At Friends Altogether in Rother (FAiR), we believe in the power of unity and compassion to make a significant difference in the lives of those we aim to help.
Our dedicated team is at the heart of everything we do, bringing together a diverse group of individuals who share a common passion for making the world a better place.
From our committed board members and visionary leadership to our enthusiastic volunteers and staff, each person plays a crucial role in driving our mission forward.
Here, you’ll get to know the faces behind FAiR, learn about their journeys, and discover what motivates them to contribute to our cause.
Together, we’re on a mission to address loneliness and isolation by encouraging people to develop friendship, fellowship and fun through befriending and social interaction within our rother community, every member of our team is instrumental in turning this vision into reality.
Join us in celebrating the people who work tirelessly to create positive change, one step at a time.
Chris
FOUNDER/CEO
Having spent thirty years in the fashion business, travelling throughout Europe and the Far East, I have further developed my skill sets. Two of which are, listening and hearing how diverse cultures communicate and the importance of clear connection.
As the Founder of FAiR, I first became aware and involved with Community Volunteer roles in December 2010. I have had previous roles as an ambassador for two charities, Trustee and subsequently appointed CEO of a health and educational Charity for young and vulnerable adults.
I learned how a charity needs to run. The essentials, a skilled board, governance and ensuring financials records are correct and finally, ensuring the needs of people in our communities continue to be at the heart of our endeavours.
Collaborating with another Befriending organisation, confirmed for me the significance of a lifeline for many individuals.
In 2021, by moving to Rye, I became involved with East Sussex, the surrounding rural communities, and its challenges. Loneliness, and isolation, are increasing, in particular 40+ age group.
By 2022, following extensive networking and public consultations, the findings revealed the necessity of establishing a charity based in Rye. I assembled a professional board who are prepared to work for the good of the county and this charity.
At FAiR we provide:
Befriending, monthly stimulating events, Attention to ‘Prevention’, and access to Health and Wellbeing, by collaborating with our GP Trustee, Sarah. In my opinion, this is the best way forward to serve our communities.
Honesty, integrity, passion, strong interpersonal skills, a sense of humour, a wish to assist others, along with the unwavering support of my wife, remain essential pillars in my life.
In between, I enjoy gardening, walking in nature, relaxing by the sea reading a book ( Yes, a book) and I have even been known to swim briefly in the sea – but only in the warmer months.
Jan
COMMUNITY COORDINATOR
20 years as a qualified transport manager in heavy haulage, running my own company in transport law.
Following a family tragedy, I began working in Social Housing but left to become a publican for 3 years.
During my time in Social Housing, I became interested in the behaviour of youth and adults and this led me to exploring the Criminal Justice System.
During this period, I became interested in the ‘Human Condition’ and began studying Criminology, Counselling and Psychotherapy resulting in 6 years as a community mental health outreach practitioner with NHS CAMHS.
I was then approached to design, develop and deliver a Triage Service Team working with education, health and families to improve the life chances of children, young people and their families in relation to Social Emotional Mental Health and Special Educational Needs.
I moved to East Sussex in 2021 following redundancy and began to explore how I could lend my skills to the local area during which time, I met Chris. FAiR’s befriending coordinator was due to leave and in January 2025, having supported the charity as a volunteer for approx., 6 months, I was offered the roll.
In addition to my above experience, I have a wonderful Therapy and Assistance dog, Ted who has been working with me since he was 10 weeks old.
In our leisure time Ted and I love to go for long walks – my hobbies are based around crafting and I love to read (Ted does not)
Louisa
Accounts Administrator
I have been working in the charity sector for a significant period alongside other roles including being a mother to two daughters, now independent women.
Previously I had a career in the Oil and Financial Services sectors managing large corporate travel functions and more latterly Graduate Recruitment for an Investment Bank.
Our family has been in the Rother area as both visitors and residents for over 18 years.
As I have become more involved in the Charity sector, I have been able to put my organisational and management skills toward helping foodbanks and other social enterprises.
I really enjoy seeing the impact I can make with this help both to the organisation and to the people they help and really value that personal contact with those I engage with.
I see firsthand, many of the issues FAIR are helping with and aspire to change.
On a personal note, I love being in and around the water in my spare time either on it as a paddle boarder, or in it, as a cold-water swimmer, which I do regularly for my own wellbeing.
Ted
THERAPY AND ASSISTANCE
All About Our Friend Ted
Hello, my name is Ted, I was born in Fife Scotland on the 22nd March 2019. My Dad is a very handsome Jack Russell and my Mum is a beautiful Yorkie and I definitely got the best of both of them.
