he has been a passionate supporter of charitable and voluntary work, kayaking from Leicester to London, rowing the lakes, and fundraising for projects linked to the rugby club.
“I’m a dedicated family man, married with two young children who keep me busy. I combine a love of sport and a passion for helping people, professionally, personally, charitably, and voluntarily and am delighted to be a part of the Blue Light Card Foundation.”
… organisations, including Blue Light Card, over the years. He has had the good fortune of seeing many people grow and flourish in their roles and loves being able to support others in whatever journey they’re on.
“I’ve worked with Tom and Steve for the last seven years and got to know them well. They both really care about the people they work with, and that resonated with me. It’s easy to be busy all the time, to not take a step back and really see the world around us. Having that perspective is so important for our overall health and wellbeing. The projects and initiatives funded by the Blue Light Card Foundation will enable people to do just that. People who devote their lives to helping others really deserve someone giving something back to them.”
… faced by police officers and how these experiences can impact mental health and wellbeing. Karen is an Associate Director for The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales and founded The Royal Foundation’s Emergency Responder Programme supporting blue light staff and volunteers across the UK.
“I am delighted to be joining the Board at such an exciting time and it is a real privilege to be at the heart of the decision making on how the Blue Light Card Foundation can best support the wellbeing of our frontline workers and volunteers. This is a cause which is very close to my own heart, and I am looking forward to being part of something exciting and ambitious, as well as working alongside a talented team. The support of the Foundation could not come at a more important time, and I look forward to seeing how the organisation grows and what it goes on to achieve.”
Chair of Trustees – Steve Denny I General Manager – Naomi Adie
Blue Light Card Foundation, Charnwood Edge, Syston Road, Cossington, Leicester LE7 4UZ
The Blue Light Card Foundation is a registered charity within England and Wales. Charity No. 1 1 9 8 4 9 2
