Founder & Chief executive officer

Dr Richard Castle (Chair of Trustees)

Richard is a chartered and practicing psychologist specializing in planning for and responding to traumatic events, both on a collective and individual basis. Previously in the Royal Air Force, and a survivor of the 1999 Paddington Rail Crash, he has since 2012 been an independent mental health consultant involved in the direction of several third sector initiatives, including the Grenfell Hope Project in the aftermath of the 2017 Grenfell Tower Fire. He also provided mental health support to Gloucestershire County Council during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic. He is passionate about promoting mental health awareness at a community level, particularly amongst those who would otherwise be at risk of being marginalized and underserved. Originally from North London, Richard has lived in Stroud since 1996.

 Andrew is the County Councillor for Tuffley, and he chairs the Children and Family Scrutiny Committee.  His interest in mental health stems from his concern about mental health issues for children in the care system and in the accentuated need for help that the prolonged lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 have created. Andrew is also a trustee of the Gloucester United Schools and has in the past been a school Governor. 

Lesley Williams has lived in Gloucestershire since 1977.  She is a past Chair of Stroud District Council and also served on Gloucestershire County Council, representing Stonehouse, from 2001 to 2021.  Lesley was awarded an MBE for services to local politics in 2016.

Lesley has an abiding interest in public health, and particularly in addressing the needs of people who are at a socio-economic disadvantage and those who have been through Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).  As a trained Samaritans volunteer, Lesley also has a specific interest in mental health and in bringing light into the darkness of those who experience hopelessness and loneliness.