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

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.

Sue Gray

SECRETARY

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.

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.

Steve Badger

Steve began his teaching career as Head of German in an independent boarding school in Hampshire, moving on to be Head of French and then Head of Modern Foreign Languages, where he restructured the entire approach to teaching languages, leading to a significant increase in numbers at both GCSE and A-Level and to excellent results. Since 2007 he has been a senior school leader, initially as a Director of Activities, moving to be Deputy Head in charge of Staff Development (including inspections), and more recently Deputy Head Teaching & Learning. In his recent role he has overseen a radical restructuring of his school’s curriculum from age 13 upwards and created and implemented a radical restructuring of the school’s approach to learning, focusing on excellence in process, and ensuring that ambitious teaching and learning has pupil welfare at its heart. Over the years he has presented at a number of educational conferences, has worked as a consultant with schools across the UK to support middle and senior leaders, and is the author of a range of popular resources to support French teachers. Steve is passionate about supporting brilliant teaching and shaping great learners, as well as being a huge fan of the Beatles, Newcastle United, and VW camper vans!

Steve has been a loyal supporter of Hammersley Homes from the start, and being so well versed in school governance, Steve brings his valuable skills with him to the Hammersley Homes Board of Trustees.

Antonio Rizzo

Antonio brings over 30 years’ senior leadership experience spanning regeneration, community infrastructure, and digital transformation. He has overseen strategic capital investment decisions exceeding £30m, including complex mixed-use developments integrating residential, community and public services, ensuring strong governance, financial discipline, and long-term sustainability within accountable public and charitable settings.

With a background in both public service and community-focused development, Antonio has particular expertise in capital oversight, risk management, and ESG-aligned strategy, embedding social value, inclusive design and environmental responsibility into long-term asset planning. He has also led large-scale shared digital infrastructure initiatives across partnerships serving over eight million residents, strengthening resilience and access to services.

An experienced trustee and strategy board member, Antonio is committed to supporting housing models that combine secure homes with dignity, stability and responsible stewardship for the long term, and is excited to share his experience and expertise with the Board of Hammersley Homes.

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.

James Cain

I am an athlete and founder of Static Ventures, an endurance sporting events organisation which aims to inspire individuals to partake in difficult challenges whilst supporting charities and foundations. Having met Louise through friends in the Art world, I was very inspired by her story and felt compelled to assist Hammersley Homes and the amazing work they do for vulnerable adults with mental illness.

STAFF

Laura De Franco

Director of Operations

Laura (Lau) moved from her native Nicaragua to the UK in 2018 and has worked in supported housing, criminal justice and mental health for over twenty years. She designed and developed Hampshire’s first mental health crisis house and worked in a number of prisons across England in resettlement and violence reduction. Lau recently joined Hammersley Homes to support the Outreach Programme’s growth. A passionate communicator committed to self-endurance, she is working on her first book on navigating joy and sorrow through life.

Marisa Tommaselli

Office & Compliance Manager

Before joining Hammersley Homes, I spent 20 years working in the global marine industry, followed by more than 10 years in project administration, developing strong organisational, operational and problem-solving skills. I enjoy bringing structure and efficiency to busy environments and supporting teams to achieve their goals.

Alongside my career, I am studying part-time with The Open University towards an LLB Law degree, reflecting my passion for continuous learning and personal development.

I live in Lymington with my partner and our rescue dog, who keeps us busy exploring the beautiful New Forest and local coastline. Joining Hammersley Homes has given me the opportunity to use my experience in support of a charity whose mission resonates with me.

Kelly Morris

Outreach Home Visitor

I’m Kelly - I have been in support work on and off for the past 10 years, recently joining Hammersley Homes in 2025 alongside my other passion in holistic health and fitness. I am a very outdoorsy person, a massive foodie and I love nothing more than taking my shoes off in the forest! And a decent coffee. I have a rescue dog from Portugal. She’s the best dog! I love a Dad joke and can’t go a day without listening to music.

Nkosinathi (Nathi) Ngwabeni

Outreach Home Visitor

Hello I'm Nathi, I started working for Hammersley Homes in August 2025. I’m really honoured to be part of this amazing charity. I started my working life in the hospitality industry which I enjoyed for a while, but family life pushed me towards the care sector about 15 years ago and I never looked back.

Outside of work, I'm an avid enthusiast of the outdoors; enjoying walking, playing a round golf and running. I have run marathons and ultra-marathons, and my goal is to run the comrades marathon one day.

Jude Shaw

Outreach Home Visitor

Hi I’m Jude. I have worked in health and social care and the voluntary sector for about 20 years, in support and mentoring roles. I love working alongside people and getting to know them and their stories, and I’m a great believer in the power of connection and communities.

I was a specialist worker in sensory needs for Hampshire County Council, and then moved into the voluntary sector. I also worked on a 3-year project in Southampton, putting on storytelling events across the city where individuals could share experiences of overcoming mental health struggles in their lives. It was a fabulous community enterprise that encouraged conversations around mental health challenges, and really brought people together. I’m pleased now to be able to bring my experience and skills to work with Hammersley Homes, and contribute to the great work they are doing.

