Our People
Patrons
Nigel Planer
Nigel’s been an actor, singer and writer since he started in the early 80s as an original member of the Comedy Store and Comic Strip clubs. He played Neil in the Young Ones and has gone on to star in many other TV and theatre productions. He is very aware of the need for long term housing for the long term mentally ill, who are currently let down by the insecurity of the temporary support system. Author of ‘A Good Enough Dad’, and ‘Therapy and How to Avoid It ’, he is proud to be a patron of Hammersley Homes.
David Gower OBE
English cricket commentator and former cricketer David Gower, was captain of the England cricket team during the 1980s, and has been described as one of the most stylish left-handed batsmen of his era. "I’m proud to be able to support Hammersley Homes - it is just so vitally important that the most vulnerable people in our society are able to know that they have a secure place to call home.”
John Illsley
“I am a founder member of the band Dire Straits and honoured to support and be a Patron of Hammersley Homes, which I’m sure will be an invaluable resource in helping people in later life deal with mental illness”
Kit Kemp MBE
As a co-owner and Creative Director of Firmdale Hotels, Kit is passionate about creating exciting and unique interiors. She is an author, successful textiles, homewares & fragrance designer and respected champion of British art.
Vanessa Branson
Vanessa Branson is a champion of global cultural and ecological initiatives and is frequently sought after as a keynote speaker and event chair.
As the Founding President of the Marrakech Biennale, she created North Africa’s only trilingual arts festival – comprising visual art, literature and film programs featuring acclaimed international and Moroccan artists.
In October 2014, Vanessa Branson was awarded the Royal distinction of Officer of the Order of Ouissam Alaouite, a Royal honour is in recognition of the contribution she has made to the Moroccan cultural scene and, in particular, for her efforts in establishing Marrakech as a richly diverse and eclectic platform for the arts.
Prior to this, between 1999 and 2004, she was co-founding curator with Prue O'Day of the Wonderful Fund Collection. Her other cultural projects have included the establishment and co-direction – along with Prue O’Day and Anatol Orient – of the Portobello Arts Festivals in 1987, 1988 and 1989.
Active as an entrepreneur, she founded the Vanessa Devereux Gallery (1986–91) in London, where she showed a number of emerging artists including William Kentridge’s UK debut exhibition.
In 2002, along with her business partner Howell James CBE, she developed an ancient crumbling palace in the centre of Marrakech into a beautiful boutique hotel - El Fenn.
She owns and runs Eilean Shona, a tidal island on the west coast of Scotland at the entrance to Loch Moidart where J M Barrie wrote the screenplay for Peter Pan.
She is a trustee of the British Moroccan Society and The Leilea Alaoui Foundation, as well as a trustee for Virgin Unite.
Her memoir One Hundred Summers was published on 21 May 2020.
She believes in a fairer world and is pleased to support the work of Hammersley Homes.
Trustees
Our trustees are currently the charity’s managing team, running the strategic development and the organisation on a day-to-day basis, supported by our fantastic team of volunteers.
Louise Hallett
Founder, Chair of Trustees
Louise has, for many years, felt passionately about care and housing for adults suffering from mental illness, and has long wanted to do something about providing an alternative to “care in the community” for this vulnerable sector. Recently retired from 45 years working in various areas of the International Contemporary Art World, she, together with her fellow Trustees, is now directing her energy towards building and developing Hammersley Homes.
Jeremy North
Having recently sold his well known Landscape business, Jeremy brings his valuable entrepreneurial skills to Hammersley Homes. He is a welcome member of our Board of Trustees, particularly with his keen determination to work to find a way to keep adults suffering from mental ill-health safe from offending and out of prison – which is one of our top priority aims.
Lizzie Grant
Following a career in advertising and several years as a Complementary Therapist and Life Coach, Lizzie is now able to spend more time volunteering in her community.Through her work with young offenders and the homeless, she experiences at first hand the effect mental health issues have on these vulnerable members of our society and is delighted to join the Board of Trustees of Hammersley Homes to help them with their very important mission.
