Trustees
The Board of Trustees have the financial and legal responsibility for the charity, its strategic direction, activities and services.
Steve Chair of Trustees
With a background in Technology Management and 30 years in IT, I specialised in cloud computing consultancy for financial, media, and public sector organisations. Since retiring, I have maintained an interest in digital media and video production, alongside hobbies including cooking, motorbike riding, playing drums and guitar and learning to sail at the local yacht club.
I first became aware of WHISH through Whitby and District Rotary Club involvement while producing a promotional video for Rotary, during which I filmed WHISH’s environment and observed the value of its services. Although I do not have a personal family connection like some trustees, I was impressed by its impact and motivated to contribute my IT expertise. I am now proud to serve as a trustee for this organisation.
Katie
My brother and I have been WHISH beneficiaries and I have volunteered at WHISH over the years at Saturday Club, Thursday Teen Club, horse riding at Borrowby and fundraising events. I have 10 years’ experience in the logistics/supply chain management. Local connections include other charities, sporting groups and social clubs. Also, I have awards in sporting leadership and have recently undertaken a Leadership Apprenticeship with my employer. I have developed more activities for teens / young adults and hope to start a group for LGBTQ+ young people, working with the Development Worker and LGBTQ+ Champion at North Yorkshire Youth and at the local authority.
Amy
Hello! My name is Amy and I am very excited to join WHISH as a Trustee, having used the sensory room and other services as a parent. I work in Mental Health within the NHS as a family liaison officer. Prior to this I spent several years working with vulnerable children and young people. I look forward to supporting the fantastic work of WHISH and being part of this amazing resource for the Whitby area.
Colin
Hi my name is Colin and I am happy to be a Trustee of WHISH. My son really enjoys being a part of WHISH, and I really appreciate the support we have received, so much so that I wanted to be able to contribute back through the Trustee role. I am currently in Commercial Banking with a High Street Bank and have been for over 10 years. I also had my own local business in Whitby for many years and have always enjoyed working with the whole community. I’m looking forward to working with WHISH further, and am happy to support however I can in my role as Trustee.
Laura
Hi, my name is Laura. My son joined WHISH over a year ago and it has really made a difference to our whole family. I work in Social Housing and am actively involved in the local community as a Trustee of Whitby Food Bank and a committee member of Apollo Players (Panto). I cannot wait to be involved with WHISH as my role of Trustee and help to support all of our members.
Become a Trustee
Recruitment of additional Trustees
The Board of WHISH is seeking additional Trustees to broaden skills and experience, share responsibilities, and balance “experienced” and new members. Priority is given to people with professional expertise in education, finance, fundraising, HR, law, or marketing.
The recruitment process is multi-stage. It begins with an informal discussion with the Chair and another Trustee, followed by a visit to WHISH facilities and an introduction to its work, development, constitution, and finances. Candidates are also provided with Charity Commission guidance on the legal and financial responsibilities of trusteeship and asked to demonstrate how their skills would benefit the Board.
Suitable applicants may be invited to attend one or two Board meetings to understand expectations and time commitments. Those wishing to proceed undergo Charity Commission eligibility checks and complete declarations confirming their suitability to act as a Trustee. Interested individuals should contact the Chair, Steve Bremner, via whishgroup@gmail.com
Staff
Yvonne
I have business and marketing qualifications, working mainly in the Further and Higher Education sector for many years, then freelance as a consultant to business, charities and schools. I became involved with WHISH when I worked with the 19 schools in the Whitby area for North Yorkshire County Council. In that role I facilitated WHISH getting their first grants and worked towards becoming a registered charity in 2015. I have direct personal experience of Hidden Impairments in my family. A member of staff for 10 years, I have been directly involved with the development of a Hub, Sensory room and community facilities, seeing WHISH grow into the vital organisation it is today. I am currently involved with fundraising and partnerships, to help WHISH continue to thrive as an essential part of the local community.
Andrea H
With over 20 years of experience in the childcare & education sector, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to my role here at WHISH. I hold a degree in Education Studies alongside other childcare qualifications, and have worked in a range of positions including Deputy Manager of a pre-school, Teaching Assistant, and Primary School Teacher.
Over the years, I’ve also taken on key responsibilities such as Deputy Safeguarding Officer, Educational Visits Co-ordinator, School Governor, and Chair of the PTA — all of which have deepened my understanding of how to support children and their families in meaningful ways.
As a mum of six, I understand the challenges that families can face and the importance of creating positive, nurturing environments where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow.
Bryony
I became involved with WHISH towards the beginning of 2025 in my role as a volunteer. I joined the WHISH team in September 2025 in a Fundraising & Administration Role.
I bring several years of experience working within the retail and care sectors. I also have an extensive background in fundraising. I have planned and hosted several fundraising and social events for a local school/charity and care home, generating tens of thousands of pounds.
I believe my background will be an essential asset to WHISH. I look forward to getting to know our members and bringing fresh and hopefully exciting ideas to the charity.