Aside from my enjoyment of supporting local grassroots events and finding quirky cafes, I enjoy writing and I have an MA in creative writing and personal development. I am also a veggie cook and a qualified animal healer. Walking my dog is a favourite way to socialise.

Fergus Lyons

Outreach Home Visitor

Hi, I’m Fergus. I am so pleased to find this opportunity that feels right for me at this point in my life, and to be able to bring all of my work experiences and enjoyment to support people to be as independent as possible. I am looking forward to working with this special Outreach team at Hammersley Homes, embarking on new relationships, getting to know people and seeing how much we can grow together.

When I left school, I had no idea that I would be working to help other people. I first worked on building sites as a junior engineer, and I soon realised this somehow did not represent who I was, and I took a pretty terrifying plunge into leaving that all behind, and embarking on a new adventure: to go to University at 26 years old, to study a course in learning disabilities, informed by much enjoyable and deeply rewarding volunteering experiences. It is the people in a job that make me happy and flourish - a good team, meaning and purpose, like my team here at Hammersley Homes.

I also like being out in nature, relaxing with a run or a cycle ride, and just trying to take it easy.

Patrick O’Neill

Outreach Programme Assistant

I’m honoured and excited to be working with Hammersley Homes as part of the admin team supporting the outreach service. The charity and its people provide amazing support 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 its humbling to witness the positive effective it has on the Outreach Members. In my free time I volunteer for various other charities, I like walking, writing music, playing snooker, visiting local areas of interest and watching films.

Nicky Playle

Finance & Reporting Officer

I joined Hammersley Homes as Finance & Reporting Officer in August 2026, bringing over 10 years of experience in finance and accounting across corporate finance, small and medium-sized businesses, and the charity sector.

I wanted to work for an organisation where my skills could make a genuine difference, and I was particularly drawn to Hammersley Homes’ values and its mission to provide permanent homes and lifelong support for adults living with enduring mental illness.

In my role, I hope to make our day-to-day financial processes as smooth and efficient as possible, bring a fresh perspective to our reporting, and support the charity as it continues to grow. Outside work, I enjoy travelling and spending time with family and friends.

VOLUNTEERS

Jennifer Maxwell

OUTREACH

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!

Paige McGurty

OUTREACH

Hello, I’m Paige I’ve recently joined Hammersley Homes in hopes to have a positive impact on well-being and to assist in helping those in need of support.I’m currently studying Animal care, welfare and behaviour online and have plenty of spare time and wanted to use that towards something that’s fulfilling and offers a helping hand. I believe every challenge has a solution and every bad day can end with a smile.Having volunteered online previously for a mental health support platform I’ve gained more knowledge surrounding mental health and have successfully helped several people along the way. I have also studied and passed a mental health awareness course that gave insights into several aspects covering mental health and well-being. I hope to help support Hammersley Homes in making a better and brighter future for those in need.In my spare time I love spending time with my animals, taking my son on days out and embracing the outdoors.

Wendy Cadden

ADMIN

Hi. I’m Wendy. I am a mum of 4 and live in Northern Ireland. Where I’m from, there is a lot of deprivation and lack of services for supporting sufferers of mental ill health. I have seen the consequences of this too many times. You have to fight for the services that are available and sadly, if you aren’t in a position to advocate for yourself, you slip through the cracks. This is a nationwide problem, that Hammersley Homes are working hard to change. I’m delighted to lend my voice to Hammersley Homes, researching news and current affairs, to help raise awareness on mental health.

Bryan Woods

ADMIN

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.

Abbie Nash

ADMIN

Hi, I’m Abbie, a Social Media Volunteer at Hammersley Homes. As a university student studying Criminology and Forensic Psychology, I am passionate about understanding human behavior and advocating for vulnerable communities. Volunteering with Hammersley Homes allows me to combine my academic knowledge with my interest in social impact, helping to raise awareness through engaging and meaningful social media content. I’m proud to support their mission and contribute to the vital work they do.

Maria Guzman

ADMIN

Maria started her career working in administration, first in the financial sector and then in commerce. In the year 2000 she decided to do a secondary PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages, and following that she worked as a Spanish teacher in the Poole area and then in Bournemouth.

Maria wants to gain Marketing experience, particularly in Social Media, as she supports Hammersley Homes in her role as Marketing and PR volunteer.

Henry Ladds

ADMIN

A young fresh creative based in Hampshire whose ideas have helped people effectively communicate their brands and shape their visuals through bold style and a clear vision. I’m pleased to have this opportunity to share my skills with Hammersley Homes.

Rebekah Harley

ADMIN

I studied to become a writer at Bath Spa University and now I write novels for young adults. My interest in psychology and writing prompted my desire to support Hammersley Homes by writing about severe mental illnesses and the work of the charity. Alongside everything else, I enjoy walking my family dog, learning Cantonese, going to the cinema, and traveling with my husband.