Meet the team

Our Senior Leadership team

Our Senior Leadership Team lead by example ensuring that The Alongside Charity (formerly Julian House) continues to develop and continue to provide vital support to vulnerable individuals, helping them to rebuild their lives and achieve independence.

Helen Bedser

Chief Executive

Katie Chesher

Client Services Director

Zoe Conn

Fundraising & Development Director

Anna Raven

Head of People

Laura Baxter

Finance Director

Gemma Turner

Head of Retail

Our board of Trustees

The Alongside Charity Board of Trustees ensure good governance, set the strategic direction of the organisation and hold the directors accountable for the effective management of its projects and services.

The organisation benefits hugely from the advice and guidance that is provided by its Trustees, all of whom are unpaid volunteers. Their expertise cover finance, housing, health, social care and recruitment, amongst other things.

The Alongside Charity trustees have a limited term so there are regularly opportunities to join the board. Please check out the volunteering page for details of any current vacancies.

Emma Cooke

Chair

David Jobbins

Vice Chair

Jules House

Trustee

Clive Pugh

Trustee

Sarah Squire

Trustee

Dr Marek Koperski

Trustee

Naji Darwish

Trustee

Dr Julia Ferguson

Trustee

Sonya Butters

Trustee

Tim Mitchell

Trustee

Georgina Evans

Trustee

Celebrating the people who give their time

In July, Alongside welcomed volunteers from across the charity to its annual Volunteer Celebration Evening, recognising the time, skills and commitment they generously give throughout the year and thanking them for the difference they make.

Meet Naomi: advocating for domestic abuse support in traveller communities

Naomi is a strong advocate for the community and making sure that these women are recognised, listened to and treated fairly, especially when they are experiencing domestic abuse and reaching out for help.

My Experience Working with Women in Travelling Communities

Creating space for their voices—especially for those who are marginalised not only by wider society but sometimes within their own communities—feels vital. Their stories, their resilience, and their struggles shape the wellbeing of all of us. Supporting women to be heard feels like a necessary step toward true solidarity and collective healing.

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