Chair of Trustees

Julie brings 30 years of experience from senior corporate roles across the telecoms, banking and insurance industries working in the UK, US and France. Julie spent much of her career in Human Resources and is a trained coach. Most recently, Julie was Group Chief Procurement officer of AXA insurance. she is now a non-executive Director and the Chair of a company in Ireland, giving her more time to follow her passion for coaching, painting and being active in her local community.

Vice Chair to the Board of Trustees

Hal is a strategy consultant, trustee, fundraiser, and a personal development speaker. Having worked for, volunteered with, and consulted 30+ charities over the past 10 years, Hal has amassed a great deal of experience in the sector across a range of roles in fundraising, impact, and project management. Away from his primary role as Head of Impact at the London Marathon Foundation, Hal sits on London PLAY’s board of trustees as it’s Co-Vice Chair as well as being a trustee of Life Chance Trust.

Trustee

Founder of DCW and DCW Polymers, the South West’s leading independent waste management and recycling company. Establishing the business in 1989, Simon built DCW into a respected, award-winning business. Simon is passionate about supporting a number of charities, He helped start and develop two charities in Kenya & Uganda supporting waste collections in Kibera and a children’s home and School. Simon is also a trustee at Dartmoor Zoo, further expanding his passion for international conservation as well as the huge benefit the Zoo brings to support mental health in the local community.

Trustee

Denise qualified as a Solicitor, having trained in a criminal legal aid office in East London and a West-end small corporate firm, then qualifying into a position in a top city law firm. In 2000, she became Director of Legal and Corporate Services, responsible for governance, compliance and a team of customer-focused legal advisors providing advice to their UK businesses and liaising with overseas lawyers.  In Devon whilst raising her family, Denise took on a variety of volunteer roles as Chair of Preschool, then the PTA before training as a Citizens Advice Advisor. During the pandemic she trained and volunteered for St John’s Ambulance and at her local GP surgery, where she still works. With a strong desire to nurture and guide young people to achieve the best they can.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

For 32 years I have worked in the social care and supported housing sector. I have been privileged to have supported families, young people at risk of offending and a variety of age groups at risk of homelessness and that are homeless. 

I am very passionate about the work that charitable organisations undertake as have always found in this sector we are the most creative, both in delivery and how we utilise funding. 

I currently work as the Care & Support Director of a large Homeless Charity.

Trustee

Kate has over 20 years of experience in primary and higher education. She trained as a teacher as she was passionate about empowering children and young adults to be the best they can be and remains dedicated to ensuring they receive the support and care they need to thrive.

Driven by a love of learning and guided by strong values, Kate holds a PGCE, a Master’s in Education, and NPQH. She is an experienced system leader with a confident understanding of research and current practice in key areas such as teaching and learning, SEND, metacognition, and educational leadership.

Alongside her professional work, Kate is committed to giving back through volunteering. She supports Children’s Hospice Southwest and the Talking Newspaper in West Devon, reflecting her belief in community and in making a positive difference in people’s lives.

Kate brings her expertise, compassion, and energy to ensure young people are at the heart of Life Chance's work and given every opportunity to reach their potential.

Fundraising and Marketing

With a marketing background spanning 25 years, working with start-ups, SME's and for herself, Rose brings extensive marketing and business experience to the Trust. Passionate about working with Non-profits, particularly in areas of food poverty, children and young people, Rose is a perfect fit for the Life Chance Trust.  

Mentor

I work supporting people and families with their wellbeing, health and social needs. It’s really important to me to allow time and a safe space for young people to be themselves and to be heard. I’m patient, a good listener, but terrible at jokes. I’m often on the go and like being with my friends, cricket and a water dip. I like comedy, dramas and live music.

“Allowing choices and building trust is essential for a positive mentor relationship.”

Mentor

I live in Dawlish on my own and have three sons who have all flown the nest. One has been in New York for the last few years. This is why I joined Life Chance Trust – I miss having young people around me, and felt with my own life experiences, I could help and support young people with their passions and goals. I enjoy being with friends and family. I love to cook, garden, and anything design or craft based. I’ve learnt to make lampshades and occasionally run workshops. I’m also designing a garden for a friend. Don’t tell anyone but I also secretly watch too much tv!

“I felt with my own life experiences, I could help and support young people with their passions and goals.”

Mentor

I’ve worked with people of all ages from a wide range of diverse backgrounds for 35 years. I’m retired now and have a range of hobbies including metal detecting and reading.

I believe that any individual can achieve their full potential and overcome barriers placed in their way. I am a good listener and have a good sense of humour.

‘We don’t complain about the dark, we light candles”.

Ambassador

I am very passionate about helping the community and I have a special interest in educating communities about Autism.

I have lots of hobbies, including singing and I love strictly come dancing.

I like to use my own experience with autism to help and support others.

“I’m a believer in helping people reach their full potential”.

Mentor

I work in a job which involves working with some big businesses and lots of fast paced selling. I really enjoy the buzz of helping teams reach their goals and I believe I have some useful skills to be able to support young people overcome challenges, set goals and take positive next steps.

Outside of work, I love to cook, travel and experience different cultures.

“I hope I can provide support and guidance to enable young people take steps with confidence to achieve their goals.”

Mentor

I’m a psychology student from Newton Abbot and I hope to work in mental health when I finish my long road of studying! My pronouns are she/her.

I’m a very creative person. I love all types of crafting and I also dance and love watching musicals.

“I’m excited to work with a meaningful charity”.

