Our Trustees
A massive thank you to all our volunteers and staff
We couldn't do it without each and every one of you
Our Supporters Believe in us
Our trustees bring a wealth of skills, dedication, and passion to our charity. Their collective efforts in collaboration with the charity’s staff and volunteers, contribute to achieving the organizations goals and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those served by the charity.
Secretary
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I have been actively involved with Kindfulness Coffee Club since moving to Liverpool in 2016, although I had known about its work long before then. After losing my wife to cancer, I personally experienced the compassionate support offered by Neil Callan and the team. That experience inspired me to ensure others in Bootle could continue to benefit from the same unique and life-changing support, and I volunteered to serve as Company Secretary.
As a retired Head Teacher with a background that also includes service as an inner-city Parish Priest and as a governance professional responsible for oversight across 99 schools, I bring extensive leadership and strategic experience to the organisation. During my time as a Secondary Head Teacher, I successfully led the recovery of what was then the largest school deficit in the country—experience that now helps strengthen Kindfulness’ governance and sustainability.
I currently chair the governing bodies of two Liverpool schools, including one where I was appointed by the Local Authority to help address a £2.8 million deficit. Within Kindfulness, I organise monthly Trustees’ meetings and help ensure strong governance systems are in place so staff and volunteers are supported, accountable, and able to focus on what matters most: improving the lives of people across our local community.
I am continually inspired by what the staff and volunteers achieve with very limited resources, and I am proud to be part of a charity that brings people together, supports those facing difficult times, and warmly welcomes newcomers from all backgrounds into the Kindfulness family on Knowsley Road
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Chair of Trustees
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I’ve had the privilege of serving as Chair of Kindfulness Coffee Club for several years. My professional background is in health and social care, where I have held senior leadership roles at national level across the NHS, local government, and the voluntary sector. Much of my career has focused on supporting people with mental health needs, learning disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness, and I bring this experience to my role with the club.
I am a strong advocate of co-production and a committed Dignity Champion. I believe it is essential that experts by experience—the people who use our services—are central to shaping what we do. This helps ensure the organisation remains welcoming, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our members and community.
Alongside my role with Kindfulness Coffee Club, I am actively involved in community life in Liverpool as a primary school governor and as Chair of a local charity. Having previously spent over 15 years as Chair of a large voluntary sector organisation, I remain deeply committed to strengthening local communities and supporting opportunities for people to thrive.
I am proud to be part of the Kindfulness Coffee Club family and inspired by the positive difference we continue to make together.
Accountant
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I’m a chartered accountant working in finance and financial reporting.Â
I support  Kindfulness Coffee Club with it’s finances, helping with budgeting, reporting and making sure the charity has a clear picture of its financial position.
I enjoy being able to use my experience to support a local charity doing practical work in the community.
Trustees
After a 45-year career in the IT industry, I am now pleased to support Kindfulness Coffee Club as a trustee. I have seen first-hand the hard work, commitment, dedication, and care shown by the staff and volunteers in delivering such an important service to the community, and I am proud to contribute to their ongoing work.
I provide guidance and support on IT-related matters, including website, email systems, software, internet services, and computer infrastructure, helping to ensure the organisation operates effectively and sustainably as it continues to grow and support those who reply on it.Â
I have over 30 years of experience working in housing and homelessness. I worked for a variety of homelessness charities for 11 years in various roles. I worked as a street resettlement worker helping rough sleepers to get settled into accommodation and also as a manager of a floating support team helping people with alcohol and drug use to sustain their tenancies.Â
I then studied law and trained as a solicitor in 2006 and qualified in 2008 and have practised housing law since then providing legal advice to tenants and landlords in a wide range of landlord and tenant law and homelessness matters.
Hi I’m Derek and I’m a volunteer, director and trustee of Kindfulness Coffee Club and have been since their inauguration in 2016. My role is to support Kindfulness with advice around Health and Safety at work and HR employment issues after graduating through Usdaw’s highly acclaimed Academy 1 for The Trade Union Movement with accreditation from Oxbridge Universities. I like to ensure we fulfil our commitment to our volunteers, staff and service users, the best experiences in a safe and welcoming environment. Based on my past personal experience Kindfulness Coffee Club is a unique charity dedicated to the specific needs of our users and provides a family like ethos that resonates throughout our community.Â
I became a volunteer at the Kindfulness Coffee Club when I retired from education in August, 2022. I was seeking somewhere to volunteer, and having heard the CEO, Mandy Lewtas, giving an interview on BBC Radio Merseyside, I decided to check it out for myself. As soon as I walked through the door I was made to feel very welcome, and decided very quickly that this was the place I wanted to be. I became a volunteer, supporting the daily drop-in, which is the core of what Kindfulness is all about, and soon afterwards, I accepted the role of Volunteer Co-ordinator, and undertook the necessary training to become a Walk Leader as part of the Walk & Talk group which meets each Wednesday. Two years later I became a Trustee at KCC, a role which I take very seriously, and I am committed to ensuring that we are going to be around for a long time to help address and support the many issues that affect our local community. I am proud to be part of the Kindfulness Coffee Club family, and all that we achieve.
My Reasons for Wanting to Become a Trustee for Kindfulness Coffee Club
I am a volunteer, service user, and proud member of the Kindfulness Coffee Club community. This organisation has supported me personally by providing a safe, welcoming environment and a positive way to manage life’s challenges through peer support and the dedication of its staff—particularly the late Neil Callan, whose influence continues to inspire me.
I would like the opportunity to represent the voices and experiences of our service users by serving as a trustee. In Neil’s memory, I am committed to helping ensure that Kindfulness Coffee Club continues to offer its warm welcome and supportive environment to everyone who walks through its doors.
I am passionate about keeping mental health support and kindness at the centre of everything we do. I want to help ensure that others, like me, can access encouragement, connection, and the opportunity to find renewed confidence, peace, and direction in their lives.
I wanted to become a trustee for Kindfulness Café because I genuinely believe in what the charity is trying to achieve. Creating a welcoming, supportive space where people can connect, feel valued, and improve their wellbeing is something I feel passionate about.
Through both my work and personal experiences, I’ve seen how important community support can be, particularly for people who may be feeling isolated or going through difficult times.
I wanted the opportunity to give something back, share my skills and experience, and help the charity continue to grow and make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Being a trustee felt like a meaningful way to contribute to a cause that reflects my own values of kindness, inclusion, and supporting others.
I am delighted to serve as a trustee of Kindfulness Coffee Club. Becoming part of the community there has had a profoundly positive impact on my life, and I care deeply about supporting its ongoing activities and future development.Â
I am committed to contributing practical ideas and support to help strengthen the organisation’s day-to-day work and ensure it continues to make a meaningful difference to the people it serves.
Join Us And Be Part of Our Success
We are always looking to recruit new trustees. Being a trustee can give a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction and can personally be incredibly rewarding.
If you have the time and would like to help make a meaningful impact on the organization and the community it serves please get in contact we’d love to hear from you.