Harriet Evans
Harriet is a trained journalist and communications professional, most recently leading the engineering communications strategy for an automotive company. After taking a career break in 2020, she has since completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Law, with a view to working towards tackling social injustice and making the law more accessible to vulnerable groups. Harriet is keen to bring her experience to Hammersley Homes at this exciting time for the charity, helping to fulfil the vision of offering support, comfort and hope for people living with enduring mental illness, and their families.
Sue Gray
Sue has had a long career in the health and social care sector, originally working as a nurse for the NHS in various clinical roles and later in management positions in the private sector. Being passionate about the quality aspects of care delivery she has been involved in the introduction of clinical governance systems in both the UK and overseas.Her most recent work included providing domiciliary care services to people in their own homes which made her more acutely aware of the inadequate support available to people with long term mental health issues. She hopes her past experience will help Hammersley Homes develop their support network for these people, to enable them to live safe and secure lives.
Marion Lewis
After a professional career in Clinical Psychology, with a doctoral thesis on Anxiety, Marion later moved into international business management. During this time, she also worked for the Prince’s Trust as a business mentor. With more time to use her skills in the voluntary sector she served on the board of Breast Cancer Care (later Breast Cancer Now) including as chair of Governance.
Marion is delighted to contribute her skills, experience and knowledge to the important mission of Hammersley Homes.
Andrew Harrison
Hi, I’m Andrew, and I’m proud and delighted to be part of Hammersley Homes. It's an amazing cause.
I’m originally from Cumbria, but while I was in the military, I moved around quite a bit. When I left the armed forces 20 years ago, I moved from London to Hampshire, and embarked on a career in the care industry. I started as a care worker, and progressed to CEO and a company owner. My main experience has been within domiciliary care, residential and nursing homes, especially in dementia care.
I'm also in my final year as a very mature student at Bournemouth University, soon to qualify as a Mental Health Nurse.
I have 6 children, and in my spare time (ha-ha spare time!) I like to listen to music, watch movies and walk in the beautiful New Forest.
ADVISORY BOARD
Natalia Kolotneva
Natalia is an experienced real estate professional with a strong track record in investment and asset management, previously working in leadership positions across public and private sectors. She is currently driving the performance of a specialist asset management team at LaSalle Investment Management within operational sectors, including housing, student accommodation, healthcare and hospitality. Built environment is an ultimate impact asset class that shapes people’s lives and the livelihood of its community. With keen interest in finding innovative housing solutions for vulnerable people in our communities, Natalia serves as an Advisor to the Board in its ambitious growth plans. She brings commercial mind and charitable heart.
Susan Pearson
Susan is a real estate lawyer who has spent many years assisting charitable organisations in their property transactions, combining her commercial property expertise with her knowledge of charity law. She has for many years been a trustee for a charity which supports people with learning disabilities and their families. Susan wants to use her knowledge and experience to help and support Hammersley Homes in her role as an Advisor to the Board.
Tatyana Ignatyeva
Tatyana Ignatyeva is the Managing Director (CEO) of TSI Group in London UK. Tatyana has two decades of experience in the acquisition, development, investment and exit of real-estate investments. She currently spearheads a number of special purpose and acquisition vehicles with over two dozen of investments and completed exits, and $100m of successful projects in the UK, Central and Southern Europe. Prior to founding her real estate, advisory and investment firm, Tatyana worked at a Mayfair-based 1bn+ Hedge Fund (Argo Capital Management) for over 10 years. Tatyana achieved registered and regulated FCA status having qualified with the Investment Managers Certificate of the CFA UK and received the ESG training from CFA. As an entrepreneurial leader and astute investor, she latterly completed the world-class Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), multi-modular programme in Real Estate Finance and Investments.
