Welcoming Our Transformational Board of Trustees
Over the past four years, Georgia’s Voice has grown from a grass roots idea into a lifeline for hundreds of young women across Cornwall. What began as a response to heartbreak has become a powerful movement — one built on compassion, community, and the belief that every young woman deserves to feel heard, supported and valued.
Today, we are entering a new and transformational chapter.
I am incredibly proud to announce the appointment of our strengthened Board of Trustees, including our new Chair, David Teasdale‑Hughes. This exceptional group brings together decades of experience across public service, strategy, governance, finance, communications, humanitarian work and lived experience. Most importantly, they share our unwavering commitment to improving young women’s mental health and preventing suicide across Cornwall.
This is a milestone moment for Georgia’s Voice — one that will shape our future and expand our impact for years to come.
Why This Matters Now
The need for our work has never been greater. Young women are facing rising mental health challenges, long waiting lists, and a system that too often leaves them feeling unseen. Our peer-support groups, counselling partnerships, wellbeing activities and crisis support have become vital lifelines — but demand continues to grow.
To meet that need, we must grow too.
A strong, diverse and skilled Board is essential for the next stage of our development. Their leadership will help us:
- Strengthen our governance
- Expand our services across Cornwall
- Build new partnerships
- Increase our counselling provision
- Enhance crisis support
- Secure long-term sustainability
- Reach more young women who need us
This Board is not just a group of trustees — it is a collective force for change.
Introducing Our New Chair: David Teasdale‑Hughes
David brings extensive experience from values-led organisations that put community first. His leadership style is grounded, compassionate and deeply aligned with our mission.
“As the dad of a teenage girl, it’s vital to me that Georgia’s Voice thrives and is here for every young woman who might need us,” David shared. “I’m thrilled to work with such a passionate and talented group of people.”
David’s commitment to young people, combined with his strategic insight, makes him the perfect person to guide our Board into this next chapter.
Meet Our Trustees
Each trustee brings something unique — and together, they form a powerful, purpose-driven team.
Julie Allen: Existing Trustee
Julie has been with us from the early days, bringing her experience as a Service Manager supporting adults with learning disabilities. Her belief in the strength of women working collectively has shaped our culture from the start.
Florence Bate: PR & Communications Specialist
Florence brings expertise in media relations and campaigns, along with personal experience of losing a loved one to suicide. Her commitment to making support easier to find is deeply rooted and incredibly valuable.
Mark Mackenzie: Public Service Transformation Leader
Mark has spent 35 years helping organisations deliver better outcomes. As a dad to two young women, he brings both professional insight and personal passion to our mission.
Casandra Perez: Financial Accountant & Community Advocate
Casandra combines financial expertise with a strong commitment to empowering women. Her lived experience of navigating her own challenges brings empathy and authenticity to her role.
Kora‑Lee Holmes: Strategy & Performance Leader (NCVO)
Kora-Lee brings high-level strategic and governance experience from NCVO and international humanitarian organisations. Her belief that young people deserve confidence, support and hope aligns perfectly with our mission.
Kate Venner: Charity Leader & Governance Professional
With more than 20 years’ experience in the voluntary sector, Kate brings deep governance expertise and a strong commitment to young people’s wellbeing — shaped by her experience as a mother of two teenage daughters.
What This Means for the Future of Georgia’s Voice
This Board represents strength, stability and ambition. Their combined expertise will allow us to:
- Grow our peer-support groups across Cornwall
- Increase access to counselling and crisis support
- Strengthen our organisational foundations
- Build long-term sustainability
- Reach more young women who feel alone, overwhelmed or unheard
This is not just a new chapter — it is a turning point.
Georgia’s Voice was created to fill a gap in support for young women. With this Board in place, we are ready to widen that gap into a pathway — one that leads to hope, healing and community.
A Message From Me
Georgia’s Voice was born from love, loss and the belief that young women deserve better. Every group we run, every young woman we support, every life we touch — it all comes from that belief.
Seeing this Board come together fills me with pride, gratitude and excitement. Their leadership will help us grow our impact, strengthen our services, and ensure that Georgia’s Voice is here for every young woman who needs us — now and in the future.
This is the beginning of something truly powerful.
With warmth,
Sophie Alway
Founding CEO, Georgia’s Voice
