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.

 

 

Jason Hanford

I joined the board of Catching Lives as a trustee at the beginning of 2017.   My role is to increase the Charity’s visibility and raise awareness regarding the impact of Homelessness.

I initially got involved with Catching Lives by volunteering at the Winter Night Shelter. I am passionate about challenging social injustice and want to support change for those in our society without a voice.

For the past 20 years, I have been involved in the Executive Search Industry globally.

 

Hugh Burton

I joined the Board in July 2017 having seen the charity at work as a volunteer in the kitchen. My career experience is eclectic, from a business start up in the drinks industry, to a divisional director at a bank and latterly running a delicatessen.

My reason for wanting to work in the homeless sector is born from my belief that I am very fortunate to have had many advantages in life whereas the majority of our clients started life with a wholly different family, social and economic background. I want to help create an environment for these clients which assists them in creating structure in their lives and footholds towards a better future.

 

Dr Ruth Auger

I became a Trustee of Catching Lives in November 2018. I know the day centre well, having started off as a volunteer in the kitchen in January 2011. I then undertook long-term academic research on rough sleeping in Canterbury. This highlighted the continuing need for my main passion: challenging the assumptions that continue to exist around people who are street homeless. Being a Trustee provides me with new ways of raising awareness and advocating for both Catching Lives and its clients.

 

Andy Robinson

Details to follow

 

George Metcalfe

Details to follow

 

Kelly Napier

Details to follow

 

Lynda Desmarais

Details to follow