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.

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.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

As CEO / Executive Headteacher of Discovery Multi Academy Trust in Plymouth, Alison works to improve outcomes and opportunities by leading school improvement across all academies. A trained Ofsted Inspector, she continues to work with other trusts and Plymouth Local Authority developing collaborative approaches to support children and families. This has led to the development of a city-wide nurture provision to support vulnerable and at-risk children and has many years safeguarding experience.

Developing links and working collaboratively across the city is also important to Alison. In her spare time, Alison enjoys gardening and spending time with her family. 

Vice Chair to the Board of Directors 

Hal is a strategy consultant, trustee, fundraiser, and a personal development speaker. Having worked for, volunteered with, and consulted 25+ charities over the past seven years, Hal has amassed a great deal of experience in the sector across a range of roles in fundraising, communications, and project management. Away from his primary role as Head of Impact, London Marathon Foundation he also helps small and medium sized charities develop strategies to effect lasting change. He currently sits on London PLAY’s board of trustees and volunteers with Sported UK, the Jack Petchey Foundation, and the International Association for Strategic Professionals. Outside of the charity sector, Hal delivers personal development talks to young people, encouraging them to seek purpose and fulfilment in their own careers.

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.

Treasurer 

Alex developed his career from the ground up. Starting out as an apprentice electrician, to now being the managing director of a successful renewable energy installation company in Devon. Alex first joined Life Chance Trust in January 2024 as a volunteer mentor, which he is still very active as and has now become a Trustee and Treasurer. Alex is passionate about helping to empower and make positive change to the lives of our young people, and along with his business and finance skillset, ensures we are always doing the very best for them by developing efficient, positive and sustainable strategies that Life Chance Trust can grow upon to support many more.

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.  

Volunteer Recruitment and Retention

Chloe is the Volunteer Development Lead for Teignbridge Community Voluntary Service and is an EMCC Senior Practitioner accredited coach and has coached several parents of young people who are struggling in school. She is also Deputy Mayor for Teignmouth.  She has been advising the Life Chance Trust in Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Chloe is mum to two teenage boys, one of whom has been home educated since 2021.

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’m a renewable energy engineer some of the week, and for the rest of the week I volunteer with Life Chance Trust and THAT Foodbank. I enjoy rugby and going out running, and really love being outdoors enjoying nature. I also love food and reading in my spare time. 

“I felt I could positively contribute to support young people.”

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 have spent a lot of time working away in various roles, gaining different experiences, and meeting all sorts of interesting people.

In my spare time, I enjoy water sports around Devon, and love to explore and get out of my comfort zone when an opportunity arises. I also enjoy spending quality time with my family or friends but love to leave a little time for myself when my energy gets depleted.

I understand life can be confusing at times and sometimes we all need a little push when climbing up that hill or a compass to navigate through the stormy seas

“I love to help people vision their potential and open the doors wide open to seek new opportunities”.

Mentor

A plumber by profession and have spent most of my adult life doing this – but I also LOVE music and have spent many years around the festival scene. I recently found myself at a point in my life where I wanted a change in direction and new challenges. This is why I volunteer with Life Chance Trust as a mentor – the thought of helping others and making a difference to someone’s life is a new challenge I’m looking forward to!

“Making a positive difference is what I’m looking forward to!”

Mentor

I am a keen gym goer and enjoy my fitness both for mental and physical health benefits. I am an all-in type of person and believe we either win or we learn in life! I love stepping outside my comfort zone and feel I can always do better, be better and want better as I grow on my journey. I am a true advocate for feeling good and the importance of being who we truly are, regardless of who or where we find ourselves in life.

“I am passionate about ensuring that everyone gets a second chance, with the support and guidance they need.”

Mentor

I live on a farm in South Devon surrounded by animals and beautiful countryside. I work for the NHS in facilities and enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors.

I’m pretty laid-back with a good sense of humour and love connecting with people. In my free time, I enjoy walking, listening to music (especially rock), and spending time with friends and family.

"Staying positive and having a laugh is what life’s all about!"

Mentor

I am a friendly person and I think that I am a good listener who is always up for having a laugh. I play and coach wheelchair basketball and have been involved in the sport since I was 12 years old, I love it! I also really like seeing new places and being with my mates.

I’m drawn to working with young people because I want to support them in reaching their goals. I know that having a peer mentor can be really helpful, as having supportive people around us is so important as we go through life’s journeys. I love spending time with cats!

“I really want to help young people to live their best life.”

Mentor

I am a university academic but that is now part-time as I am also part retired. I enjoy playing badminton competitively, doing regular on-court training, and watching many other sports. I can probably be summed up as someone who likes to keep on moving forward and having something to aim at in most aspects of my life but I also like to chill in front of the tv. I have relevant personal experience in overcoming life-chance barriers as well as professional mentoring experience that I hope will be relevant to supporting young people. Key mentors made a difference in my life, I hope to help you in yours.

“I feel I can help young people move forward and gain a sense of direction.”