Judith Richards
After a 30 year career as a producer in documentaries and drama in television and film, Judith moved to working in the Third Sector. After roles including event management and consultancy for various charities, she went on to work as a Project Manager with the National Mental Health Development Unit Acute Care programme.She also worked with the London Development Centre Mental Unit where she was the project lead for implementing Mental Health projects in four Mental Health Trusts in London. While working as a project manager for a Westminster Carers support charity Judith employed her experience of raising finance and managing budgets in film and television to secure £250,000 in National Lottery funding for the project. She fully supports Hammersley Homes and the wonderful work they are doing, and is excited to bring her skills, knowledge and experience to work with them and develop their much needed project.
Laura Pemberton
At 18 I found a passion for mental health nursing, qualified as a mental health nurse and now, many years on, work as a Divisional Director of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals in the NHS.
My greatest passion is to deliver care in a compassionate, caring and human way. That we build communities of openness and support for all the diverse people we are connected with. This applies to every area of life and to all the people involved in the exchanges of support.
Complexity and challenge exists everywhere and thriving in the middle of that is important for us all. Anyone can be affected by many issues that cause illness or need.
The experience and expertise I hold is in many facets of NHS care, networks, strategy and relationships. This is transferable from individuals to large systems - finding a way to solve problems and create supportive connections for people to thrive. Hammersley Homes’s project deeply resonates with me and I am pleased to be able to support them in their valuable work.
Ambassadors
April Edwards
Years of witnessing the inadequacy of long term support for sufferers of mental illness has encouraged April’s strong desire to do what she can to help fight for change. She is one of our most enthusiastic and dedicated fundraisers and brings her charm and charisma to our project, helping to spread the word about our aims, and always working to banish the stigma.
Amanda Mann
Amanda Mann is an entrepreneur who is involved in real estate management projects and recently introduced a new line of food “Mann’s Cookies” to the confectionary market. Amanda will bring her special skills of leadership and knowledge of mental health to our work. Amanda is blessed with a charismatic, magnetic personality and she will add her own special brand of energy and excitement to all our endeavors.
Staff
Sally Harrild
CEO
Sally began her career in Local Government Housing Finance roles in London, initially working with hostels for the homeless and women’s refuges. After 10 years she moved into the charity sector, setting up a community support service for individuals affected by Parkinson’s and volunteering as a Campaigner for the NSPCC’s Full Stop campaign. Over the past 20 years Sally has worked across a wide range of charity functions, including area management of 18 supported housing schemes for Abbeyfield across the Southeast. Her fundraising and volunteer management skills were developed with The Royal British Legion where she supported over 70 volunteer Poppy Appeal Organisers and later at Oxfam where she managed community engagement across London and the Southeast. Most recently Sally has worked within the charity retail sector, initially managing volunteer led shops for Save the Children and then managing paid staff teams, supported by volunteers, for Dogs Trust and Relate.
Sally currently lives in Portsmouth and is delighted to be part of the Hammersley Homes team.
Crystal Bloomfield
Outreach Programme Manager
I have always had a genuine interest in helping people. I work with a person-centred approach to meet the needs, wishes, values, beliefs and preferences of individuals. I am motivated to make a positive change in the lives of vulnerable people through support, advice, empowerment, communication and listening. I have experience of supporting people living with mental health challenges, learning difficulties and physical disabilities. The Hammersley Homes Home Visits Support Programme is an amazing scheme and I am proud to be part of it. I am excited to work with our wonderful volunteers to enrich the lives of vulnerable adults who struggle living with mental illness, to offer dignity, friendship and support to reduce loneliness, and encourage independence.
My hobbies and interests include art, photography, karate, jogging and reading.
Rachel Terrell
Outreach Home Visitor
I have a passion for helping others and I couldn't be prouder that I am able to do that on behalf of the incredible outreach support programme introduced by Hammersley Homes. I have had the opportunity to meet and build relationships with some of the most incredible people in my time caring for vulnerable adults, from scientists to farmers, and I feel like my journey is only really just beginning! I truly believe that everyone can teach you something and I cannot wait to learn more. My aim is to guide, support, empower and build meaningful relationships with those battling with mental health to ensure that they feel the impact of this amazing programme. I live in Southampton with my son and we love muddy walks, scavenger hunts and park visits! Other personal hobbies and interests include makeup, reading and cooking.
