Volunteers’ Week: Mirus Trustee Paola

This #VolunteersWeek we want to celebrate and thank our incredible volunteers, who give their time, experience, creativity and ideas to make a huge difference at Mirus.

Today we’re focusing on our Trustees, who help shape the future of the Mirus, support good decision making, and help us stay focused on what matters most – supporting people to live good lives.

One of our most recent Trustees to join the Mirus Board is Paola Spiteri, who became a member in September 2025.

Paola has worked across health and social care throughout her career, including roles in residential support, education and the NHS. She is passionate about inclusion, listening to people’s voices, and helping shape services that work well for the people who use them.

We caught up with Paola to find out more about her, and her reasons for joining Mirus as a Trustee. Scroll down for the full interview!

Interview with Paola

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m about to turn 50 next year, which still feels quite surreal, but also something I feel really privileged about. One of the most important parts of my life right now is being a grandmother. It has been one of the most amazing and grounding experiences.

My whole career has been in health and social care. I grew up in a children’s home, so supporting people has always been part of who I am. It is not just what I do, it is something that has shaped me. Choosing a career where I can help others felt like a natural path.

I have been working in the ambulance service for the past four years and I genuinely love what I do. A piece of work I am particularly proud of is being part of developing a UK wide framework to better support neurodivergent staff. It is all about creating more inclusive environments where people can thrive and feel understood.

Looking ahead, my goals are quite simple at heart. To stay healthy and happy, spend as much time as I can with my family, and continue to play my part in building a more inclusive Wales. For me, that is not just a professional responsibility, it is something I am truly passionate about.

What made you want to become a Trustee at Mirus?

I have had a long career in health and social care and have been lucky to experience lots of different roles. I started as a support worker in residential homes, then worked in hospitals as an auxiliary nurse. I later worked in a residential setting supporting autistic people and people with complex learning disabilities.

Alongside this, I trained in complementary therapies and used those skills to support people with sensory needs. I then moved into education, supporting, teaching and later lecturing in health and social care, before coming full circle back into the NHS in a management role.

Having worked across so many different areas has given me a real understanding of the challenges people face, but also the importance of doing things well. It has shaped my empathy and how I approach supporting people, and it has helped me to understand the importance of listening to both the people we support and the team members who work alongside them every day.

Becoming a Trustee at Mirus felt like a natural step. It gives me the opportunity to use everything I have learned and experienced to help shape services, make sure people’s voices are heard, and ensure that team members feel supported to deliver the best care possible.

You’ve worked in the disability sector for many years – what has kept you passionate?

For me, it has always come back to the people we support and the team members who do such amazing work every day. This work can be both completely heartbreaking at times and also the most utterly joyful. There are moments and experiences that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

There is also something incredibly important about the comfort we can bring to people and their families. It is a real privilege to walk alongside people through some of the most challenging times in their lives, as well as their proudest moments. I have supported people at the end of their lives and felt deeply honoured to be trusted in that way. This work can take pieces of your heart, but it also brings you so much joy.

What keeps me passionate is seeing the difference that the right support can make. When people feel listened to, understood and empowered, you can see confidence grow and people live fuller lives. Being part of that, even in a small way, is incredibly rewarding.

I am also constantly inspired by the team members I have worked with. Their dedication, compassion and their stories have enriched my life in ways I will always carry with me.

Why do you think choice and control are so important for people, particularly those who are accessing support?

When I was a lecturer, I used to ask my students to imagine waking up one day and no longer having any control over their life. You do not choose when to get out of bed, what to wear or what to eat. Someone else decides how your day looks and what you do. You no longer have a voice or the ability to make your own decisions.

When you think about it like that, you start to understand how important choice and control really are. They are a fundamental part of who we are as people. Without them, it can affect your confidence, your wellbeing and your sense of identity.

For people accessing support, having choice and control is about dignity and respect. It is about being seen as an individual, not just being cared for, but being empowered to live your life in the way that feels right to you. This is the reality that some people face, and when you reflect on it, you can begin to imagine the frustration and loss of control, and the impact that has on someone’s wellbeing.

What do you enjoy doing as a Trustee?

I recently took part in an engagement visit where I was able to spend time with people in their home. I was shown around, heard about all the fun things they enjoy and their interests, and met some fantastic team members. It was such a warm experience, and it felt really special to be welcomed into people’s homes like that.

I am really looking forward to doing more visits like this, continuing to listen and learn from people and seeing first-hand the difference that good support makes. And I am definitely looking forward to joining in some of the celebrations too. I could do with adding a few more good parties to my calendar.

Most importantly, I am looking forward to being able to have an impact at a strategic level. Being part of shaping the future, helping to make positive decisions, and making sure that people are always at the heart of everything we do is what really matters to me.

What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a Trustee at Mirus – why should people do it?

Do it. Why would you not?

I think having a mix of people on a Board is hugely important. People from all walks of life bring different experiences and perspectives, and that is what makes stronger, better decisions.

You might think you do not have the right skills, knowledge or job role, but I would say you probably do. If this is something you feel passionate about, that has come from somewhere, whether through your life, your experiences or the people around you. That perspective has real value.

Being a Trustee is about bringing your voice, being willing to listen and learn, and wanting to make a difference. If you care about people and want to be part of something that can have a positive impact, then it is absolutely worth doing.

Outside of work, what kinds of things do you enjoy doing / what are your interests?

My family is everything to me. I grew up without one, so having my own has always felt incredibly important and something I try never to take for granted. My partner is an amazing person and truly my best friend. He is always busy, pottering around and making our lives feel special in the everyday moments.

My children are my pride. They have taught me so much and I feel very lucky to have been able to raise such wonderful human beings. And now I have grandchildren, which really does feel like the cherry on top. Of course, family life comes with its challenges, but we figure things out together. We are probably a bit more the Addams Family than the Waltons, but I love that about us.

I am also about to go to my first music festival, which I am very excited about. Camping for five days will definitely be an experience, especially as I like to be organised, but I made us a spreadsheet with what we need, these corporate skills come in handy.

Inspired to become a volunteer like Paola?

We’d love to hear from people who are interested in becoming a Trustee. You don’t need previous experience, just a willingness to get involved! It’s a great opportunity to use your skills and experience to make a real difference.

You can read more about the role of a Trustee and apply online: https://www.mirus-wales.org.uk/volunteer/trustee/

#Trustees #Volunteers #VolunteersWeek