Millie
Hi, I’m Millie! I joined WHISH in October 2025 as an Admin Assistant after finishing my degree at York St John University. I studied British Sign Language (BSL) Deaf Studies and Linguistics, gaining a BSL Signature Level 3 qualification. I am passionate about working in a diverse and inclusive environment and have applied my skills and knowledge to the workplace. I have previously mainly worked in hospitality or retail, where I focused on developing my teamwork and communication skills. In my spare time, my hobbies include art, swimming, movies and spending time with my dachshund, Albert. I use my hobbies to support the variety of fun activities we have here at WHISH. During my time here, I've gained firsthand experience supporting the members and making a difference, which is a very rewarding experience.
Andrea L
For many years I used my love of maths and maths qualifications within business analytics and consultancy roles. In more recent years I have worked in examination administration at a local secondary school, and as a museum assistant at Whitby Museum. I have personal experience of Hidden Impairments in my family, and supporting children, families and community has always been of immense importance to me. I have been a primary school governor for 13 years and helped to set up and run our local under eighteens basketball club. I am thrilled to work with WHISH and look forward to the opportunity to use my business skills and administration experience to support WHISH members.
Helen
I have experience and training in Youth and Community Work, in addition to working in a Youth Offending Team and as a Probation Officer.
I have worked for WHISH since 2014 in the role of a Youth Worker and more recently, as a Youth Worker Mentor. Besides supporting them in their learning, it has given me a lot in terms of keeping my own knowledge up to date.
I have personal experience of how having hidden impairments can profoundly impact a person’s life, as I have close family members with a range of autism spectrum disorders and my son had depression, anxiety and episodes of psychotic depression. I have anxiety and am mildly dyspraxic.
My work, aside from WHISH but related, is as a personal assistant, in which I work with two young people with hidden and visible impairments.
Samantha
Hi, I’m Samantha, feel free to call me Sam if you’d prefer. I joined WHISH in 2025 as part of the Administration team and I’m now delighted to be back as a Project Worker. You might also see me popping up in the Hub, helping out and spreading cheer and yes, I really am this happy all of the time!
Life with a hidden impairment can be extra challenging, but having seen firsthand the positive difference WHISH makes to children, young people and their families, I really wanted to help.
I have over twenty years of experience supporting Whitby families and genuinely adore people. I love sewing, gardening and reading. In fact, I’m a National Literary Trust ‘Literary Champion’ and encourage everyone to discover and rediscover the magic of books!
Leo
As a parent of a WHISH member, I am very fortunate to have seen the benefits of the work WHISH do first hand over the last couple of years. My involvement led me to volunteer and give something back to the organisation - the environment, people you meet, the activities for our young people are fantastic. Through working with them I have been on a life-changing journey. I recently completed an NVQ Level 2 in Youth Leadership with the support and investment from WHISH and am now undertaking the NVQ Level 3 Diploma. My role at WHISH is to assist with the various clubs and holiday activities we offer. I often lead the groups during holidays at the East Barnby Outdoor Centre, supporting our young members to gain skills and experience in a wide range of activities. Seeing them engage with each other and achieving their developmental goals is hugely satisfying. I really enjoy helping to make a difference to their lives as they learn and grow with WHISH.
Ellie
Hi, I’m Ellie! I’m in my 30s and have A-levels in Art, Textiles and Photography. Creativity has always been a big part of my life — in my spare time I love baking and making beautiful hand-crafted items, which I sell at local craft fairs. I also enjoy exploring our local area.
I really enjoy my job at WHISH as a Youth Worker, especially working with young people and planning all the exciting things they get to do.
Before WHISH, I worked across retail, hospitality, and care, and I loved each role for different reasons. Those experiences helped me build a wide range of skills — teamwork, communication, empathy, and creativity — that I now bring to my work here.
I also live with a hidden disability — Crohn’s Disease — which means I have a colostomy bag. It’s given me a new lease of life and the ability to work more regularly, as well as a deeper understanding and empathy for others living with hidden impairments.
Jade
I am honoured to be joining WHISH as a Youth Worker. I have previously worked in a specialist provision as a SEND teaching assistant. I aim to bring the valuable knowledge and experience I gained from my time there to my role at WHISH.
In my spare time, I love to be outdoors, particularly hiking and running! I am very excited to be part of the team and to support the fantastic work of WHISH.
Wiola
I first joined WHISH in 2023, when my child and I were going through a very difficult time. The kindness and understanding we found here made such a difference, so I was proud to step forward as a volunteer in 2024. Since then, I’ve dedicated many hours to support our Feast and Saturday Clubs – spaces I care deeply about. Becoming part of the staff team fills me with so much happiness and pride.
I will also be working towards a degree in Youth Work to further develop my knowledge and deliver well informed support.
I have shared relevant insights and guidance to assist members through our parent’s support group. Combining my personal lived experience as a parent with my professional training, I bring empathy, patience and a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by families and young people. I am fully committed to ensuring all feel safe, respected and valued.
Helen
I’m in my 30’s and live near Whitby. I work in education and have worked in lots of different schools including primary, secondary and special.
I am delighted to be a part of the team at WHISH. I’m a keen swimmer, especially sea swimming and outdoors! I love walking and playing badminton. I am a creative writer and write for a local magazine, with a passion for poetry!
Helen in three words…friendly, adventurous and creative!