Heather Ginn
Outreach Home Visitor
Hi, my name is Heather, or called Hev.I have been with my partner Malcolm for 40 years; we have a boy and girl, Leon and Fern, with 2 grandsons and 2 granddaughters so feel very blessed. I love spending time with our grandkids going for walks and fun days out. My daughter has a dog which we look after at times which is lovely. My favourite place we have travelled to is Sorrento in Italy, obviously eating loads of pasta. I love watching old movies and going to the cinema and pottering in the garden, not that I am that great at it so happy to sit and relax in it. We our avid Saints football supporters so weekends are spent watching them so always busy.
Clare Dark
Volunteer Coordinator
I am a Marketing professional by background, with extensive experience across multiple sectors and industries. I also have lots of experience in volunteer engagement, matching people with stimulating local volunteer opportunities, enriching both the lives of the volunteer and our wider community. I am excited to be part of the Hammersley team, working collaboratively with local people and businesses to collectively drive positive change in the lives of vulnerable people in our community.
Gemma Clapcott
Finance Officer
Gemma has worked in finance for over 25 years, and has experience in both the private and public sector. Gemma has previously worked for the NHS within Children and Adolescent Mental Health. Gemma strives to help the pound stretch as far as it can, and is always looking for ways to generate income, whilst ensuring the best value for money is achieved. Gemma lives on the Dorset / Hampshire border with her family, and her range of disabled animals, with the latest addition being a blind Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which appears very apt in the year of the coronation of King Charles.
Outreach Volunteers
Codie Towers
Hi, I am Codie I am recently studying at college on an access course to health professions hoping to attend university next year to study paramedic science. I have always been interested in helping others and making a difference in people's lives, I am excited to be joining Hammersley Homes and I am happy to be able to help in any way I can!
In my spare time i enjoy boxing, cooking and coastal walks with my 2 dogs.
Michelle Mclntosh
My name is Michelle but you can call me Shell. I am 34 years old and have always worked in the care industry, both elderly and learning disabilities since I was 18. I have joined Hammersley Homes as I am wanting to help people who need it. I believe having someone who you can trust to share your worries and doubts with is very important and I will try my hardest to help in any way I can.
Jennifer Maxwell
Hello, my name is Jenny and I am very excited to join the Hammersley Homes Outreach Team, and to be part of a friendly team of volunteers, working with people who need that extra support.
In my free time, I like going to the gym, long walks, and also trying to bake cakes while listening to the top charts music!
Ebilayefa Freda Imoniero
I love to be a volunteer with Hammersley Homes because I find joy knowing I was able to make someone happy by mere talking and passing on some wonderful wisdom nuggets, and making them know that Happiness comes from within and no one can take that away from us.
Pedro Antunes Feitor
I’m Pedro, I currently study psychology at Bournemouth University. The more I learn about mental disorders the more interested I get. I know it’s really important to spread knowledge and awareness about mental illnesses so that people who live with these illnesses are respected and understood, and people who may develop mental illnesses can be assessed and taken care of early on. This is why I really wanted to get involved with his charity. I have a lot of love to give and I love listening to people's stories, so I am pleased to be able to help this charity to provide in person support to adults who need a helping hand and an extra ear so they can feel supported and listened to.
Olivia Cochran
I’m a first year student studying Psychology at Winchester university. I am passionate about mental health and have seen the impact of both mental and physical illnesses and the stigmatisation that follows this. I believe that Hammersley Homes provides genuine care and support for those suffering, offering them a voice and someone who will listen, as I believe this can make such a positive impact on someone’s life. I am excited to become a volunteer and I plan to help in anyway I can to support this organisation and create a difference.
