Our central team

Abigail joined us in 2020 from Acas, the independent national advisory body for employers and employees, where she was Head of Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing.

She has worked in the field of mental health and wellbeing for more than 25 years, has an MA in Psychotherapy, an MSc in Psychology, and extensive research experience in occupational psychology.

She joined Acas in 2015 as Senior Adviser on Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing, and was appointed to lead this area in 2017. Her work included leading on strategic wellbeing projects with executive boards, advising the government on key policy issues and delivering keynote presentations and thought leadership on systemic issues relating to mental health and wellbeing at work.

Until recently she sat as the workplace expert for the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines on mental wellbeing and is an active member of several mental health at work advisory groups.

Find out more about our Workplace programme

Amy spent many years working part time in the charity sector alongside her textiles business. When she closed the business in 2016 she was very excited to join the team and return to a full-time role. Initially employed as an admin assistant, Amy’s previous creative experience, together with her degree in design soon came into play and she is now the Trust’s graphic designer.

Best thing about working for Charlie Waller

Being surrounded by such a kind and dedicated team.

With a background in account and project management across different sectors, Angela is new to the charity sector and is excited for the challenge and opportunities this next chapter will bring.

Passionate in raising awareness about mental health and the challenges young people face today, Angela is a keen advocate to keep talking about our mental health to help break down and end the stigma surrounding it.

Annabelle is passionate about improving mental health outcomes for our children and young people and is committed to getting it right for every individual. In her previous role, she led the transformation of Buckinghamshire’s early years respite care services and early intervention reform. Her other work has included the management and development of several early years and family support programmes and she is the co-founder of a company that delivers training to the education and social care sectors.

Best thing about working for Charlie Waller

Working here doesn’t feel like 'just a job' - I have found meaning in what I do. I feel that I’m valued and that I’m making a positive difference in my work.

Beth is an ex-teacher of Biology A level of 6 years, prior to which she studied Biology at The University of Bath. Having seen how prevalent mental health issues are among young people during her teaching years, she is passionate about this cause.

She prioritises looking after her own mental health through exercise, nutrition and being outdoors.

Carrie joined Charlie Waller in 2013 as a freelance bookkeeper. She now overseas all financial aspects of the charity’s work and is leading our ongoing digital transformation project.

Best thing about working for Charlie Waller

I’ve seen the trust grow and change and am honoured to be part of the team that has made it happen.

Chelsey's involvement with charities began following a teenage cancer diagnosis. Through these charities, she found sprint canoeing as a sport and was on the GBR paracanoe team for five years. Being an elite athlete, as well as her cancer journey, gave Chelsey the opportunities to be involved with many charities including three which she is now an ambassador for. 

Chelsey was the mental health representative for British Canoeing as well as offering mental health support in her ambassador roles. She is very passionate about improving mental health in young individuals and providing awareness to all those involved.

Best thing about working for Charlie Waller

Everyone is passionate about the same outcome and all work amazingly well together to achieve this.

Debs joined the Trust in 2020, having known the Waller family all her life. She has spent the majority of her career in the sports, events, TV and entertainment industry, including various roles at IMG Sports Management. She has been involved in sponsorship programmes for Barclays around the end-of-year men’s tennis finals at the O2, in increasing the profile of chefs Heston Blumenthal and Clare Smyth, and in running the retail offering at Eton Dorney during the London 2012 Olympics.

Best thing about working for Charlie Waller

Working with a dedicated (and fun!) team to help others. It’s exciting being involved in an official way rather than simply as a supporter at one of the many Charlie Waller events that I have been to over the years.

Recently hailing from the climate sector, her motivation for joining us comes from seeing the challenges a young person struggling with their mental health has faced in accessing support from the system; and out of an understanding that a healthy society needs good mental health.

Faramade has spent most of her time post-qualification (as a chartered accountant) in the not-for-profit sector, across various areas from Housing to Arts & Culture.

Faramade is passionate about the practical contribution that organisations in the third sector make to communities and the economy.

Grace is a recent graduate of the University of Edinburgh, where she studied Social Anthropology and organised fundraising events for local homeless charities. She is excited to work with a team that is enthusiastic about improving young people’s well-being and mental health. Grace is also eager to help raise further awareness of mental health.

Hannah is joining the Trust after working as an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Reading. In this role she led our sister organisation, the Charlie Waller Institute, which trains mental health professionals in evidence-based psychological treatments. Clinically, Hannah has worked within, or alongside, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for the past 12 years and brings a passion for social justice and reducing the mental health inequities that are faced by so many children, young people and families. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending time with her friends and her husband, and will often unwind from the week by being outside; either walking her dog, Toby, or riding her horse, Grace. 

