Our Team.
We are run by a small team of dedicated and enthusiastic advisors, directors, staff, volunteers and interns.
Debs - Founding Director.
I have had my own battle with depression over many years, and have been able to recover in the main, partly through hearing others stories. Since recovering, and before working full time on Touch Network, I have run my own business as a charity freelancer helping charitable organisations to grow, develop and design a service that their users need and want. I have two gorgeous young children, Jamie and Emily.
Hannah - HR, IT & Finance Lead.
I have a background in youth work – working with children and young people at risk of offending and who have different challenges in school. More recently I have been a stay at home mum to my 2 children. I am involved in Touch because I get so excited about hearing people’s stories, each one of them is unique and inspiring and I never fail to learn something from them.
Rachel - Administration Lead.
I have worked in a variety of project roles in different sectors and set up my own business as a virtual assistant a few years ago. I now focus my work on Touch Network. I manage our projects, help keep Touch Network organised and efficient, as well as carrying out essential tasks to keep us running effectively. I care about and appreciate Touch Network and enjoy reflecting on each and every story I have heard. I am married with 3 children.
Kate - Coaching, Mentoring & Signposting Lead.
It is my job to support people in telling their stories and to ensure that they receive follow-up support. I am also responsible for updating My Amazing Story. I am excited to be working for Touch, having a professional background in Welfare Support, and a personal love for stories and the power of storytelling. I live by the sea with my husband and inspiring and gorgeous children: Sonny and Kit.
Paul - Volunteer.
Paul is one of our committed volunteers. We rely on a brilliant team of volunteers to drive the mission of Touch forward. Sometimes our volunteers host events, other times they may be friendly faces amongst our guests, and at other times they have helped with administration and project development. To find out how you can get involved, click here.
Dave - Director.
I have worked in the charity sector for 15 years and am currently Head of Community Networks at the MS Society. During that time I have been struck by the power of storytelling, both as a therapeutic exercise for the storyteller, and means of comfort and support for the listener. I told my story at a Touch event in 2016 and feel very privileged to continue to be involved in the Touch Network story – it’s getting better and better!
Katrina - Director.
I volunteer as a Director for Touch after being inspired to come along to an evening storytelling event in 2017 following hearing Debs talk at a Hampshire wide NHS mental health alliance meeting. My day job is a GP with a special interest in mental health. I am a great believer in the power of storytelling to give hope and inspiration to others. I believe bringing a community together supports individuals’ mental well-being through positive social connections.
Becky - Director.
I volunteer as a Director and I work at Solent University. I live in Southampton with my husband. I love Touch Network and have greatly valued being part of its journey. It’s amazing to see how Touch connects, encourages, empowers and reassures people. I love hearing stories, being inspired and filled with hope.
Ed - Director.
I got involved with Touch after stumbling across a flyer and feeling inspired to volunteer and share my story, which I did back in 2020. I’ve learned to see the power in storytelling and I am always encouraged by the stories I hear at Touch events. I love being part of such an important community group which, especially during the time of COVID, has helped with my feeling of connection to the local area. In my day job I do a lot of work with numbers and processes, so a Touch event is a welcome change of pace.