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
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 a Founder of FAiR I first became aware and involved with Community Volunteer roles in December 2010. I have had roles of ambassador, Trustee and CEO of health and educational Charities for young and vulnerable adults.
I learnt how a charity needs to run. How essential a skilled board and governance must be elected. I believe the needs of people continues to be at the heart of our community.
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 and by the sea and I have even been known to swim (briefly and only in the warmer months), in the sea.
Kathy
Community Volunteer Training Coordinator
As a local person, I am passionate about contributing to my local community and joined FAiR in March 24 as a Community Volunteer Training Coordinator. It’s an exciting time to have joined the charity as we work towards setting up the Befriending service. My husband was part of Rye Mutual Aid during the pandemic, whilst I was shielding disabled family members and this highlighted to both of us that many of our community members need a helping hand to access support, services and social interaction, so I’m very pleased to have this kind of role with FAiR.
In my previous career I was a teacher in the local area. I have also been a staff member of another charity, working as a Volunteer Coordinator with over 100 amazing volunteers. I’ve also worked in digital marketing and fundraising and have volunteered in this capacity for Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat.
I am a keen advocate for recognition of the role of volunteers and the massive contributions that volunteers make to the success of charitable organisations. I’m always open to discussions about volunteering and the many ways of making a difference to the local community through volunteering.
When I’m not working I enjoy spending time trying to grow-my-own in the garden (rain and slugs permitting) alongside my grumpy cat and wayward puppy. I’m also passionate about the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and try to achieve a work-life balance by getting out on the reserve with my camera.
Sarah Joe
TRUSTEE
Throughout my diverse career, my motivation has been fuelled by a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others.
With a focus on the Further Education and Employability sectors, I’ve dedicated 17 years of my professional journey to serving communities in Hastings, London, and the South East, as a teacher, manager and leader.
Originating from humble beginnings, I embody a lifelong commitment to learning, underscored by the recent attainment of a degree in Psychology.
Currently, my career is passionately directed towards mental health, well-being, and neurodiversity support. I am married and a mother of three. I am most at peace swimming in the sea, any time of the year.
Martin
TRUSTEE
I have a background in Fine Art and Education and for 15 years I taught and managed at East Sussex Coast College Hastings (formerly Sussex Coast College). I managed the Art & Design School for seven years and led the department to a Grade 1 Ofsted inspection during this time.
I have had responsibility for teaching and learning on FE and HE programmes, from entry level to degree; managed the transition to a new college premises; established a National Art & Design Saturday Club in partnership with the Sorrell Foundation; integrated additional learning support into the departments and was responsible for a team of over 100 sessional and permanent staff.
I am a passionate advocate for the learning and development of people, young and old.
I transitioned to a new career in the Hospice sector in 2015 and since then have worked at two different organisations, St Wilfrid’s in Eastbourne and St Michael’s in Hastings. During this time I have been responsible for the coordination of the Community Engagement programme at St Wilfrid’s Hospice, which included the development of their social programme, such as regular community groups, the introduction of a community choir and community events, recruiting and coordinating volunteers.
I joined St Michael’s Hospice in 2019 and was responsible for the Wellbeing Programme until Covid got me thinking about how to use my skills and experience in a different way. Subsequently, I have been involved in the Compassionate Communities team since January 2022, involved in the set-up and establishment of volunteering initiatives to support people feeling socially isolated in the community.
During this time, I have been responsible for a large team of volunteers who support people in the community, as well as developing a range of projects and initiatives to bring people together in social groups.
It’s a privilege to be in this role and I am delighted to be involved with FAIR, where I hope to make a difference to the community in more rural areas.
Sarah
TRUSTEE
I have worked as a doctor, in Rother & Wealden for 20 years. For 16 of those years, I worked as a full time GP Partner, during which time I was the lead for Safeguarding, Clinical Governance, HR and Covid.
When the Ukraine war broke out, my family and I decided we wanted to host a Ukrainian family. This led to becoming a founder of UK Welcomes Ukraine, an official matching service which safely matched Ukrainian families and English families and assisted in the visa application process.
Through my work with the Ukrainians that came to East Sussex, I moved into the voluntary sector. I now work for an employability charity, People Matter based in Eastbourne. I became a trustee for Rother Voluntary Action as well as FAiR. I am also a Parish Councillor.
I have set up my own organisation, Sussex Outreach Support which aims to provide better access to services and activities to all those living in Rural Rother, to help alleviate and prevent poverty, ill health and isolation.
I am married with two daughters and a dog. I love to bake and do gardening. If I get a moment, I manage to fit in some cycling, crafting and playing the piano.
Nick
TRUSTEE
Currently Editor of Rye News, a weekly online publication with a team of 18 volunteers. I was for four years the logistics manager for the Rye Jazz Festival responsible for organising events, transporting artists, fundraising and marketing.
Previously a 34-year career in the property industry in managerial roles including as a nonequity partner with Freeman Forman before moving onto property renovation.
I also spent ten years on the board of directors for St Micheal’s Hospice, 8 years in HM forces (Army) and a professional musician and cathedral chorister.
My business experience has given me the ability to converse at all levels, reaching set objectives and working within agreed budgets and timeframes, I work by high moral and ethical standards where honesty and a sense of humour also play a part.
