We are currently looking for a number of new Trustees to join our Board. If you think you might be interested please click here and scroll down for further information

Mark Cowland (Chair)

I have recently become Chair of the board of Trustees, in doing so I recognise this as a major commitment and responsibility. The Trustee team at Catching Lives are fully driven to supporting the objectives of the charity – and I am proud to be a part of it.

Although I have no previous experience in working in the voluntary sector, I have been impressed with the level of professionalism provided by the dedicated staff and volunteers at the charity. We all recognise that the homeless situation is likely to get worse before it gets better – and in a world of ever pressured finances, the work we all do in driving funding is directly linked to service levels we provide.

My work experience to date has been in building a successful career in national and international advertising and marketing – and, as I approach retirement, I hope to bring some of the commercial experience I’ve gathered and some of the lessons I’ve learned in supporting the valuable work undertaken by the group.

 

Dr Peter Old

I am a retired doctor:  GP, Director of Public Health and NHS senior manager. The health of homeless people has long been of concern.  The homeless are among those who have the greatest need for health and social care and yet they have the poorest access to statutory services.

I got involved with Catching Lives by volunteering in the kitchen and I have seen first-hand the difference that this charity makes to its clients: providing meals and a place of safety; helping clients navigate through health and social care services and campaigning for change.   The charity does this with the generous gift of time from its volunteers and with charitable donations.  I am proud to support Catching Lives and was delighted to be asked to join the team as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees.

 

James Duff

I joined the board of CatchingLives in 2009 and was elected as chairman in 2012. Prior to this I was a client and a volunteer.

I enjoy my role, which involves, amongst other things, raising much needed funds and creating awareness. In addition, I spend much of my time at the centre talking to clients and volunteers. I feel this helps shape what we do to meet the complex challenges we face. Having a ‘real hands’ on experience enables me to be involved in how the service operates and, as a result, I feel that we are able to make a real positive difference to our client’s lives. Also, as I live in Canterbury I regularly see first-hand the issues our clients have to contend with.

Before coming to Canterbury I worked in various social care and admin roles.

 

Alun Rowland

I have been a trustee since 2012 and am currently treasurer. I came into contact with Catching Lives back in 2010 and was immediately impressed at the holistic approach taken with clients which thereby helps in turning around their lives.

I was pleased to be asked to become a trustee and thereby have an impact in how Catching Lives is run and helping to make a difference. I am a retired civil servant.

 

Kathryn Rogers

I have just joined the Catching Lives’ Board as a trustee and bring experience in charity governance, HR and service development I think that it is vitally important to support and listen to people at really vulnerable points in their lives and the work of Catching Lives means so much to homeless people in Canterbury.

I’m volunteering as a trustee to bring my skills and experience to help Catching Lives with this vital work I live in Canterbury. I am the Chief Executive of Bechange, a charity supporting adults in Dover District.

 

Kelly Napier

Details to follow

 

Lynda Desmarais

Details to follow