I first met my new Mum when I was 10 weeks old. She had sent me a jumper to sleep on so, when we met, I knew it was her straight away. She took me to our home, a long car drive but she kept me safe in her lap.
So, by the time we had driven to Watford we knew we would get on fine. I’ve heard her tell Hoomans that she drove nearly a thousand miles and I am worth every mile !!
I do love Hoomans – big and small ones, I know when people are sad, lonely or angry and I always try to help by giving them some ‘Ted Time’. This makes me so happy that I can make a difference.
My Mum is a bit crazy and loves to spoil me but she is very clear that we behave differently when we are at work, we are calm and kind, we have lots of fun. I love playing ball although I am fussy as it needs to be small, soft and squeaky. Mum buys quite a lot of these because she is really bad at throwing!!! I like soft toys and will always leave stuffing for my Mum to clear up – I don’t think she minds.
My favourite treats are chicken sticks, ham and sausages but, being smart, I don’t need help as I can open the packets myself.
I like to chase squirrels and rabbits, but I wouldn’t hurt them, I just love to play.
I don’t like loud noises like fireworks, thunder and loud bangs. I don’t mind the cold at all, sometimes my Mum puts a coat on me, she forgets I am Scottish 😊
When I was 10 weeks old, Mum started to take me to work helping little Hooman’s. I was so little that I used to pop into her work bag.
We helped the little Hoomans with their feelings and I realised that I am very good at helping too. I like to sit and just be calm and then play when my Hooman is feeling ready, I can wait for a long time if I need too. So, if you need some snuggle time just call me and I’ll do my best to help you.
I am very proud to be a therapy and assistance dog, I’ve got a lovely blue uniform and a badge. I love meeting new Hooman’s, so please come and say hello when we meet.
Best wishes Ted.
Simon
TRUSTEE / COMPANY SECRETARY
I have lived in Rye for the whole of my life. Latterly, consistently raising awareness about the needs of people with disadvantages especially in my case, being severely sight impaired.
I was employed as a Civil Servant at a general level, working in a wide range of government departments and agencies within the SE of England.
Being involved with locally based societies gives me the opportunity to listen to people’s concerns and needs, a skill I will apply to use as a trustee in an advisory capacity.
My volunteering responsibilities are as a campanologist for St Mary’s Church, taking part in a variety of services and supporting the Rye and District Bonfire Society.
I am a great believer in the values of FAiR as an organisation, focusing on addressing loneliness and isolation, bringing communities together by providing their monthly informative social events, which I have attended since their launch in November 2023.
I am looking forward to working as part of the team.
Charlotte
TRUSTEE / TREASURER
My background is in the beauty industry where I worked for a premium French cosmetic company for over 30 years. I was responsible for a variety of interesting roles including counter manager, customer relations, trainer and training department administration manager including budgeting.
Training our UK employees and salon partners was at the heart of the brand, so I have first hand experience of nurturing and coaching employees, giving them the skills needed to grow their business and give the best customer experience. Watching the trainees grow in knowledge and confidence as they progressed in their brand journey was a wonderfully rewarding part of the job!
With this in mind and as I love getting to know people from all walks of life, I was delighted to start volunteering at FAiR at the beginning of 2025.
Personally, I find connecting with people hugely improves quality of life, hence why I believe FAiR is so important. Some of you may have seen me at the Winchelsea Beach Tea and Cake mornings, or the Cancer Café afternoons. Do come along to the event that is best for you, you won’t regret it!
I’m really delighted to be able to put my years of business experience to good use as a trustee at this vital charity.
Outside of work, I love hiking and holidays (I’m regularly accused of giving Judith Chalmers a run for her money!). I’m also fascinated by history and politics and love a lively discussion over a good cuppa or nice chilled glass of rosé!
Sue
TRUSTEE/
SAFEGUARDING LEAD
“My professional life has been inextricably linked with making lives easier for other people; helping unemployed people looking for work on government contracts and then encouraging people to explore further education, I realised the fulfilling nature that I enjoyed from working with other people.
In London, I started my own business designing and delivering Employability and Skills training, but following an accident I came down to Hastings where I was the fortunate recipient of specialist care.
So, after 23 years in Hastings, I moved to Rye in 2016 making a tangible contribution to the community working for charities who made a difference in Hastings and Rother. These included setting up the Rye Carers Support Group for Care for the Carers; managing a volunteer mentoring programme for The Prince’s Trust; running a Young People’s Centre during Covid and finally managing The Bale House Visitors Centre in Hastings Country Park for the national environment charity Groundwork Trust.
I was an Appeal Board Member at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and I’ve also been a Rye Town Councillor since 2022″
