Meet Our Marketing & Communications Trustee, Melanie Astbury
To mark National Trustees’ Week this November, we caught up with our Marketing & Communications trustee, Melanie Astbury.
From the early days of CareDogs to supporting its growth behind the scenes, Melanie shares what drew her in, what keeps her inspired, and how her role helps shape the charity’s journey ahead…
Why did you want to become a Trustee for CareDogs?
I love how CareDogs brings people within a community together, we always need more of that because the world can be a lonely place. CareDogs combines mental and physical benefits for our clients and for our volunteers too. Connecting wonderful people for company, chats, and getting outside to walk - I wanted to be part of that and use my professional skills to help grow the charity.
How long have you been a Trustee for?
Since 2018. I've known CareDogs founder, Delphine Chui, for almost 20 years. She shared the idea of CareDogs with me and I fell in love immediately!
What does your role entail?
I support the development of marketing and communications for the charity, including its marketing strategy. Essentially my role is to help broaden the charity's awareness and grow its influence and reach.
As a small charity, this means hands-on support, working closely with the Charity Manager, Kate Garvey, and my fellow trustees. My role is varied and can involve working on high level strategy as well as providing advice on local community marketing, supporting website development, sharing a marketing lens for fundraising activities, and helping guide communications for the year ahead.
What have you gained from your role as a trustee?
I love watching CareDogs grow each year and knowing that part of that is rooted in a strong and collaborative marketing and communications strategy.
Is there anything we haven’t covered that you’d like to share?
Thank you to my fellow trustees, CareDogs’ staff and Founder, and to all of our incredible volunteers and supporters who make CareDogs a success!
November 2025