Alexandra Newton
I’m Alex and I am currently studying Psychology at University. I’ve volunteered in mental health in the past; I love putting energy in to people that need it and I’m delighted to be working with Hammersley Homes on their Outreach Programme, and grateful for this opportunity.
Admin Volunteers
Katherine Cook
Hi! I am a graduate from the University of Exeter with a degree in Geography. A lot of my previous experiences have been in the charity/ fundraising world as I have always been interested in making a difference and having a positive impact on people’s lives. This is why I am excited to join Hammersley Homes, helping to improve the lives of vulnerable individuals and developing a long-term living solution for them, and I am looking forward to getting involved and helping to achieve their mission.
Priscilla Okoye
Priscilla is passionate about human behaviour and the combined factors, events and experiences that actuate and sum up the observed behaviour. A master’s degree holder in English Language and Literature, Leadership and Human Resources Management, Priscilla also has a keen interest in Social Psychology, Positive Psychology, Mental health, Psychological well-being and human flourishing.Considering that the best way to find oneself is to lose the self in the service of others, Priscilla hopes to find herself while helping others. She aims to bring her qualifications and love for others to Hammersley Homes.
Angus Cadwallader
Angus has worked as an editorial and communications specialist for three years and is passionate about conducting research that benefits vulnerable people and communities. He holds an MSc in Media, Communications and International Journalism from the University of Glasgow. By volunteering with Hammersley Homes, Angus hopes to bring the issue of underfunded mental health services to the forefront of public consciousness, as well as work towards securing safe and supported housing for adults suffering from enduring mental illness.
Patrick O’Neill
Hi, I’m Patrick and I’m honoured to be volunteering with Hammersley Homes. The charity and it’s people provide an amazing service and I’m inspired to be a part of it. I have known people in the past who would have benefitted greatly from the comfort, assistance and protection Hammersley Homes offers and so I’m very excited to help in any way I can. In my free time I like walking, writing music, visiting local areas of interest and watching films.
Keith Chillman
Keith has worked as a photographer in the past and sometimes used these skills to offer help as a volunteer, working in museums and helping to train further education students.More recently, due to health problems, he has been working as a volunteer for the last three years for a local museum, and has worked for a community centre.Keith is hoping to use some of the skills he has gained as a volunteer to help Hammersley Homes to raise awareness of the difficulties people with mental health problems endure and put a stop to stigma.
Kevin Thatcher
After attending one of Hammersley Homes events, I met Louise and was instantly hooked on wanting to volunteer and help the charity.
I’m very much a people person and love to work with others. After working in Theatre as a dancer for many years, I retired and started working in the wellness and fitness industry.
My hobbies include dance, tennis and helping others.
Ebube Nwachukwu
Google Analytics volunteer
Having worked in a financial institution for last three years and occupying various positions such as Assistant Head of Operations and Treasury Investment Officer, Ebube decided to pursue a Master’s Degree Program in Management with Business Analytics at the Bournemouth University. She is also an experienced environmental, health and safety consultant and believes in working in a safe and fun environment for higher productivity. Ebube is quite passionate in utilizing her problem-solving skills to deliver projects. As a growing Business Analyst, she is excited to engage in team or sole tasks to ensure desired goals of the organisation is met, and is delighted to be applying her skills to work with Hammersley Homes. She is also enthusiastic about travels, art, music and fashion.
Bryan Woods
Hello my name is Bryan and I am excited to be joining the Hammersley Homes team. Some ten years ago I was made redundant from my job. I then developed health problems and have been unable to work since that time. Before that I spent many years suffering from severe depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. I was hospitalised on a number of occasions. This has given me first- hand experience of mental health issues and the problems that come with them.Over the past decade I have volunteered with several local and national charities. For the past 18 months I have been a Peer Support Volunteer with Havant and East Hants Mind. I help to run support groups for people who are living with ongoing mental health challenges.When I had to give up work, I felt that I had been thrown on the scrap heap. But it was actually the start of a very rewarding part of my life. Through volunteering I have gained more self-confidence. I am also more empathetic towards other people. There is too the feeling of giving something back to society. My hobbies include drawing and painting, reading, astronomy, and writing magazine articles. I am looking forward to writing a regular online blog for Hammersley Homes.
