Berwickshire Swap – Michelle Ritchie

Berwickshire Swap started in 2021 when two mums, keen to encourage sustainable use of school wear and alleviate the continuous challenge of expense, set up the charity.

Berwickshire Swap has since strengthened in growth, outreach and support and covers much of the Scottish Borders. The flagship events of Berwickshire Swap are the events where families can find what they need for just the price of the £1 entry. Families are encouraged to ‘fill a bag’, whether it be clothes, toys, books or maternity wear. It’s all about parents supporting parents.

Michelle Ritchie is an experienced accountant and was approached informally at a social event by individuals who knew that Berwickshire Swap were looking for a much-needed treasurer. Michelle jumped at the chance; initially joining the Berwickshire Swap Board as a Trustee and then becoming Treasurer.

The role as treasurer has allowed Michelle to strengthen her charity accounting knowledge.

Michelle has also learned new skills relating to the wider management of Berwickshire Swap and has built up a wealth of knowledge around Risk Assessments, phone contracts, safeguarding, staff time and holiday management, policies, payroll and bookkeeping Michelle says, ‘I never would have come across these matters in my previous day job so it’s fantastic learning for me’.

Michelle is a Mum herself and so understands the work of Berwickshire Swap from the perspective of the people and communities it serves and often pitches up herself at Swap events to socialise and as well as making use of the clothes, toys and books for her son as well.

Michelle is very committed to the role of Treasurer and Trustee of Berwickshire Swap and her advice to anyone thinking about volunteering is clear: ‘just get involved – everyone has skills that charities and community organisations need – there is always a place in a board for you’.