Helen joined the fundraising team in January 2023 to lead our corporate partnerships. She started her career in the food industry as a Food Marketing graduate. Previously, she lead the Corporate Partnership team at The Trussell Trust. More recently she worked within the renewable and sustainability sectors.

Kaelum has a breadth of experience in Marketing and PR. He has worked across multiple industries in the public and private sectors, including social housing, hospitality, the NHS and educational publishing. Always passionate about contributing to mission-based organisations, he joined Charlie Waller in 2023 after first-hand experience with ill mental health. He's passionate about normalising conversations around mental health and helping people learn more about the support that's available by sharing the good work of the charity in the media. 

Outside of work, Kaelum is an animal lover and accredited dog trainer, so spends much of his time working with puppies! He's also an aspiring writer and is currently studying a Masters in Creative Writing. 

Kerryn has recently joined the finance and operations team and is enjoying getting involved in various aspects of the Trust’s work in her support role. As a parent with a young daughter, she is excited to be collaborating with a team which is so passionate about young people’s mental health and wellbeing. 

Living with depression herself, she is passionate about breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues and empowering others to seek help and support. Her personal experience fuels her commitment to the Trust's mission of improving mental health awareness and education.

Having spent 20 years in the L&D industry working as a Training Officer for Surrey Police, an events manager and then Learning Consultant with Accenture, Kirsty is thrilled to be pivoting her career to work with The Charlie Waller Trust and help the team support young people with their mental health.

Kirsty has 10 years’ experience in office environments. Although she is new to the charity sector, she is passionate about spreading the knowledge of mental health and wellbeing in children and young people.

Best thing about working for Charlie Waller

The whole team are so friendly and knowledgeable, it’s a joy to be working with them!

Louise recently joined Charlie Waller after having a career break to raise her family. As a parent with lived experience, she is excited to work for a charity that is championing mental health awareness for children and young people. She has previously worked in Tech companies as an Executive Assistant and HR Administrator.

After a career in sales training within the financial services industry, Lucy has worked in communications on a freelance basis for the last 16 years, predominantly in the voluntary sector. This includes charities such as Guide Dogs and Widowed and Young, as well as Charlie Waller.

With lived experience of both mental illness and suicide within her family, she cares deeply about raising awareness of mental health and the importance of talking about it openly.

Best thing about working for Charlie Waller

Being part of a small but incredibly dedicated team that is committed to making a difference.

Although new to the charity sector, Martha has a background in education. As a parent of two young children, she hopes for future she sees the value in raising mental health awareness especially with two small people of her own.

Best thing about working for Charlie Waller

The team! It is truly wonderful to be part of something where everyone loves what they do.

Michael is a PhD student at Durham University studying how higher education policies and practices impact on student mental health and wellbeing. He joined Charlie Waller as a student involvement coordinator in 2018 and sits on the Trust’s College & University Advisory Board.

Best thing about working for Charlie Waller

Working with a super friendly and supportive team, and being part of an organisation that truly values student voice.

Nick has worked in fundraising for over 10 years, with a focus on corporate partnerships. Most recently, he has led the philanthropy team at the Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, one of the world's leading conservation organisations. Prior to that, he led the corporate partnerships team at Together for Short Lives, a leading UK children's palliative care charity. Nick has also managed partnerships with a number of high-profile brands, including ITV's Text Santa, Disney and HSBC. 

Rebecca is a seasoned communications professional with nearly two decades of experience in the advertising and design industry. She began her career locally, where she refined her skills in the education, finance and marketing sectors.

Rebecca then ventured to London, where she spent six years working at two globally acclaimed, award-winning advertising agencies, gaining invaluable insights into the industry’s dynamics and demands. Subsequently, she returned to Newbury to raise her family and embarked on founding two successful businesses.

Now, as Head of Communications, Rebecca brings a wealth of expertise and experience to her role. Her journey reflects a dedication to excellence and a commitment to making a significant impact in the non-profit sector.

Sophie is a Graphic Design graduate, excited to apply her skills in the Trust’s work. Having previously designed for her University Wellbeing department, she has seen first-hand how important it is to make the right support available for young people.

Stella is Chair in Evidence-based Psychological Treatments at our sister organisation, the Charlie Waller Institute, based at the University of Reading. Stella has extensive experience as an academic clinical psychologist, most recently at the University of Edinburgh, where she was also a clinician at the local NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. Stella's work has been nationally recognised and has a strong focus on young people's mental health.

More about the Charlie Waller Institute

Tracey has worked in charity communications for more than 25 years, for large and small organisations, including the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and RNIB. Prior to that, she worked in homelessness and social housing, providing direct support to people with a variety of needs. This included helping people with severe mental health problems move from psychiatric hospitals back into their local communities, a role which convinced her of the need to reduce the stigma attached to mental health issues.

Best thing about working for Charlie Waller?

Being part of an organisation whose advice I find really useful myself!