As chair of perinatal mental health charity, House of Light, Vic Quinn can support families at some of the most challenging times in their lives
‘It’s very different to the day job’ – Vic Quinn on her role as chair of trustees at perinatal mental health charity, House of Light(Image: wilkinchapmanrollits.co.uk)
Hull lawyer Vic Quinn admits that the first time she agreed to be a charity trustee, earlier in her career, she didn’t really know what she was signing up for. “Looking back, I didn’t really understand what my obligations were,” says Vic.
“A colleague suggested I do it, but I didn’t fully appreciate what was expected of me; I probably didn’t contribute as much as I could have.” It was only last year, when she became a trustee at the perinatal mental health charity House of Light, that Vic began to fully understand what’s involved in effective trusteeship.
“It can feel quite overwhelming if you’ve never been involved in a charity before,” says Vic. “But once you understand the role, it becomes much clearer. You don’t need to have all the answers. But you do need to be prepared to contribute, ask questions and engage.”
Vic’s experience of trusteeship is quite common. While there are around one million trustees across the UK, the role is perhaps not widely understood and not one that comes to mind for many people when they think of volunteering.
Earlier this year, Vic, a partner at law firm Wilkin Chapman Rollits, became chair of trustees at Hull-based charity House of Light, which supports around 2,000 people each year across Hull and the East Riding. The charity provides counselling and peer support to those experiencing perinatal mental health challenges, from pre-conception through to early parenthood, including support after loss.
Its trustees play a crucial role behind the scenes, helping to guide how it is run, overseeing decision-making and ensuring the organisation remains focused on supporting those who need it. “When I was pregnant with my first child, perinatal mental health wasn’t discussed.
“It’s like mental health generally – there’s now more conversation and less stigma. That’s the same for perinatal mental health.
“It’s recognised as important, and workplaces are becoming more aware too, offering support and signposting.” As chair of trustees, Vic plays a leading role in guiding House of Light’s direction and ensuring the charity can support families at some of the most challenging times in their lives – something she says gives the role real meaning.
“Those early years are so important for development,” she says. “So being part of a service that supports families through that period is a real privilege and a way of giving something back.”
Vic, who is also a busy mother, says balancing trusteeship alongside her full-time role and her family life can be challenging, but highly rewarding. “It’s very different to the day job,” she says.
“Working with people from different backgrounds and sectors is something I really value. On a personal level, I find it really enjoyable and get a lot of satisfaction out of it.”
Asked what advice she would give to new or aspiring trustees, Vic suggests focusing on the basics first. “Understand what you’re signing up for – your responsibilities, obligations and liabilities,” she says.
“Learn about the charity, its values, objectives and structure, and make sure those values align with your own. If possible, observe a board meeting before committing, and make sure there’s a proper induction process.
“Also, understand the time commitment. If you don’t have the capacity, there are many other rewarding ways you can support charities.” As part of Humber Business Week, and during Volunteers’ Week 2026, Wilkin Chapman Rollits, which works with a number of charities across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, is bringing together charity CEOs and trustees from across the region for an event called Charities’ Question Time Live, on Thursday, June 4.
It is being held at the Aura Innovation Centre on Bridgehead Business Park, Hessle. To book a place, visit wilkinchapmanrollits.co.uk/events
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