Trustees Week 2025: Chris at Key To Joy

Trustees Week is an annual celebration of the vital role trustees play in supporting charities and making a difference in communities across the country. They are the backbone of countless organisations, working behind the scenes to ensure that services and support reach those who need them most.

This week shines a spotlight on these individuals, encouraging more people to consider becoming trustees and highlighting the incredible impact they have.

For the past two and a half years, Chris Mouat has been Chair of Key to Joy, a charity based in Fareham that supports adults with learning difficulties through a wide range of life-enhancing activities. The charity has 89 members and offers sessions in life skills, gardening, arts and crafts, wellbeing and more.

Chris says: “Our members trust us. We’re giving them skills and confidence that make a difference to their lives outside our sessions. It’s about helping people to be more independent and proud of what they can achieve.”

Before joining Key to Joy, Chris had already dedicated her career to supporting people with additional needs. She worked as an Assistant Head Teacher at a special needs school, and after retiring, she was invited back as a Governor to help merge two school governing bodies.

“It was like a project I could get stuck into, and I’ve always needed something that keeps my brain going!”

It was through an ex-governor that she was introduced to Key to Joy. When she visited for the first time, she was struck by how happy and excited everyone seemed. “The members were laughing, joining in, and completely being themselves. There was no sense of judgement or intimidation – just joy. That’s what drew me in.”

Chris started as Co-Chair, learning about the inner workings of the charity before becoming Chair. She quickly realised that the organisation was ready to grow, with a clear need for a larger space and more opportunities for its members.

“We were outgrowing our old venue – a scout hut on Highlands Road. It served us well, but we needed somewhere that gave our members more confidence and space to thrive.”

Under her leadership, Key to Joy developed a five-year strategy focused on growth, sustainability, and community partnerships. The charity had been supported by a National Lottery grant, but with that funding nearing its end, Chris and her fellow trustees had to think strategically about the future. A key step was employing a fundraiser.

“Since then, we’ve built brilliant partnerships with local companies like Specsavers and Eaton. Their staff voted for us to be their chosen charity, and they’ve been amazing – not just donating but running their own fundraising events.”

The charity also has strong local support, with the Mayor and Councillor Pamela Bryant serving as patrons. Between grants, donations, and sponsorships, Key to Joy has now raised around £10,000 to £12,000 towards its development plans.

Earlier this year, the charity moved to a new home at Fareham Hockey Club, introduced to them through Fareham Borough Council.

“Being at the hockey club gives our members a real sense of belonging. It’s a more adult environment and it’s helped boost their confidence enormously.”

Although they had to leave behind their much-loved vegetable garden and shed from the old site, plans are already underway to recreate it.

“We’ll be fundraising for a new shed and landscaping a garden space. The gardening projects are so important. They teach our members how to grow their own food, take care of plants, and use what they grow to cook healthy meals.”

Chris is also closely involved in the upcoming community centre project being developed next to the hockey club by Fareham Borough Council.

“We want to stay connected to that and make sure our members can be part of it. It could open up opportunities for volunteering or using the space for activities.”

Chris credits Community First with helping set up Key to Joy in its early days, when it was known as the Friday Night Charity. The charity still receives advice, guidance and signposting from Community First when it’s needed – and Chris said it’s important to keep the relationship going.

Reflecting on what it means to be a trustee, Chris says the role is both challenging and rewarding. “You have to see the bigger picture – not just what’s happening today, but where you want the charity to be in five years’ time. It’s about having a vision, keeping the charity on track, and making sure it’s something the community can be proud of.”