Alison Thomas
Chairperson
I got involved with Be Me when I saw the impact that they were having on local young ladies who struggled with their identity and self-worth. My own daughter was seriously ill with an eating disorder at the time and I knew this kind of help for people struggling with mental issues was exactly one of the tools they needed. Both I and my husband Justin (also a trustee) helped to get Be Me launched as a charity and have been on board from 2017 and then on.
As a graphic designer I have been able to contribute in designing the course booklets and other materials.
It has been exciting and a privilege to see Be Me Project grow and widen, not just geographically but also in its dramatic impact on lives.
Justin Thomas
Financial Oversight
I run my own business as an Independent Financial Adviser. I am seasoned in regulation and have been a trustee of three other charities, so bring a little experience to the whole.
The initial draw towards the charity for me was that we have a daughter who suffered with a severe eating disorder which confined her to hospital for many years and devastated much of her teenage life. Had Be Me been available in the early stages of her condition, they may well have been able to help her avert the worst of it.
As we got to know Lu and Rachel, the founders, we quickly recognised the considerable advantages of charitable status and so assisted in formalising the position by establishing the CIO.
Pete Hajittofi
Business Oversight
I am the CEO of a small software company that provides software for TV broadcasters. I have a proven track record in building businesses having formerly co-founded Pebble Beach Systems which became a world leader in TV automation software. I have been a trustee of Be Me project since 2017.
Having a daughter myself, I understands the need for such a course and I'm enthusiastic about seeing this grow to help people all over the country. I am also a Christian and a trustee of New Life Church in Dorking.
Stephen Barnes
Strategy Oversight
Before joining Be Me in 2021, I was trustee and chair of youth charity Oxygen and Street Pastors in Kingston-Upon-Thames, as well as Trustee of a large Anglican Church. I have experience of mentoring young people from challenging backgrounds, using highly effective programmes that help raise the self esteem of young people and developing young leaders.
As an accomplished, pro-active, innovative senior director at global management consultancy, Atkins and Mace, I have gained a highly regarded track record of delivering strategic change, successfully growing organisations in challenging economic times and delivering organisational transformation in public sector organisations such as the NHS, Local Authorities and Universities, as well as private sector blue chip companies.
Liz Marlow
Mental Wellbeing
I have spent about 30 years of my life working as a Clinical Psychologist, mostly in the NHS, but more recently employed by Merton Council as part of the team working with people who have intellectual disabilities. I have enjoyed working with this extremely diverse and fun group of people. I have also particularly enjoyed working with different professions as part of various teams and doing some group work. I came across Be Me Project because I worship at St George’s church in Ashtead and am chair of the World Mission Team. Having recently taken early retirement, I thought that getting involved with Be Me as a trustee would be an exciting opportunity to use my previous experience in working with different groups outside education.
Liesel Moffett
Safeguarding Lead
I joined Be Me as a trustee in 2021. I work as a local General Practitioner and am involved in the Dorking Primary Care Network - a collaboration of Dorking GP surgeries. In my work as a GP, I am aware of the need for so many young women to have the support that Be Me is providing, and have seen the positive difference it has made. It is a joy and privilege to be part of such and enthusiastic team with such an amazing heart for the wellbeing of young people and women.