Mentor

I am now retired, and have had lots of different jobs during my work life, all of them supporting people in various ways. This is something I have absolutely loved doing.

I grew up in Cornwall in a tiny village, but have been living in Devon now for many years. I love dogs, especially spaniels! I love walking and spend a lot of time on Dartmoor, and even when it’s muddy and raining, it’s still the most beautiful place to be. I read masses, anything and everything, and enjoy losing myself in a book.

“Just being heard and feeling valued by someone else can make all the difference”.

Mentor

I have 4 children, 8 grandchildren and a puppy called Oscar.

I have worked with young adults, mentoring for 10 years for the Kings Trust. It involves helping young people build confidence, set priorities, find work or education and sometimes start their own businesses.

My career background was in industry and local development, managing finance, IT and people.
Most recently, I have studied counselling and wellbeing.

“I enjoy helping young people build confidence, understand what they want and make progress.

Mentor

I’m an occupational therapy student with an interest in supporting young people with their mental health when I qualify.

I understand that sometimes life can feel challenging.

I love animal, reading and music. I enjoy spending time with my partner and friends, playing board games, getting crafty and watching movies.

“It’s important to me that young people feel supported in navigating challenges with a space that feels safe, hopeful and encouraging.”

Mentor

I recently finished a Master’s degree in Psychology, and before that I worked in personal media and advertising.

I’m kind, thoughtful and open-minded. I really value honesty and understanding. I enjoying meeting different people and hearing their stories.

I enjoy singing, reading and going to gigs and stand-up comedy shows. I also like going for walks and exploring nature.

“Sometimes things feel confusing, but that’s often how things feel when they start to change for the better.”

Mentor

I live with my husband, our 4 teenage children and 2 dogs, Alfie the pug and Lulu the chihuahua.

I love getting lost in a good thriller, watching reality TV and doing arts and crafts. I also enjoy keeping active.

I’m also on a new career path, training as a counsellor and one day I hope to combine my love of dogs and supporting people by working in animal-assisted therapy.

“I’m passionate about empowering others to believe in themselves and become the best version of who they can be.”

Mentor

I live with my daughter in Totnes and we love spending tie outside, whether that’s walking, running, gardening or occasionally braving the sea for a swim. I’m also someone who always seems to have a DIY project on the go and loves being creative and trying new things.

A big part of who I am is helping young people feel more confident in the themselves and recognising the strengths they already have, even if they don’t always see them yet.

“I believe having someone who listens, encourages you and helps you feel understood can make a really big difference.”

Mentor

My name is Samukeliso but people call me Sam. I’m originally from Zimbabwe but I now live in Torquay with my daughter and husband.

I love dogs, reading novels and listening to music. I feel happy when I am helping because I know how it feels when you have not got something or are not able to do something. I’ve personally been there myself and now I’m keen to support others to have really positive experiences.

“I believe it’s important to help other people. It doesn’t just help them, it makes me happy too.”

Mentor

I have a wide range of interests, including reading, arts and crafts and being outdoors. I used to work with children and young people in care and have personal experience of this.

With all that is happening in the world right now, I think it’s really hard to be a young person. There are so many expectations, challenges and global issues that have a huge impact on life. It’s really important to have the right support and someone to listen to and to care.

“Having someone to listen and support you can make a real difference.”

Mentor

I’m extremely passionate about my work in supporting people with mental health, drug and alcohol addition and homelessness, but balance this with. a wide range of interests which keep me busy. These include spending time with my family and teenage grandchildren, swimming, going to the gym and walking my shared family dog. I love cooking and travel.

I am looking forward to spending time as a mentor and working alongside young people in need of a listening ear, empathy and understanding in a non-judgemental environment.

“Everyone deserves a chance in life without being judged. It’s important they are listened to and heard.”

Mentor

You’ll usually find me at the zoo, pump track, swimming pool or the beach. I work with students in higher education.

I’m passionate about helping others and thrive on providing support, guidance and encouragement to reach their full potential.

“My mentoring journey with Life Chance Trust will help to discover just what young people are truly capable of”.

Mentor

I live by the sea with my family and a very lively dog. I enjoy exploring and have travelled widely.

I’m currently studying part time as well as having ongoing creative projects such as designing gardens. I love being with people, especially young people.

“Some things in my life have gone really well and others not so much but I follow the Japanese proverb of ‘Fall Seven Times, Stand Up Eight”.

Mentor

I am a proud mum of two grown up sons. I enjoy being creative through arts, crafts and DIY. I like to spend as much time as I can outdoors, walking, gardening and keeping fit. I am happiest if I can combine outdoors with my love of animals and helping others.

“When we listen with empathy and support with kindness, we can learn from each other and achieve our hopes and dreams”.

Mentor

I have a campervan and motorbike, so adventures are a big part of my spare time.

I work as a hospital porter, and I enjoy meeting new people. I love nature, animals, the beach and being outdoors.

Both my daughters are young adults, 1 at university and the other lives in Turkey. I would describe myself as outgoing, bubbly, patient and a good listener.

“When I was growing up, things were quite unsettled in my family and looking back, maybe I could have benefited from a mentor too”.

Mentor

I moved to Plymouth for Uni in 2021 and never left.

Having grown up a young carer, I know firsthand how challenging (and unique) that experience can be. This is one of the main reasons behind my passion for supporting young people who might be navigating similar struggles.

You can usually find me baking, travelling, or hunting down a good cup of coffee.

“I’m really excited to meet my mentee. and offer a supportive, friendly space to help you thrive”.