Charlotte Bedwell
Having worked in education for 4 years, Charlie is passionate about mental health awareness. She will be using her skills as an educator and writer to help support the team in growing its social media presence, spreading the word about Hammersley Homes and the amazing work that it does far and wide!
Molly Wells
I am extremely passionate about mental health as many close to me struggle daily with the impacts of mental illnesses. I feel that nowhere near enough is being done to help those who suffer from mental illness which is having lasting effects on the people close to them. Moreover, the reputation and representation of mental health is still not as positive as it should be. Therefore, a charity like Hammersley Homes spoke to me as it offers genuine care and solutions for those who suffer from their mental health and I am excited to be a part of this great organisation and start to make a difference!
Trevor Thornton
After spending most of my life in Surrey I decided to move down to Mudeford in 2014 after years of holidaying here as a child. I have first-hand experience of the mental health services over 40 years. I am a self-employed computer consultant but with some time on my hands, am keen to help Hammersley Homes in any way I can. With over 30 years of experience with computers, PCs and modern devices I hope to use my skills to their advantage.
Jenny Weston
I retired early from a long career in Human Factors (Ergonomics) and am looking forward to spending some of my extra free time in helping Hammersley Homes as a volunteer. I believe that we should provide appropriate facilities and support for all members of our society. This is not just our moral responsibility, it simply makes sense …. so I am very happy to support this charity.
Micaela Oyono Ndo
I am a Spanish Business graduate who wants to explore different areas within a Business. I am looking for development by working as part of a team with experienced managers and studying towards a Accounting certification at the NHS, and am very pleased to have this opportunity to work with Hammersley Homes, helping with their website and google analytics. I have been challenging myself in several aspects in my life, working successfully as part of teams with people from different backgrounds and cultures, always bringing my innovative and problem-solving skills to the job. I am also into Fashion, Art and IT which I consider and hope to be my future.
Jamie Russell
My Name is Jamie, Mental Health Advocate, Volunteer, and Service User for Hammersley homes. I was Diagnosed with High Functioning Autism at 13 years of age. Born and bred in Kent, and currently living in the Lymington area, I have a passion for helping and assisting people, and have a kind, caring person-centred approach to work. I have a history of volunteering which includes being a groundsman for a huge mansion in the forest. My hobbies include music, being a collector of old vinyl records, as well as being a real computer whizz.
Jane Gilbraith
I'm Jane, I'm really excited to be volunteering with the Hammersley Homes team. Having had my own personal mental health issues, as well as supporting close family members through their difficult times, I understand just how vital it is to have a strong support network in place. Hopefully, with my experience and support I can help others when they really need it, and help Hammersley Homes with their office admin.
Natasha Reeves
Tash is an experienced HR professional specialising in systems and data who is passionate about mental health, and delighted to be helping Hammersley Homes with their Google analytics.
Nathalie Aparicio
Hi, I am Nathalie and its an honour to be joining Hammersley Homes.
As a Fashion buyer, I’ve spent the last decade working in London, Mexico City and Singapore, and am delighted to share my skills and knowledge by helping to build the charity’s eBay shop.
Combining a passion for creativity, commerce and project management, I have been fortunate enough in my journey to date, to have developed strong cross cultural understanding. Therefore, I´m excited to be joining another diverse group of people and keen to offer some of my personal and professional experiences to the team.
Finally, thank you to the Hammersley Homes for this opportunity and I look forward to supporting the wonderful work of this special organisation.
Serena Lee
Hi, I’m Serena, a university student at The University of Southampton.
I have always been passionate about making a difference and helping people, which I believe is the forefront of what Hammersley Homes aims to do. I am excited to be helping with the PR & Marketing side of things, which involves creating increased awareness of our cause. Hopefully with my support, I can help towards improving the lives of individuals and make a positive impact.
